Sweetwater Creek State Park
Welcome back to another adventure and hike. This time we met some friends at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Lithia Springs. “A wooded trail follows the 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 beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods” (gastateparks.org). The park is just under an hour drive from my house but 20 min ride from my friends’ so we decided to meet there for a hike and a picnic.
We really enjoyed this walk! The first part was along the river and was shaded. We took our time enjoying the pretty views. There is something about running water that is soothing and makes me happy.
The first part is a reservoir and kind of murky looking but once we got to the running water, we couldn’t help ourselves and had to take pictures.
There was actually a little bridge going to the little island in the middle of the river but everyone was wearing of the wasps they saw after the bridge since I got stung by a bee or wasp a couple days prior to this outing and had an allergic reaction. Having a picnic there would be fun though!
We saw a few young people fishing and of course my boys wished they had their water shoes! I was glad they didn’t as it is easier to keep them safe on dry ground and having the 2 year old along limits what we can do.
From the mill, we took a mile walk through the woods back to the visitor’s center where we had our picnic in the shade. We were grateful for picnic tables. The boys saw a deer in the woods which surprised me as they were quite loud.
I wore my new sunflower tee from our visit to the sunflower fields and a pair of hand me down capri pink pants Not the most flattering pants but very comfortable for a hike! And yes, I do wear earrings on my hikes usally.
It was really nice to explore a new state park! We have quite a few in Georgia and have finally started to visit some we hadn’t yet. I should probably make a list of the ones within a 2 hour radius and make plans to visit them. Some of them have historical features tied in, and we really like the ones that have some water feature whether waterfall, river or lake. Hiking is a very budget friendly activity and perfect in this time of Covid 19 when we are trying to limit our activities with others to outdoor activities.
A bientôt!
Please take a minute to subscribe to the blog to receive an email letting you know when a new post goes live. I usually post Monday, Wednesday and Friday but sometimes have a bonus post during the week. You can also follow me on instagram @chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
I link up with these fabulous blog link ups!
27 Comments
Nancy
Nature is so relaxing isn’t it! And anywhere with water is good enough for me. We are waiting for better weather to cycle again. Well we did last Sunday, but I want to cycle more!
mimifce
Yes! And water sure adds to it: a river, a lake even a creek make it nicer.
Kathrine Eldridge
I just love all these hikes you takes! This one is so cool with the old structures.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
mimifce
Yes, the ruins were really neat!
Jennifer
It looks like such a nice state park!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
mimifce
It sure was!
Jaymie Ashcraft
Beautiful photos!
Jaymie
mimifce
Thanks, Jaymie! I was pleasantly surprised.
Gail
Love to share your hikes. This one looks so peaceful, with the added interest of ruins. Thanks for sharing at #WowOnWednesday Mireille.
mimifce
This one was really nice with the water and also because we took it slow. Heading to the mountains in a few days and really looking forward to it!
Bojana Krienke
I love that you get out as a family to explore nature. There is something about streams and hearing all the sounds in the stillness of a forest. I remember when my kids could not, would not, avoid any puddle or water opportunity. Hahahaha. This is a perfect year to explore nature close by as most of us not venturing far.
Bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
mimifce
Puddles! Thankfully mine usually stay away because they know they will have to walk in wet sock otherwise!
Mica
Looks like a great place for a hike and it’s nice you stayed safe from the bees! 🙂
The ruins look really interesting too and it is so nice to walk alongside the water – I love walking near the beach or around a lake!
Hope that your week is going well 🙂 It’s a cold and wintery one here!
mimifce
Anything near water is so pleasant and peaceful! I am starting to look forward to fall and winter with the heat here =)
Shea
This sounds like the perfect outing with friends–not too far away, but far enough to feel lik you actually WENT somewhere. I need to do more of that!
mimifce
Exaactly! And somewhere new is always a bonus.
jodie filogomo
What a wonderful time Mireille. That’s crazy you had a reaction to a bee sting earlier…ugh.
XOXO
Jodie
mimifce
It had been quite a few years since I got stung but I used to react pretty badly. Hopefully no more stings for a while!
Lizzie
As always, this hike looks so peaceful and amazing! I hope that you had a great time!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
mimifce
One of the things keeping me sane and healthy!
Penny
That’s lovely scenery and must be cooler for your with so many trees and the water. Your little boy – so cute!
mimifce
Thank you! Yes: most of our hikes have been pretty pleasant with all of the shade.
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I love exploring outside and enjoy these posts! It is amazing how there are so many neat places to explore and you get some great exercise in at the same time.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
mimifce
Georgia sure has lots of outdoor spaces to explore: I have a long list!
Joanne
I really enjoy hikes that bring us near running water too; the sound and sight always feel so soothing.
Jill
What a beautiful park to explore! I love being outdoors and exploring new places!
Jill – Doused in Pink
mimifce
Yes, we may not be able to go far but there is a lot to explore in our own state.