Join us for a beautiful hike along Sweetwater Creek past the ruins of the Civil-War era New Manchester Mill. This is a bit of a jaunt … about 45 minutes of driving, but I think it’s worth it. It’s a really pretty trail.
We’ll hike this as an out-and-back trail (it connects to another trail through a pleasant forest environment, but getting there is pretty tough going. Our walk will be about 2.4 miles in all (3 miles on your scout’s passport). Most of the trail is wide, flat and very easy to walk, although there are some stairs and the second half of the hike involves some rock scrambling that could be tricky for some. We will stop along a wide spot along the riverbank for a good snack or light lunch, walk a bit further to explore the shoals, then turn back before the trail goes fully rocky in the last two-tenths of a mile or so.
On the way back, we’ll the hike at a shallow and safe backwater that’s a great place for the kids to get their feet wet, so bring water shoes if you’d like for them to do so. This way, those who don’t want to stop at this location can head on back to the visitor center and their cars without others feeling time-pressured to leave.
This trail is not stroller accessible, and I don’t recommend the last portion for very small children or anyone with mobility issues.
Please remember to have your scouts bring a small pack with the six essentials for going outdoors: Sun/insect protection, water, trail food, a simple first aid kit, a flashlight and, most importantly, a whistle to signal with if they get lost. As always, they won’t use much of this … it’s about encouraging them to be prepared to safely venture into the outdoors.
To get there, take I-20 past Six Flags. Get off at Exit 41, Lee. Road and turn left over the highway. Drive for a mile or so and then turn left on Cedar Terrace (it’s a small, easily missed road, so be on the lookout). Turn right on Mt. Vernon Road, and then left on Factory Shoals Road and follow to the visitor center parking lot. Parking is $5.
Meet near the flag pole at the visitor center for a prompt 10 a.m. step-off. Scouts should wear their Class B shirts.
Plan on about two hours, but you could spend more time here if you wanted to.
One note: Do not be alarmed if you hear gunfire on arriving at the park. There’s an outdoor police firing range nearby.