Sweetwater 4th of July Special: RED, WHITE, and BLUE

DISCLAIMER: This is a moderately strenuous hike with 1000+ foot elevation gain and a substantial amount of rock scrambling along the creek. So, if you have mobility issues, are recovering from injury, or prefer a slow pace, this is NOT the hike for you!

That said, get a jump start on your 4th of July festivities and celebrate the spirit of Independence Day by hiking the Red, White, and Blue trails (with a touch of Yellow and Orange), but not necessarily in that order! Here’s some info about the three main trails:

The Red Trail takes you to the impressive five-story New Manchester mill ruins alongside the whitewater rapids of Sweetwater Creek, and is the recommended hike for first-time visitors. New Manchester was a mid-nineteenth century mill town which met its demise
during the Civil War after the burning of the mill in 1864. The second half-mile of the Red Trail, downstream of the mill, continues downstream alongside the largest rapid (Class IV+) at the one mile mark where it connects with the White Trail and is considerably more strenuous because of the very rocky terrain.

The White Trail is a 5 mile loop that passes through some of the most remote areas of the park. It intersects with the Red Trail at the overlook of the New Manchester mill ruins at the one mile mark. This trail was specifically designed to highlight the park’s wildlife and plant communities. The trail winds through several lovely stream coves and follows the ridges overlooking Sweetwater Creek. It connects to the end of the Red Trail at the largest rapid and then continues down a lovely stretch of Sweetwater Creek. The trail then turns west and follows Jack’s Branch upstream to Jack’s Lake. After climbing out of the lake valley, the trail passes through the Jack’s Hill area, a former farming community
now known for its open meadows, which are a favorite of bird watchers.

The Blue Trail loop trail is a 1.44 mile loop trail which is rated moderate. It begins on the east side of Sweetwater Creek, heading north off of the Orange Trail just east of the Yellow Trail bridge which spans Sweetwater Creek. It passes through varied terrain and habitats in the northeastern part of the park.

I will email detailed directions a few days before the event.

1. Only AOC members who are in good standing and have signed their annual waiver may sign up for, and participate in, this event.

2. Please, no unregistered guests and +Ones!

There is no cost for this event, however, Sweetwater Creek State Park charges $5 for a daily parking pass, unless you already have an annual Georgia State Parks Pass, in which case you're in for free!

1. In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike/event with the group, or within the stated time frame. 

2. If Life happens, and you cannot participate in this event, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT or leave a voicemail at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5. BTW, calling me at the last minute is futile because thanks to those annoying robocalls, my phone does not ring for unknown numbers.