Sweetwater Creek State Park551

Sweetwater Creek is a peaceful tract of wilderness near downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the free-flowing stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the shoals below. The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular with anglers and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and canoeing. Fishing supplies and snacks are available in the park's bait shop; maps and park information can be found in the Visitor Center. Nine miles of walking trails follow the creek, and the trees provide a large amount of shade. There are also playgrounds, and picnic shelters ($40 for rentals) and a group shelter and barbecue pit ($95 for rental). Reserve Mon-Fri by calling 800.864.7275.