The Parks Issue of Landscape Architect & Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

Sweetwater Creek State Park is located in Douglas County, Georgia about fifteen miles west of downtown Atlanta. The park includes approximately 2,500 acres of picturesque Piedmont Forest bisected by the beautiful rushing waters of Sweetwater Creek. An extensive network of hiking trails gives visitors an excellent opportunity to explore Georgia's natural ecosystems and get up close and personal with a wide array of native flora and fauna. It is one of the most popular state parks in Georgia.

 
On the west bank of Sweetwater Creek, about half a mile south of the visitor center, lie the strikingly beautiful ruins of the New Manchester Mill, which was a Civil War-era, water-powered textile mill.

This site marks the beginning of Red Trail, which traverses the rocky shores of the Creek for nearly a mile. This trail has long been one of the highlights for park visitors; however, in recent years, the various wooden stairs, decks, and bridges were in desperate need of repair or replacement.

In 2018, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources hired Root Design Studio to evaluate the trail and develop a master plan, which included recommendations for improving certain sections of the trail, repairing or replacing some of the existing structures, re-routing a portion of trail, and adding a few new structures to enhance the visitor experience.

The first of the new structures is a wooden overlook located just north of the New Manchester Mill ruins that looks out onto a beautiful section of rocky shoals within the creek. This new overlook sits about 12 to 15 feet above the creek bank, placing visitors in the lower canopies of the surrounding trees, making this feel like a tree house. A new bench swing sits below a wooden arbor and provides a relaxing spot to enjoy the view.

About halfway down the Red Trail, visitors climb a new set of stairs that ascend straight up the side of a rock face. At the top of the climb, a new sky deck sits perched on a large rock outcrop. The deck is cantilevered over the rock face with steel cables that anchor into the bedrock behind the trail. At the far end of the deck, suspended about 40 feet in the air, visitors enjoy a breathtaking view of the beautiful creek below and the surrounding forest in the distance.

The third addition to the trail is a large half-circle event deck that provides a commanding view of the spectacular Mill ruins. This new structure utilizes steel piers with timber framing to support the 1,400-square-foot overlook. The surface of the deck is clad with a sustainable product called "Kebony" wood, which is made from renewable pine species. The perimeter of the deck contains a custom metal railing designed to reflect the rolling waters of the creek, which can be seen just behind the ruins. This deck is an exciting new addition to the park, which will provide a gathering space for visitors to enjoy for years to come.

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