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 the best way to take in its natural beauty is by going on some of Atlanta’s best hiking trails that are scattered around the city and its outskirts.
1. Island Ford Trail
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Just under thiry 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 family outings—-there are even caves to explore for the more adventurous hiker!
🚗 About 30 minutes from Atlanta
2. Arabia Mountain Trail
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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!
🚗 About 30 minutes from Atlanta
3. Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail
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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 nature, every corner is an Instagram post waiting to happen.
🚗 About 50 minutes from Atlanta
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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).
🚗 Moreland Ave NE & North Avenue NE, Atlanta
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.
🚗 About 50 minutes from Atlanta
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!
🚗 1 hour and 30 minutes from Atlanta
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 to contribute. 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?
🚗 16 minutes from 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!
🚗 About 30 minutes from Atlanta
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.
🚗 34 minutes from Atlanta
10. Pine Mountain Trail
For a stunning change of scenery from the hustle of Atlanta, make sure you check out the Pine Mountain Trail. Specifically pretty in the spring, witness Georgia in full bloom. Discover 23 miles of loops and trails while seeing spectacular views and small streams.
🚗 1 hour and 16 minutes from Atlanta