Sunday Afternoon Hike: Back Trails of Sweetwater Creek

We will go to a very little known area of Sweetwater Creek. Part of it is on public land, just outside the park.

From the parking lot we will walk a short distance on the White Trail, and then veer off onto an old dirt road. We will follow it past some abandoned houses, and follow it along the headwaters of Jack’s Lake. From a point near Jack’s lake we will climb a wooded hill until we reach a power line which we will cross and move onto a nearby pipeline easement.  After walking on this easement for about a mile we will turn onto an old forest road that will lead us to a hidden lake. We will then descend to a stream which we will follow until we reach Sweetwater Creek. This portion of the hike may require that we ford the stream, so you may want to bring sneakers. After we reach Sweetwater Creek we will walk upstream,  and then on the White and Blue trails back to the parking lot. The total walking distance is about 7 miles.

From Atlanta proceed West on I 20 to Exit 44. (From the intersection of I 20 and I 75/85 it is about 12.5 miles), and follow the signs to the park. In case you get lost here is a route description: At the top of the ramp turn left and proceed about 0.5 miles to the second traffic light. Turn right on S. Blairs Bridge Rd. and proceed 2.1 miles to Mt. Vernon Rd. Turn left and proceed about 2 miles to Factory Shoals Rd. Turn left and proceed to the parking lot.

The parking fee is $5.00 per car.