Sweetwater Y-Bl-O-R-W-G-Br-W Sampler

This will be a sampler of many of the trails at Sweetwater, including some lesser-hiked routes--Blue, Brown and Green.

We'll meet in the parking lot by the Nature Center then get our warm-up on the Yellow Trail over to the Bridge, then the Blue Loop, then Orange, then back on the Yellow. Once on the East side of Sweetwater Cr. we'll cruise past the mill ruins on the Red, parts of the White, and then pick up the Green, hoping to see the little pond nestled up in the woods.  We'll have great open views with the leaves down, except the Beeches are still holding on to last fall's leaves.  And Why???

This will be a solid D4 hike in distance, and with about 1100' climbing at a moderate pace, with occasional view stops or to catch our breath.  Please only sign up for this hike if D3's are comfortable for you. This will NOT be a fast hike.

We will shoot to complete in 4 hours or less, whatever the distance.

Map, terrain and vegetation reading will be encouraged, and instructed for those interested along the trail. 

Take I-20 west to exit 44 (Thornton Road). Make a left on Thornton Road (South) and then a right onto Blairs Bridge Road. Travel 2.1 miles to Mount Vernon Road and make a left. Drive about one mile to the park entrance (you'll go over two small spillways) and make a left on Factory Shoals Road. Drive to the parking lot at the end of the road, and you'll find us at the paved trailhead.

$5 Entrance fee unless you have an annual pass. Drive about half a mile to the parking lot just before the visitor's center. By 9:30 the lot may be full, so you will need to park on the picknic shelter loop. Please arrive early to this popular park so you can walk to the Nature Center from parking ~1/3 mile away.

Sweetwater Creek State Parking Lot Trailhead -- Click on Map Icon Next to the Event Location above.
Coordinates:  33.75312395811886, -84.62873520306

Will hike rain or shine, though not in severe weather. Cancellation by 8 pm the night before

There is a $5.00 parking fee at the park.

 Beeches stand out with their smooth grey bark, and the way they retain their dead leaves all winter.  

Trail Map,    Descriptions

Check out guided events at Sweetwater.  They deepen our understanding of this historic area, with geologic secrets, tours inside the ruins, or winter fun.

Atlanta Trails.com