Located at 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, Sweetwater Creek State Park is a 2,549-acre park nestled in the heart of Douglas County, Georgia. This stunning park is situated along the banks of Sweetwater Creek, which flows into the Chattahoochee River, and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic significance. For more information, click here.

Sweetwater Creek State Park offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Some of these include:

– Hiking: Over 15 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, take hikers through scenic forests and along the creek. – Camping: 106 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as primitive backcountry sites.

– Fishing: Sweetwater Creek is stocked with trout and offers excellent fishing opportunities.

– Picnicking: Several picnic areas with tables and grills.

– Swimming: A designated swimming area in the creek. – Kayaking/Canoeing: Rent equipment and explore the creek. – Horseback Riding: 12 miles of trails and a horse campground.

Points of Interest

– Sweetwater Creek: A scenic creek with excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities.

– New Manchester Mill Ruins: The remains of a 19th-century textile mill.

– Sweetwater Creek White Water: A thrilling section of the creek with Class IV-V rapids.

– Wildlife Viewing: Deer, turkey, and other wildlife can be spotted throughout the park.

History

Sweetwater Creek State Park has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The New Manchester Mill, built in 1849, was a major textile mill that operated until it was burned down during the Civil War. In the 1970s, the park was established to preserve the mill ruins and protect the natural beauty of the area. Today, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Overall, Sweetwater Creek State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature. Its unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic significance make it a true gem in the state of Georgia.

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Located at 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, GA 30629, Watson Mill Bridge State Park is a 1,000-acre park nestled in the rolling hills of northeastern Georgia. This stunning park is home to the longest covered bridge in the state, the Watson Mill Bridge, which spans 229 feet across the South Fork River. For more information, click here.

Photo Credit to Mike Saunders

Watson Mill Bridge State Park offers a wide range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Some of these include:

– Hiking: Over 15 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging, take hikers through scenic forests and along the river.

– Camping: 21 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as primitive backcountry sites.

– Fishing: The South Fork River is stocked with trout and offers excellent fishing opportunities. – Picnicking: Several picnic areas with tables and grills.

– Swimming: A designated swimming area in the river. – Kayaking/Canoeing: Rent equipment and explore the river.

– Horseback Riding: 12 miles of trails and a horse campground.

Points of Interest – Watson Mill Bridge:

The longest covered bridge in Georgia, built in 1885.

– Watson Mill: A historic gristmill that now serves as a museum.

– South Fork River: A scenic river with excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities.

– Wildlife Viewing: Deer, turkey, and other wildlife can be spotted throughout the park.

History

Watson Mill Bridge State Park has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The Watson Mill Bridge was built in 1885 by local builder William King, and the Watson Mill was built around the same time. The park was established in 1973 to preserve the bridge and mill, and has since grown to include over 1,000 acres of scenic land.

Overall, Watson Mill Bridge State Park is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historic significance make it a true gem in the state of Georgia.

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Lost Valley Trail is located near the Boxley Valley Historic District on Hwy. 43 and is the most popular hike at Buffalo National River. Lost Valley Trail is an easy to moderate hike with occasional benches on the first portion of trail for resting and watching wildlife. I have directions in the very next paragraph, for more information, click here.

Lost Valley Trail is located near the Boxley Valley Historic District on Hwy. 43, approximately 1.5 miles south of Ponca, AR. Take Hwy. 43 south out of Harrison and travel approximately 28 miles. The turn off to the trailhead is on the right side of Hwy. 43, approximately 2 miles south of Ponca. Follow the signs and the dirt road will dead end at the trailhead.

Adam Taylor/AllTrails

Lost Valley Trail leaves the parking area and gently winds up the box canyon, passing beneath groves of American beech trees. The trail leads you to an emerald-blue pool of water with an 8-ft waterfall flowing out of a small opening in the bluff, known as the Natural Bridge. The trail continues up stone steps, winding along the Clark Creek drainage giving way to a massive 200-ft bluff shelter, known as Cob Cave.

