The Sweetwater Blue Non-game Wildlife Trail is an easy 2 mile trail to hike. The pathway on this trail passes historic roads, valleys, and forests as it proceeds to briefly join the Sweetwater Red Trail at the Manchester Mill. Further along the mill the path returns to the Blue trail as it continues to the Sweetwater Falls. The focal point of the trail is the overlook of the Sweetwater Creek where prior to it the trail descends to a series of wooden steps. From the observation deck you will see the Sweetwater Creek’s rapids.

The start of this blue trail used to be at the right section of the park’s office until it was moved at the back of the Visitors Center in late 2005. The pathway is surrounded by trees as it initially curves to the left as it starts its traverse to the Sweetwater Falls. The wide gravel pathway is level although you will expect some descents to the Sweetwater Creek River valley along the way.

The pathway continues to proceed to a forest cove surrounded by fern glades and then it crosses the Sweetwater Creek’s tributary prior to joining a level path a short distance parallel to the Sweetwater Creek. Midway along the trail, the treadway approaches the Sweetwater Red Trail at the Manchester Mill which is actually a cotton mill. The mill used to manufacture clothing for the Confederate troops before General Sherman ordered to burn this factory and other buildings in the area in 1864. What you will just see in this are remnants of the millrace and brick mill.

At this point, the pathway continues to a junction wherein the Sweetwater Blue trail meanders to the right separating from the Sweetwater Red that follows the left section of this junction. Continue to ascend to the Sweetwater Creek State Park’s forest cove and then continue to a series of downhill and uphill journey to the second junction with the Sweetwater Creek.

A wooden set of stairs leads hikers down onto an observation deck where you can enjoy the cascading rapids flowing downstream. Midway on this staircase, the Sweetwater White joins the Sweetwater Blue trail. Moving further at that point, the pathway joins the Sweetwater Red on this second occasion as you move down to the overlook. Here you can take a stunning view of the Sweetwater rapids before heading back to the parking area at the start of the trail.