Named after its mineral springs, Lithia Springs is a historic community on the western outskirts of Atlanta. Its waters were first bottled in 1887, the same year a luxury health resort opened in the area. Everyone from Mark Twain to Theodore Roosevelt came to bathe in its therapeutic facilities during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Things to do in Lithia Springs
Travelling with kids? They can let off some steam at Lithia Springs Park, where you’ll find a children’s playground with slides, swings and a jungle gym. There’s a grassy field where you can throw a ball around, as well as several walking and jogging trails. To the south is the George H. Sparks Reservoir, which is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish and crappie.
The George H. Sparks Reservoir forms part of Sweetwater Creek State Park, which was once home to the New Manchester Manufacturing Company. Since 1972, it has served as a recreational destination, with wooded hiking trails and industrial ruins to discover. Its textile mill and general store were destroyed by the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Lithia Springs makes an excellent base for visiting Six Flags Over Georgia, a family-friendly amusement park renowned for its thrilling roller coasters. You can brave the loops of the “Blue Hawk”, experience the inversions of the “Dare Devil Dive” or enjoy the gentler “Joker Fun House Coaster”. Young kids will love “Daffy Duck’s Bucket Blasters” and “Yosemite Sam’s Wacky Wagons”.
Getting around Lithia Springs
Lithia Springs is around 40 minutes’ drive from the centre of Atlanta and 45 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect to Lithia Springs, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to explore the area.