The route
Sweetwater Creek State Park, forty minutes west of the city. We take the Red Trail along the water to the ruins of the New Manchester Mill — a five-story brick shell that burned in 1864 and still stands in the woods like it's waiting on somebody. Out along the creek, time at the ruins, loop back. Four miles, rocky footing near the water, one honest climb. Shaded nearly end to end and never far from the creek, which matters in August. This is the first one. Come as you are, whatever shape you're in — we regroup often and we finish together.
What to bring
Two liters of water, minimum. August in Georgia is not the day to ration. Shoes with grip — the rock near the creek stays slick even when it hasn't rained. A snack for the ruins. Sunscreen and a hat for the open stretches. Five dollars for park parking, card or cash. Bring your phone — I'll be shooting, and you'll want your own too.