If you’re looking for something to do this summer and are on a budget, exploring some of your state’s parks is a great way to get outside and save some cash at the same time!
Recently, my hospital gave its employees an annual pass to Georgia’s state parks. Eager to put it to use, we decided to spend a morning at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
From our day trip, I’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan your own off-day adventure and explore one of Atlanta’s hidden gems!
Sweetwater is a real goldmine where state parks are concerned as it has a little bit of everything.
Situated on over 2500 acres, the park has everything from hiking and fishing to picnic shelters and yurts for glamping.
Park Specs
Just to give you an idea of all this state park has to offer, here’s a little list of the specifics I snagged from the Georgia State Parks website:
215 Acre Lake- If you’re interested in fishing or getting out on the water, the park rents fishing boats, paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and peddle boats. Keep in mind, though, that there is no swimming in the reservoir.
Yurts– Did someone say glamping?! The park has 10 yurts for rent if primitive camping isn’t your cup of tea. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed (unless your sidekick is a service animal). Price is around $95/night
5 Walk-in, Tent-only campsites– Primitive campsites are available and are pet friendly! Price is at around $27/night
7 picnic shelters- Pack your cheeseboards and pic-a-nic baskets, Boo Boo, cause you’re gonna wanna have a day!
2 fishing docks- If that’s your thing!
1 boat ramp- You know, for boats 🙂
Playground for the kiddos- Let them get all that energy out before you take them home 😉
Outdoor fitness equipment- LA has nothing on us. The perfect spot to mix up your workout routine.
Plus, an award-winning Visitor center, museum, and gift shop…
Needless to say, you could spend days here and still find things to do!
If you’re coming from downtown Atlanta, the park is located about 15 miles west of the city on I-20. It’s super easy to get to and definitely worth a little drive.
Our Day in the Park
With our pass, we scooted right through the gate with a nod and wave from the attendant. If you don’t have an annual pass, day passes are $5, military/veterans get in for $3.75. You can’t beat that.
We drove towards the visitor center and found parking to be easy and convenient.
The center itself is considered one of the most environmentally conscious buildings in the country and is worth a stop in as well. Inside, you’ll find a small gift shop and a museum of local history, plant and wildlife displays, and trail maps.
Our hike started off beside the center and snaked down through the woods to Sweetwater Creek.
We chose the red trail and took it down along the water to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill that was burned during the Civil War.
This walk was a special treat because the rolling water of the creek was the perfect peaceful background for a morning hike. That noise was like something out of a meditation app!
At the mill, we turned right and followed the white trail up into the woods. The red trail follows some stairs down to the water there and becomes moderate to difficult. We had our pup with us or would have otherwise continued on that original path.
However, don’t be fooled. The white trail had its own challenges and becomes quite steep in places. If you or anyone in your group has any mobility limitations, definitely consult a trail map/guide for planning your hike.
No matter which trail you pick, you won’t be disappointed. The forest floor is ornamented with lush ferns and canopied by soaring hardwoods. It was absolutely magnificent.
Our hike took us just under two hours to walk out and back. We started around 0900, but it was still very hot and humid even at that early hour.
If you can, go out early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months. Otherwise, make sure you pack plenty of water with you.
If you take your pet, remember they are hiking in a fur coat. If you are hot, they are extra hot. Be extra mindful to keep them hydrated and allow them to rest and cool down along the way.
What to Pack
Here is what we carried for our 2-hour hike out with our pup:
Small Backpack:
2 Nalgenes of water
2 packs of peanut butter crackers
Binoculars (for bird watching)
What to Wear:
Comfortable shoes with decent tread for hiking. Some parts of the trail are steep so you’ll want to wear a good athletic or hiking shoe rather than sandals or flip-flops.
I know this is probably a no-brainer, but I live in my Birks and almost wore them hiking, thinking to myself in the car “it’ll be fine.” I’m glad I got some sense and threw on my hiking shoes prior to actually hitting the trail.
In addition to comfortable shoes, I really loved the Smartwool socks that I hiked in. They have a little lip at the heel that protects my skin and keeps my shoe from eating them. Priceless.
Also, be sure to wear sunscreen. I applied sunscreen prior to leaving the house. We were in mostly wooded areas the whole time, but definitely protect your skin if you’re going to be on the lake or in the open areas. That GA sun is no joke. Ain’t nobody trying to get skin cancer (or wrinkles :P).
Takeaway
Overall, Sweetwater is definitely a must on your GA State Parks passport. It’s a gorgeous park and even just a short walk into the woods will make you forget you’re right outside of a major city.
It’s a great place to get away, relax, and spend a day in nature. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do with your friends / family / kids / dog, on a budget, spending the day at a park is the way to go.
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