16 Best Things to Do in Douglasville, GA: Hikes & Film Sites

Twenty minutes west of Atlanta, Douglasville looks at first like just another stretch of I-20 suburbs. Pull off the highway, though, and you’ll find the burned-out shell of a Civil War mill beside a rushing creek, and a town that keeps turning up on screen, including in Stranger Things. You wouldn’t plan a week around it, but it has more going for it than most people give it credit for.

The brick ruins of the New Manchester Mill beside Sweetwater Creek in Georgia — The New Manchester Mill ruins. Photo: ShaneClementsC.Ht on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

The best things to do in Douglasville, Georgia are hiking Sweetwater Creek State Park, seeing the New Manchester Mill ruins, exploring the downtown and its film locations, catching a concert at the Downtown Pavilion, visiting the Douglas County Museum of History and Art, and shopping at Arbor Place.

Start with Sweetwater Creek. It’s the best thing here by a long way, and you’ll want to get there early.

1. Hike Sweetwater Creek State Park

Water running over rocks along Sweetwater Creek in Georgia — Sweetwater Creek. Photo: Thomson200 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Miles of trails follow a rocky, wild-feeling creek, just minutes from the highway. The Red Trail is the most popular, leading to the mill and on to some good views. Wear proper shoes, because parts of it are rocky and narrow.

There’s a parking fee, and the lots can fill up on nice weekends, so arrive early. The Georgia State Parks site has current details.

2. See the New Manchester Mill Ruins

Another view of the old New Manchester Mill walls among the trees — The mill walls among the trees. Photo: ShaneClementsC.Ht on Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Union troops burned the textile mill at New Manchester in 1864. Its workers, mostly women and children, were arrested and shipped north, and many never came back. The brick walls still stand by the water, and they’re haunting once you know the story. You view them from a platform, so please stay out of the ruins.

3. Rent a Boat on the Reservoir

The lake and wooded shoreline at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Georgia — The George Sparks Reservoir at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Photo: Dsdugan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The park also has a lake, the George Sparks Reservoir, with boat rentals and fishing. After a morning on the trails, it’s a quiet way to spend the afternoon. Rental availability can vary by season, so ask at the park before you plan around it.

4. Visit the Park’s Interpretive Center

A pair of colorful wood ducks at Sweetwater Creek State Park — Wood ducks at Sweetwater Creek State Park. Photo: Unknown photographer via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The park’s visitor center has exhibits on the mill’s history and the local environment, plus a gift shop. Stop in before you hit the trails. Staff can tell you about trail conditions and wildlife, and kids get a little background before you head out.

5. Find the Stranger Things Filming Locations

Church Street in downtown Douglasville. Photo: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

The show has filmed around the Douglasville area, and the visitor site even has a Stranger Things filming-spots itinerary, so start there for the current list of places. It’s a cheap, fun way to fill a weekend, and you don’t have to be a superfan.

6. Learn About the City’s Film History

The Masonic Building in downtown Douglasville's historic district — The Masonic Building in downtown Douglasville’s historic district. Photo: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Douglas County’s Film Trail counts more than 700 film and TV productions, and its self-guided tour is marked with signs around downtown and Sweetwater Creek. Georgia’s film tax credit has turned towns like this into regular backdrops. Keep your eyes open for familiar buildings, and don’t be shocked if you stumble on a crew at work.

7. Stroll Downtown Douglasville

The Douglas County Courthouse in Douglasville, Georgia — The Douglas County Courthouse. Photo: Kåre Thor Olsen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Downtown has been growing, with local restaurants, small businesses and public space, and it’s an easy place for a walk and a meal. O’Neal Plaza is the central gathering spot, and you’ll often find events there. See what’s on the city’s calendar, because a weekend event really brings it to life.

8. Catch a Concert at the Pavilion

Musicians on an outdoor stage — Illustrative photo: musicians on an outdoor stage. Photo: Shixart1985 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

The Douglasville Downtown Pavilion hosts concerts and events throughout the year, and many are family friendly. Bring a chair on a warm evening, and look up the schedule on the city’s site before you head over.

