The Blue Trail at Sweetwater Creek

The trail is wide most of the way. It appears to be a newer trail. The trail meanders through the woods over rolling hills. It is lightly traveled and very quiet. The trail is a loop that crosses both the Orange and Yellow trails. From the parking lot you must follow the Yellow Trail across Sweetwater Creek to access the trail. Once across the bridge you have three options. You can turn immediately right and continue on the Yellow Trail, continue straight for the Orange Trail or take a right on the Blue Trail. The trail is well marked with blue blazes all along the path.Once on the Blue Trail, you have the option of heading right into the woods or taking a right and following the creek. The trails are clear of brush but you should look out for roots and some loose rock. The hills are steep in some places but short. It follows the park border on the back side. You'll be treated to a variety of hardwoods along the path and since this is Georgia, a ton of pine trees. Deer make appearances on a regular basis. Sitting on one of the two benches on the trail will allow you to watch squirrels at play.The bench next to the creek offers a nice view of the shoals. The sound is relaxing and peaceful. Across the creek is a wooded hillside with no formal trail. In the fall, the changing leaves are beautiful. The trail follows the creek for only a short distance, but it has a bench placed to sit and take in the rapids. You have the option to take the Orange Trail from the Blue Trail if you wish to extend your outing. I was able to complete the loop in about 50 minutes.

While not on the Blue Trail, the park offers historic New Manchester mill. This is the ruins of a Civil War era mill.