Springway-Morgan Falls Connector Trail
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The Red Trail is one of Sweetwater Creek State Park’s most popular and scenic hikes, offering a moderate 2-mile (out and back) trek along the banks of Sweetwater Creek. This trail follows the cascading waters upstream, weaving through a lush forest canopy and culminating at the dramatic ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. Designed for hikers of all skill levels, the Red Trail is rich in natural beauty, with towering hardwoods, rugged rock outcrops, and panoramic creek views throughout. Interpretive signage along the way provides insight into the park’s ecology and industrial history, making this trail a favorite for both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.
The Red Trail begins near the park’s visitor center—make sure to stop in and get a free map and informational brochure—and quickly immerses hikers in the serene, wooded landscape that defines Sweetwater Creek State Park. Along the trail, visitors can pause at designated overlooks to admire the creek’s whitewater rapids and listen to the peaceful sound of flowing water. Benches and rest areas are spaced throughout, and the trail’s relatively gentle terrain makes it a suitable option for families and casual hikers. Just beyond the trail’s halfway mark, hikers can view the remnants of the 19th-century textile mill that was once central to the mill village of New Manchester.
Wildlife is frequently seen along the route, including deer, turtles, and a wide variety of bird species. Informational signage along the Red Trail highlights the park’s diverse ecosystem and offers insights into the many species that call the park home, helping visitors learn about the natural world they’re experiencing. For those interested in cinematic history, the mill ruins and surrounding landscapes were featured prominently in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1.
The Red Trail is a walk-through history. The trail follows the original mill road used in the mid-1800s by workers of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. This once-thriving textile mill harnessed the power of Sweetwater Creek to produce cotton goods in the years leading up to the Civil War. The mill, built in the 1840s, became a symbol of Southern industry—until July 1864, when Union troops under General William T. Sherman destroyed it during his Atlanta Campaign.
The ruins seen today stand as a stark and powerful reminder of this turbulent chapter in Georgia’s past. Today, the mill’s brick walls rise above the creek, protected as a historic site and accessible only via guided tours or by viewing from the Red Trail. Interpretive signs share the story of New Manchester’s rise and fall, deepening the connection between visitors and the land they’re walking on.
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