9. Visit the Douglas County Museum of History and Art

In the old county courthouse downtown, this small museum covers local history along with art exhibits. It won’t take long, and it adds some context to what you’ve seen around town. Smaller museums like this often keep limited schedules, so look up the hours in advance.

10. See Local Art

An art exhibition in a gallery — Illustrative photo: an art exhibition in a gallery. Photo: MATOWU HAUDOSM via Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Douglasville has an active arts community, and the visitor bureau has an itinerary for art lovers that highlights local spots. Look out for exhibits and community performances at the local cultural arts center. Save it for a rainy day, and it usually won’t cost much.

11. Shop at Arbor Place

Arbor Place Mall in Douglasville. Photo: MikeKalasnik via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Arbor Place Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in west Georgia, with department stores, a food court and a movie theater. It’s nothing unusual, but it’s useful when it’s raining or too hot to be outside, and it’s right by the interstate.

12. Take a Walk in a Local Park

The red caboose in Hunter Memorial Park. Photo: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

If you just want fresh air, the city and county maintain several parks with trails and playgrounds, including Hunter Park. Families in town for a sports tournament will find them handy, and so will anyone who needs to stretch their legs. The city’s parks page lists hours and facilities.

13. Bring the Dog

A run on the trail with the dog — Illustrative photo: a run on the trail with the dog. Photo: DoortjeD via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Douglasville’s visitor bureau has a dog-friendly itinerary, and the area’s parks and trails make a good outing with your pup. Keep your dog on a leash, and bring water on warm days. Rules vary by location, so read the signs when you arrive.

14. Try Clay Shooting or Riding at Foxhall

A guided horseback ride through the woods — Illustrative photo: a guided horseback ride through the woods. Photo: ShenandoahNPS via Wikimedia Commons, public domain

South of town at 8000 Capps Ferry Road, Foxhall Resort and Sporting Club offers outdoor activities such as sporting clays on its large property. Think of it for a special occasion, or when you want to try something new. Call 770-489-4380 to ask what’s available for day guests, and reserve ahead.

15. Ride the Coasters at Six Flags

The entrance gate of Six Flags Over Georgia near Douglasville — The entrance to Six Flags Over Georgia. Photo: Jeremy Thompson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

About 15 minutes east in Austell, Six Flags Over Georgia is the big theme park for the area, with roller coasters and a water park in summer. Plan on a full day. Staying in Douglasville is convenient for it, since hotels are often cheaper. Look at the calendar first, as the park closes for winter and individual rides can be out of service, then buy tickets online and go on a weekday if you can.

16. Head Into Atlanta

The Atlanta skyline at night, a short drive from Douglasville. Photo: Shawn M. Kent via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Downtown Atlanta is about 20 miles east, and you can reach the Georgia Aquarium and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in under an hour, depending on traffic. Douglasville makes a good, more affordable base for that. Stay off I-20 during rush hour if you can, because it gets very slow.

Best Free Things to Do in Douglasville

The downtown walk and film locations are free, and so are many concerts at the Pavilion. You’ll pay for parking at Sweetwater Creek, but the hike itself doesn’t cost anything once you’re there. You can have a good day here on a small budget.

When to Visit Douglasville and How Long to Stay

Spring and fall are the best seasons for hiking, with comfortable temperatures and pretty colors. After a good rain, the creek’s especially dramatic. Summer is hot, but that’s when the park’s boats and Six Flags’ water park come into their own. A day trip from Atlanta is enough for most people, and a weekend works if you’re adding the theme park or the city.

Where to next? Head for the foothills with our guide to Jasper, or see the best things to do in Georgia for the whole state. You can also browse our Georgia guides or all our travel guides on Decidel.

How we checked this guide: details were checked against official and published sources in November 2026. Hours, fees and events can change, so confirm with the venue before you go.