The gem of the hike is Eden Falls. The picturesque Eden Falls cascades 53 feet over towering cliffs offering visitors a firsthand view of what the Ozark Mountains have to offer. Visitors can either loop back around to the main trail or continue on a spur trail to the peak of Eden Falls. The trail leading to Eden Falls is rugged and steep; visitors should use extreme caution when taking this route. The trail winds up the bluff line to a 200-ft cave, and then gives way to a 25-ft waterfall inside. A flashlight and some agility will be needed to view the waterfall in the cave. The trail ends here at the mouth of the cave.

WARNING: The Lost Valley Trail is one of the most frequent Search & Rescue (SAR) locations at Buffalo National River. Slippery rocks and hazardous cliff areas cause many slips, trips, and falls annually. For your safety and enjoyment, please exercise caution and stay on designated trails.

Shelby Steen/Alltrails

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Located at 100 Blue Lagoon Road, Huntsville, TX 77340, The Blue Lagoon is a stunning tropical paradise nestled in the heart of Texas. This 12-acre crystal-clear lagoon, surrounded by lush vegetation and picturesque waterfalls, offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. For more information, click here.

The Blue Lagoon is more than just a beautiful spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. The lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of fish and other aquatic life, making it a snorkeler’s paradise. For those looking to relax, there are plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas available for rent. The Blue Lagoon also offers a swimming area, water slides, and a designated area for children.

The Blue Lagoon is situated on the site of a former rock quarry, which was transformed into a tropical oasis in the 1980s. Today, visitors can explore the lagoon’s many points of interest, including the stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and picturesque picnic areas. The Blue Lagoon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and even the occasional alligator.

Prices and Hours (in July of 2024) – Admission: – Adult (12-59): $25 – Senior (60+): $20 – Children (4-11): $15 – Children (3 and under): Free – Cabana Rentals: – Small Cabana: $50 – Large Cabana: $100 – Hours: – Monday – Thursday: 10am – 6pm – Friday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm

The Blue Lagoon offers a range of special events and packages throughout the year, including summer concerts, fireworks displays, and romantic getaway packages. Visitors can also book private events, such as weddings and corporate parties, at the lagoon’s scenic venues.

Overall, The Blue Lagoon in Texas is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience a tropical paradise in the heart of the Lone Star State.

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Harpeth River State Park, located at 5135 Narrows of the Harpeth Rd, Kingston Springs, TN 37082, is a 1,230-acre park that offers a diverse range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. Situated along the Harpeth River, the park provides stunning views, unique geological features, and a rich history. For more information, click here.

The park’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of Native American presence and early European settlement. In the 19th century, the area was home to several gristmills and sawmills, which harnessed the power of the Harpeth River. Today, visitors can explore the park’s historic sites, including the Narrows of the Harpeth, a scenic and narrow stretch of the river.

Visitors to Harpeth River State Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The park features several miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. The Harpeth River is renowned for its smallmouth bass fishing, and kayakers and canoeists can paddle upstream or downstream to explore the river’s many scenic stretches.

Photo Credit to Brandon Herberger

In addition to its natural beauty, the park offers several amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, and a campground with 100 campsites. Visitors can also explore the park’s many points of interest, including the Pattison Forge, a historic blacksmith shop, and the Montgomery Bell Tunnel, a 290-foot-long tunnel built in 1818.

Other attractions within the park include the Narrows of the Harpeth, a scenic overlook with stunning views of the river, and the Harris-Street Bridge, a historic bridge built in 1902. Visitors can also explore the park’s many archaeological sites, including the Mound Bottom State Archaeological Area, which features several prehistoric earthworks.

Overall, Harpeth River State Park offers something for everyone, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs. Its unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and diverse amenities makes it a must-visit destination in Tennessee.

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Photo Credit to Seth Gerringer