Prompted by watching an episode of Sesame Street today on sharing, I feel an obligation to tell you about one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets. Sloshing around in the belly of Austell, just past Six Flags and less than 20 minutes from downtown, is a park called Sweetwater. It probably sounds familiar because you’ve been indulging in Sweetwater 420, Sweetwater Pale Ale or one of the other flavors offered by Atlanta’s own Sweetwater Brewery. Rumor has it that the two “sweets” are related, though I was unable to find solid proof as of this writing.

Regardless of any relatives the park may have in the world of adult beverages, Sweetwater Conservancy itself is a spectacular area and a well kept secret. I can vouch for that because during my umpteen visits over the last year an a half I have never crossed the path of more than a dozen other people during any one visit.

Boasting miles of well marked trails rated from easy to difficult, there’s something for every level of hiker. Lush and diverse flora and vegetation, well groomed paths, sweeping vistas of the river and always a bench to perch on just around the next bend.

It’s an enchanting place, ideal for the sweetheart stroll or the family walk. The temperatures are perfect now, so throw on your walkin’ shoes, go, visit, commune with nature, and indulge your inner hippie. You know you want to.