Atlanta is renowned for its bustling city life, rich history, and diverse culture. However, nestled amidst its urban sprawl lies a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails for those seeking the tranquility of nature. From serene woodlands to cascading waterfalls, Atlanta and its surrounding areas boast an array of hiking experiences that cater to adventurers of all levels. Whether you’re seeking a challenging trek or a leisurely stroll, these 8 handpicked trails promise unforgettable encounters with nature’s wonders.
East Palisades Trail
Location: Northwest Atlanta
Trail Length: 4-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Just a mere 20 minutes from downtown, East Palisades Trail is actually a series of trails that hug the Chattahoochee River. The trails are dog friendly (please remember leashes are required) with plenty of sandy beaches for your pup to run off some energy and then cool off with a dip in the river. You can also find breathtaking views of metro Atlanta. East Palisades is most known for its Instagram-worthy bamboo forest, located at trail marker EP 26. If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, some trails take you to exhilarating high-elevation views of the Chattahoochee.
Morningside Nature Trail
Location: Morningside
Trail Length: 1.6-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Located in North Atlanta, this easy trail loops through the Morningside Nature Preserve, which boasts 33 acres of secluded forest teeming with dense vegetation. On quieter days, hikers may spot foxes, turtles, beavers, and other wildlife that call the preserve home. Canine companions are welcome as long as they are on a leash. In fact, there’s a sandy stretch beneath the suspended wooden bridge traversing the South Fork Peachtree River, affectionately dubbed the “dog beach” by locals due to its popularity among four-legged trail visitors. Many also consider this off-trail spot the ideal location for a picnic, so be sure to bring along some provisions if you plan to pause for a bite.
Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill
Location: Roswell
Trail Length: 4.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill is an almost 5-mile network of trails that wind through a fern-filled forest with many delightful sights along the way. Near the Mill, you’ll find a large covered wooden bridge with stunning views of Vickery Creek rushing by below you. The waterfall (technically it’s a spillway dam) is another popular location to stop and catch your breath. If you’re lucky, you might even spy a heron fishing for its next meal in the creek. History buffs will enjoy inspecting the ruins of the old Roswell Manufacturing Company Mills, built in 1839 and 1853.
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Location: Southwest Atlanta
Trail Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve is a whopping 125-acre preserve located just 20 minutes from downtown. You’ll hike through the old-growth forest over multiple streams and through a Civil War battlefield. Other historic sites along the trail include an old pump house remains, trenches dating back to the Civil War, and a stone spring house covered with spongy green moss. This slightly strenuous hike is worth it for a view of the wondrous natural Cascade Falls waterfall.
Kennesaw Mountain – Mountain Loop
Location: Marietta
Trail Length: 5.8-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers over 22 miles of trails across nearly 3,000 acres of preserved land, managed by the National Park Service, providing both stunning natural beauty and historical significance. The Mountain Loop trail, spanning nearly six miles and circling the park’s highest peak, is a favorite among visitors, offering panoramic views of Atlanta and insights into the area’s Cherokee heritage and Civil War history. With trails catering to hikers, runners, and history enthusiasts alike, Kennesaw Mountain promises an enriching outdoor experience blending both nature and heritage.
Arabia Mountain – Mile Rock Trail and Forest Trail
Location: Stonecrest
Trail Length: 2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, located east of Atlanta, showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes across its rolling terrain, offering over thirty miles of hiking trails. The two-mile loop journey along the Mile Rock Trail and Forest Trail takes hikers through a shady forest, across expansive granite fields, and past a tranquil lake, showcasing diverse flora. With gentle elevation changes and well-marked trails, this route is suitable for beginners and families. Completing the loop at the Arabia Mountain Nature Center, visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s scenic beauty, punctuated by remnants of historic mining structures and abundant wildlife.
Red Top Mountain State Park – Homestead Trail
Location: Acworth
Trail Length: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain State Park offers a captivating five-mile loop adventure, winding along the picturesque contours of Lake Allatoona’s shoreline. Beginning at the park’s visitor center, hikers are immersed in a lush forest filled with ferns and wildlife, gradually making their way toward the tranquil lake. Along the trail, vibrant wildflowers dot the landscape, complementing the stunning views of the iron-rich soil contrasting with the lake’s cool hues. The loop meanders through valleys and ascends to small knolls, providing ample opportunities to spot a variety of woodland creatures. With options for shorter or longer excursions, the Homestead Trail promises a rewarding outdoor experience suitable for hikers of all skill levels, complete with convenient access points and well-marked pathways.
Big Creek Greenway – Alpharetta Section
Location: Alpharetta
Trail Length: 9 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Big Creek Greenway, spanning 26 miles through Cumming, Alpharetta, and Roswell, offers a scenic journey along Big Creek, beginning at the City Limits of Alpharetta and Roswell and ending at the Marconi Trailhead. The 9-mile concrete trail runs parallel to North Point Parkway, offering glimpses of wildlife like blue herons, deer, ducks, and geese in the preserved water settings along the way. Divided into sections, the trail includes recreational amenities like restrooms and designated picnic areas.
