Earth Day Hike and Critter Search

In recognition of Earth Day this will be a nature appreciation hike and critter search. The plan is to hike the white trail and look for mammals, birds, reptiles, and interesting bugs along the way. This trail leads us through the Jack's Hill area past some great birding spots, then winds past Jack's Lake which usually has several turtles basking on logs, and occassionally an otter can be spotted. The trail then meets up with Sweetwater Creek which we will hike along side of until we stop for a quick snack at a rocky outlook with a great view of the rapids. We may see a Great Blue Heron, snakes, and lizards on this part of the path. We then hike up the creek about 1/5 mile on a portion of the red trail till we get to the old mill. The last part of the hike is a continuation of the white trail which branches off from the creekside trail and winds through the woods and ends at the visitors center. If we get lucky we'll cross paths with Eastern Box Turtles, hawks, woodpeckers, and deer on this part of the trail. 

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a beautiful park all year round. There will many flowers in bloom this weekend and it will be great day for a hike. The visitor's center also contains several historical exhibits that are worth seeing. 

The hike will be about 5 miles long with a good mixture of flat trails, rolling hills, rocks, and even stairs. There will also be a very short section that requires scrambling on a couple of boulders. 

Take only pictures, Leave only footprints...  PS... all of the critter collage promo pics were taken at Sweetwater Creek State Park!

Take I-20 west from Atlanta, exit #44 at Thornton Road, turn left and go ¼ mile. Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road. After 2 miles, turn left on Mount Vernon Road and proceed to the park.

Meet at the visitors center loop.

http://www.gastateparks.org/SweetwaterCreek