There is something about abandoned buildings that can really add an element of creep to a situation. If this rings true for you too, but you like that added creepy factor anyway, then we have the perfect hike for you. The Red (History) Trail in Sweetwater Creek State Park is a one-mile one-way hike that offers up a chance to see the ruins of an abandoned mill up close. Get some history and nature all in one shot when you tackle this abandoned ruin hike.

Sweetwater Creek State Park in Georgia is an epic park with some of the best hiking trails in the state.

Joe Della Vecchia/Google

Outside of immersing yourself in nature when you visit, there’s also a ton of history within the park, too.

Lynne F/Google

The Red (History) Trail is rated easy to difficult and will take about one to two hours each way to hike.

Robert Reid/Google

After a half-mile on the trail, you’ll see the towering abandoned ruins of the five-story New Manchester mill, which can be quite creepy up close.

Sylvester M/Google

Set against the backdrop of the rapids of Sweetwater Creek you’ll have the chance to enjoy the ruins of the mill with a front-row seat.

Dustin Mimnaugh/Google

This mid-nineteenth-century mill town met a harsh demise during the Civil War and the mill never recovered.

Dan Brownsword/Google

If you’re planning on hiking this trail you’ll want to get a history guide before setting out which you can find in the Interpretive Center.

Jana Durden Holt/Google

After reaching the mill, you’ll head downstream another half-mile against the rapids until you get to the Sweetwater Falls area.

Shane Dee/Google

While there is so much beauty in nature in this area, there is also an added level of creepiness to the history of the area and the looming ruins that remain.

Vincent Jenks/Google

Follow this map to find out where The Red Trail is in Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Google Maps

Learn more about the New Manchester Mill and take a hike to see the old ruins in Sweetwater Creek State Park in this video from the Ragtop Historian:

As the sun begins to set, the Red Trail and the ruins of the New Manchester cotton mill take on a whole new feeling. That’s when it becomes one of the creepiest hikes in Georgia. Have you ever hiked the trails at this State Park in Georgia before? Share with us your experience in the comments section!

Joe Della Vecchia/Google

Lynne F/Google

Robert Reid/Google

Sylvester M/Google

Dustin Mimnaugh/Google

Dan Brownsword/Google

Jana Durden Holt/Google

Shane Dee/Google

Vincent Jenks/Google

Google Maps

Learn more about the New Manchester Mill and take a hike to see the old ruins in Sweetwater Creek State Park in this video from the Ragtop Historian:

Or if you’re looking for more information about this creepy trail, including current state park entry fees to hike, check out the Georgia State Park’s website.

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Address: Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

More abandoned places and creepy hikes in Georgia January 30, 2023 Chris Muras What are some abandoned places in GA? Some of the most interesting (and creepiest) abandoned places in GA include:

Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA: Originally called the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum when it was built in 1842, this state hospital still has about 200 patients. Most of the complex lies abandoned and in terrible condition, making a very creepy place to visit - especially the graveyard which has over 25,000 gravestones standing in precise rows. Briarcliff Mansion, Atlanta, GA: The Briarcliff Mansion, also called the Candler Mansion, was the home of Asa Griggs Candler Jr. who was the son of Coco-Cola co-founder Asa Griggs Candler, Sr. Even though it is in serious disrepair, it is a fascinating look at Georgia’s history.

  Are there any creepy hikes in Georgia? If you love hiking in GA and enjoy a good scare, why not combine the two and explore some of the creepiest hikes in the state? Here are a couple of creepy hikes in Georgia:

Doll’s Head Trail, Atlanta, GA: Even the name sends chills down your spine, doesn’t it? Doll’s Head Trail is located in Constitution Lakes Park and is indeed littered with creepy doll parts - on purpose. The trail is an art installation started by Joel Slaton and continued by anyone who wants to build upon the creepy factor of this gruesome trail. The catch is you must find the discarded doll parts somewhere in the park. Spook Bridge, Quitman, GA: If Doll’s Head Trail doesn’t classify as the creepiest hike in GA, perhaps this haunted bridge will send shivers up and down your spine. Several murders and suicides have occurred at this abandoned bridge near Quitman, GA. Now, the only ones who can cross the bridge are those who have passed on long before we were born.

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

More abandoned places and creepy hikes in Georgia

January 30, 2023

Chris Muras

What are some abandoned places in GA? Some of the most interesting (and creepiest) abandoned places in GA include:

Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA: Originally called the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum when it was built in 1842, this state hospital still has about 200 patients. Most of the complex lies abandoned and in terrible condition, making a very creepy place to visit - especially the graveyard which has over 25,000 gravestones standing in precise rows. Briarcliff Mansion, Atlanta, GA: The Briarcliff Mansion, also called the Candler Mansion, was the home of Asa Griggs Candler Jr. who was the son of Coco-Cola co-founder Asa Griggs Candler, Sr. Even though it is in serious disrepair, it is a fascinating look at Georgia’s history.

  Are there any creepy hikes in Georgia? If you love hiking in GA and enjoy a good scare, why not combine the two and explore some of the creepiest hikes in the state? Here are a couple of creepy hikes in Georgia:

Doll’s Head Trail, Atlanta, GA: Even the name sends chills down your spine, doesn’t it? Doll’s Head Trail is located in Constitution Lakes Park and is indeed littered with creepy doll parts - on purpose. The trail is an art installation started by Joel Slaton and continued by anyone who wants to build upon the creepy factor of this gruesome trail. The catch is you must find the discarded doll parts somewhere in the park. Spook Bridge, Quitman, GA: If Doll’s Head Trail doesn’t classify as the creepiest hike in GA, perhaps this haunted bridge will send shivers up and down your spine. Several murders and suicides have occurred at this abandoned bridge near Quitman, GA. Now, the only ones who can cross the bridge are those who have passed on long before we were born.

 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Some of the most interesting (and creepiest) abandoned places in GA include:

  • Central State Hospital, Milledgeville, GA: Originally called the Georgia State Lunatic, Idiot, and Epileptic Asylum when it was built in 1842, this state hospital still has about 200 patients. Most of the complex lies abandoned and in terrible condition, making a very creepy place to visit - especially the graveyard which has over 25,000 gravestones standing in precise rows.
  • Briarcliff Mansion, Atlanta, GA: The Briarcliff Mansion, also called the Candler Mansion, was the home of Asa Griggs Candler Jr. who was the son of Coco-Cola co-founder Asa Griggs Candler, Sr. Even though it is in serious disrepair, it is a fascinating look at Georgia’s history.

 

Are there any creepy hikes in Georgia?

If you love hiking in GA and enjoy a good scare, why not combine the two and explore some of the creepiest hikes in the state? Here are a couple of creepy hikes in Georgia:

  • Doll’s Head Trail, Atlanta, GA: Even the name sends chills down your spine, doesn’t it? Doll’s Head Trail is located in Constitution Lakes Park and is indeed littered with creepy doll parts - on purpose. The trail is an art installation started by Joel Slaton and continued by anyone who wants to build upon the creepy factor of this gruesome trail. The catch is you must find the discarded doll parts somewhere in the park.
  • Spook Bridge, Quitman, GA: If Doll’s Head Trail doesn’t classify as the creepiest hike in GA, perhaps this haunted bridge will send shivers up and down your spine. Several murders and suicides have occurred at this abandoned bridge near Quitman, GA. Now, the only ones who can cross the bridge are those who have passed on long before we were born.