Sweetwater Creek - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Sweetwater Creek State Park is one of the most beautiful outdoor areas in the state. It covers more than 2,500 acres of forest, wetlands, and trails with its centerpiece being Sweetwater Creek. Visitors can spend their days admiring native flora and birdwatch from a variety of habitats. The park also offers multiple nature-oriented activities like paddling trips down the creek, an observation bee yard, a hiking trail around an old textile mill ruins, and fishing spots.

The George H Sparks Reservoir, is a great spot for outdoor recreation. The 650-acre lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, boating, and water skiing. There are plenty of facilities available at the reservoir such as barbeque grills and picnic benches. An eight-mile trail surrounds the area where visitors can enjoy the stunning natural views of Georgia's beautiful landscape. For bird lovers, there is a wide variety of migratory birds that make their home in the area around the lake.

Built in 1845, the ruins of New Manchester Mill in Douglas County, Georgia are a testament to the area's industrial past. The mill, which was powered by the Sweetwater Creek, utilized its water power to operate 600 cotton looms and several spindles. For nearly half a century these machines produced cloth until the mill shut down in 1877. The site also features a granite confederate monument erected in 1914.

Superman: Ultimate Flight is an iconic roller coaster located at Six Flags Over Georgia. The high-speed thrill ride stands tall at 120 feet, featuring a "weightless" loop and a total of five inversions. With its forward and backward motion, riders are given a new and thrilling perspective of the park and the incredible speeds reach 65 miles per hour, providing guests with an experience like no other.

The Twisted Cyclone is a thrilling roller coaster with a unique twist. This hybrid ride combines the best of both worlds, delivering the thrills of old wooden coasters and the innovative features of modern steel coaster designs. As you ascend the lift hill, you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding area before going airborne on several invigorating elements like zero-gravity rollover, steep drops and multiple overbanked turns.

Dahlonega Mine Train, is an exciting excursion that offers riders an interesting glimpse into American mining history. The four-mile journey begins with a simulated ride to the gold mine deep beneath the earth’s surface and then turns into a narrated tour of the area's rich gold history. Along the way, riders have several chances to spot beautiful wildlife such as deer, wild turkey and otters.