Come get a taste of Sweetwater

Thanks to Kip and Deema for the Hike info and for making this hike one of the cool hikes close to Atlanta.

This hike essentially has two parts:

Part One - the Red and White Trails

We will start our hike at the Visitor’s Center on the west side of the river, heading south toward the edge of the creek on the Red Trail.  The Red Trail passes by the ruins of the Manchester Manufacturing Company, a Civil War era textile mill.  At the end of the Red Trail we will pick up the White Trail and continue along the banks of the creek. The White Trail turns uphill and loops us back to the Visitor’s Center where we will take a short rest for snacks and restrooms and then start the second half of our hike on the east side of the river.

Part Two - Yellow and Orange Trails, with a Dash of Purple

We will take the Purple Trail to the banks of the creek, heading north toward the bridge.  We’ll cross the bridge and then hike the Orange Trail, which offers views of the creek and the factory ruins from the opposite side.  The Orange Trail then reconnects again with the Yellow Trail which leads us down the hillside and along the opposite side of the creek.  We cross the bridge again and finish our hike at the Visitor’s Center.

We will hike at a pace around 3.0 mph.

I’ve rated this hike as a D3 Challenging Hike due to the rocky terrain on the Red and White Trails, and a few hills on the Orange and Yellow section. This hike is not recommended for hikers who have limited or no previous D3 experience.  

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for introductions and hike instructions.

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Parking

$5 per vehicle. Annual passes available.