Entry No. 42 — the Atlanta file — filed under: ruins

New Manchester Mill Ruins

Constructed in 1849, this five-story water-powered textile mill once anchored a thriving factory town along Sweetwater Creek. During the Civil War, Union forces burned the mill to the ground, arresting the workers and leaving only the brick shell. Today, the towering, soot-stained ruins stand surrounded by dense forest inside Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The move: Hike the scenic Red Trail along the creek to photograph the towering brick ruins, then find a spot on the nearby rocky shoals to sit and listen to the rushing rapids.

📍 Before you go The ruins are located inside Sweetwater Creek State Park and are easily reached via a well-maintained trail. While the mill structure itself is fenced off for safety, visitors can view it closely from the trail or register for a ranger-led tour to step inside.

• 📍 Lithia Springs
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Lithia Springs, GA 30122, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: gastateparks.org · Atlas Obscura

last checked: 2026-07-20