Top 10 Hiking Trails In And Around Atlanta That Are Definitely Worth The Trek

Secret Atlanta • May 1, 2021

Take in Georgia’s celebrated nature trails, with these hiking routes in Atlanta and its surrounding areas.

Downtown Atlanta may sparkle through the nights, with its impressive skyscrapers towering over the five million people that call the ATL their home. However, the Georgian capital is famous for its boundless greenery, and it’s the perfect place for nature lovers.

The best way to take in its natural beauty is by going on one of Atlanta’s several hiking trails that are scattered around the city and its outskirts. The continuous pleasant weather is perfect for it, so get your hiking boots out because we’re going to breakdown the top five hike trails that this mighty city has to offer.

1. Island Ford Trail

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Just thirty minutes north of Atlanta is the Chattahoochee River, and the Island Ford Trail is a great way to take in its beauty. The three-mile round trip is perfect for hiking beginners or a family outings – there’s even caves to explore!

2. Arabia Mountain Trail

Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock

This place looks like you’ve left Atlanta and landed on Mars. The Arabia Mountain Trail is a kid-friendly escapade that exposes you to the gorgeous natural beauty of Georgia. With stunning views of the Arabia Lake, make sure you don’t forget your camera!

3. Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail

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This climb up Sawnee Mountain promises breath-taking views of the North Georgian mountains, as well as the Blue Ridge mountain range. Riddled with beautiful flowers and nature, 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, especially if you’d like to take pictures of that iconic Atlanta skyline. With rolling grasslands and trails for bike rides and hikes, 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 the most popular hiking spot 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.

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.

7. Doll’s Head Trail

For one of the strangest hikes you’ll ever go on, head to Doll’s Head Trail. It’s unique because over time it has become an outdoor art gallery with public art, made by anyone who wishes. The walking trail with a spooky twist is only a few miles away from the city center. Doll’s Head Trail has outsider art nestled all the way throughout, so why not join in Atlanta?

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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!

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.

10. Pine Mountain Trail

For a stunning change of scenery from the hustle of Atlanta, make sure you check out Pine Mountain Trail. Specifically pretty in the spring, witness Georgia in full bloom.