Of course, Downtown Atlanta sparkles through the nights, with its impressive skyscrapers that over the five million people that call Atlanta home, but our access to nature is what really sets the ATL apart from other major cities. Known as the City in the Forest, Atlanta has tons of amazing hikes and nature trails to check out!
Keep scrolling to see 11 of the best hikes in and around Atlanta!
1. Island Ford Trail
Just under thirty minutes north of Atlanta is the Chattahoochee River, and the Island Ford Trail is a great way to take in all of its natural beauty. The three-mile round trip trail is perfect for hiking beginners or family outings—-there are even caves to explore for the more adventurous hiker!
2. Arabia Mountain Trail
This place looks like you’ve left Atlanta and landed on the moon! The Arabia Mountain Trail is a kid-friendly escapade that shows you the gorgeous natural beauty of Georgia. With stunning views of the Arabia Lake, make sure you don’t forget your camera!
This area used to be a granite quarry, so the smooth surfaces look extremely unique! It’s a great photo op!
3. Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail
This climb up Sawnee Mountain promises breathtaking views of the North Georgian mountains, as well as the Blue Ridge mountain range. Riddled with beautiful flowers and perfect viewing access to the changing leaves, every corner is an Instagram post waiting to happen.
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4. Freedom Park
If you’d rather stay close to the city center, then Freedom Park is for you! This is an especially great nature walk if you’d like to take pictures of the iconic Atlanta skyline. With rolling grasslands and trails for bike riders and walkers, you can sometimes forget you’re in a city. The winding pathways will lead you to many of Atlanta’s major political attractions, such as the Jimmy Carter Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Center & Park (you can even visit the house where MLK was born).
5. Vickery Leak Trail
This is one of the most popular hiking spots that Atlanta has to offer. The trail is another which follows the Chattahoochee River. Highlights include the man-made waterfall from the Big Creek Mill. Make sure you take your swimsuit if the weather is calling for a dip in the river. And for the fall and winter, don’t forget your camera!
6. Yonah Mountain
Yonah Mountain is a mountain ridge located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia. There is a signed trailhead from Chambers Road and an approximately 2.3 mile trail leads to its stunning summit. Be prepared for a strenuous hike as it is an upward climb, but the views make it worth it!
7. Doll’s Head Trail
For one of the hidden treasures, check out the Doll’s Head Trail. This strange and slightly spooky trail is definitely a one-in-a-lifetime type find!
What makes the trail unique? Easy! Over time it has become an outdoor art gallery with public art made from litter and debris that would otherwise pollute the river. The walking trail with a spooky twist is only a few miles away from the city center. Doll’s Head Trail has outsider art exhibited all the way throughout, so why not join in Atlanta?
8. Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is one of Atlanta’s favorite attractions. Stone Mountain Park features family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreational activities. features 15 miles of hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Enjoy the 5-mile trail around the base, the 1-mile trail to the summit, and more!
And check out some of Stone Mountain’s events–if you love fun in nature, they never disappoint!
9. Kennesaw Mountain Trails
With so many trails boasting several difficulty levels, you could spend a couple of hours or an entire day at Kennesaw Mountain. Add some history to your hike as this gorgeous place is a National Battlefield Park. Preserving a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign, Kennesaw Mountain also offers the opportunity for hikers to catch a “cinematic masterpiece” called Kennesaw: One Last Mountain, narrated by Emmy Award-winner Peter Coyote, at the park’s Visitor Center.
10. Pine Mountain Trail
For a stunning change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, make sure you check out the Pine Mountain Trail. Specifically pretty in the spring, but still bursting with color in the fall, witness Georgia in full bloom. Discover 23 miles of loops and trails while seeing spectacular views and small streams.
11. Morningside Nature Preserve
If you’re looking for a short, nice hike or jog through the woods of Midtown, Morningside Nature Preserve is the perfect spot for you, without too much of a drive! Get to know why Atlanta is called the city in the forest up close and personal, in this forest right in our back yards! And bring your pups along to enjoy ‘Dog Beach’ a sandy spot along the creek where lots of dog-owners and their pups love to hang out and enjoy nature!