Sweetwater Creek - Red White Yellow and Orange

Red and White Trails

We will start our hike at the Visitor’s Center, heading 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.

We will take a 10-15 minute break for snacks and restroom and then start the second half of our hike.

Yellow and Orange Trails

We will take the Yellow Trail to the banks of the creek, heading in the opposite direction toward the bridge.  We cross the bridge and then walk the entire Orange Trail, which offers views of the creek and the factory ruins from the opposite side.  Orange connects 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 of 2.8 - 2.9 mph.

This hike is rated as a D3. Due to the rocky terrain on the Red and White Trails, this is a challenging hike.  This hike is not recommend for hikers who have limited or no previous D3 experience.  

Directions to Sweetwater Creek Park -- 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd. Lithia Springs:  

• Take I-20 west from Atlanta, exit #44 at Thornton Road, turn left and go 1/4 mile.
• Turn right on Blairs Bridge Road, go 2 miles and turn left on Mount Vernon Road.
• Travel a couple more miles and into the park.
• Just after crossing over the lake, look for a sign that says hiking/nature trails, and take a left there (there is a small entry gate on Factory Shoals Rd).
• Continue straight to the end of the road to the parking area.

You will need an annual Georgia State Park pass or $5 to purchase a day pass.

The day pass can be paid at the gate (cash only) or you can purchase a pass inside the Visitor Center after the hike.  

Annual pass costs are:

• Senior (62 or older): $25
• Non-senior: $50
• Military (active or veteran): $37.50