Georgia,  Hiking

The Best Hiking Near Atlanta

Updated October 4th, 2021

This post might contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you buy through my site. I appreciate your support of my site.

There are so many great reasons to love Atlanta, Georgia. It is a big city with walkable neighborhoods, diverse places to eat, and cultural and historical attractions. Without visiting you might think that Atlanta is your typical congested, concrete filled city. This southern city does have skyscrapers and bumper-to-bumper traffic, but it also has numerous green spaces and places to walk. Not to mention you don’t need to drive far to find hikes around Atlanta. 

In a 45 minute drive or less from downtown, you can find miles and miles of places to hike near Atlanta. The best hiking near Atlanta is a great combination of different terrains, difficulty levels, and lengths. Whether you are looking for a mountain climb or a peaceful hike along the river you don’t need to search hard. Here’s everything you need to know while planning your urban escape to the best hikes near Atlanta.

The Best Hiking Near Atlanta

National Parks Near Atlanta

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

best hiking near atlanta

BEST FOR QUICK ACCESS FROM ATLANTA

The 60+ trails within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) include some of the best hiking trails near Atlanta. Plus they are easy to reach from Atlanta. Along a 48 mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River just north of Atlanta, you will find these trails grouped together in different park units. They vary slightly from area to area, but the majority offer views of the river and shaded trails in the woods.

Generally the trails are unpaved and have some elevation changes, but nothing too steep. There can be some rocky parts, but overall the ground isn’t too treacherous. Most would consider the trails easy to moderate. It helps that they are well marked both on the maps and on sign posts at trail intersections. Read my full Chattahoochee guide for more information about hiking here and the best trails to choose. 

Trail Miles: 66 miles total (a few areas only have a couple miles of trails, most have between 4 – 7 miles)

Bathrooms: The majority, but not all of the trailheads have bathrooms. Check the individual trail maps.

Maps: Maps to Each Unit

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: The trails on the southern end are only about 10 miles north of downtown. The furthest trails are about 43 miles away.

Parking/Cost: Each unit has one or more parking areas. The gravel parking lots can fill up quickly. To park and visit the trails it costs $5 per vehicle.

KENNESAW MOUNTAIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK

best hikes around Atlanta

BEST FOR A MORE CHALLENGING HIKE

If you are looking for the best hikes around Atlanta that are longer and slightly more challenging, definitely check out Kennesaw Mountain.  You can probably guess from the name, that the park was used as a battleground during the Civil War. Many markers and historical signs throughout the park will tell you more about the battles fought here. Also you will notice cannons alongside the trails in several spots.

There are over 16 miles of trails in the park. If parking at the visitor center, you can hike either the orange 1.33 mile Environmental Trail or the red 5.8 mile Mountain Loop. You can also do the 16.6 mile green loop that covers the same ground as the red loop, but with additional trails further south.

The harder parts of the red loop are the first half so I would recommend going counter clockwise. You will know you are going in the right direction if the trail is inclining. There are also signs pointing to Kennesaw Mountain. This section is almost all uphill. The ground has some tree roots and rocks, but the challenge is more the incline and not the uneven ground. Many families and hikers of all abilities were hiking here. It is the most crowded section. After about 1 mile you will reach the summit of the 1,808 ft Kennesaw Mountain.

The top of the mountain offers great views of the surrounding area. You can even see Atlanta from the top. Many hikers turn around here and do not continue the loop. As soon as you begin to go back down the other side you will notice significantly less people. The next two miles are the most challenging. With several past rolled ankles, I took this section very slowly. Don’t think it is all downhill from here. You need to climb up Little Kennesaw Mountain too! The trail continues to go up and down. In addition to the changing elevation it is also quite rocky.

From the Pigeon Hill Cutoff at the southern end of the loop, the trail levels out both in terrain and elevation. The rest of the way back to the visitor center is in the woods and very nice.

Trail Miles: 16+ miles

Bathrooms: At the visitor center. It closes at 5pm.

Maps: I found the maps to be rather unclear. Each one shows the outline of the park, but varies in what it includes. The best maps are the ones that are divided by section. You can find them online or pick one up at the visitor center.

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 23 miles (to the parking lot at the visitor center)

Parking/Cost: The main parking lot is at the visitor center. There are several other parking lots. To park and visit the trails it costs $5 per vehicle.

ARABIA MOUNTAIN NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA 

best hikes close to Atlanta

BEST FOR A UNIQUE LANDSCAPE

Many of the best hikes near Atlanta have similar landscapes. They are typically in wooded areas, along a river, and/or include some civil war history or ruins. Arabia Mountain on the other hand is quite different. It is a National Heritage Area which means it is run by the National Park Service. The land has taken 400 million years to form and is comprised of two monadnocks. In simple terms a monadnocks is a big granite rock. Many say they feel like they arrived on the moon when walking around Arabia Mountain! 

The heritage area includes Panola State Park and some PATH trails, which are both described below. Altogether there are about 20 miles of trails. The “G” trail up the mountain offers 360 degree views and is one of the most popular trails. The “I” trail around the base of the mountain is also a popular trail with scenic views. While the 954 ft mountain doesn’t take that long to climb, you may want to consider visiting in the cooler months. I made the mistake of climbing it on a 90+ degree day and it was a very hot climb without any shade!

The nearby “F” trail is another place to walk on the rocky terrain. On the other hand the “E” trail, which forms a loop with the “F” trail, is within a forest and alongside Arabia lake. Trails “B” and “C” further away are quite secluded with very few other hikers. They are mostly dirt trails with a few rocky parts and a section through a meadow. Other than the meadow part they are shaded. Paved PATH trails and boardwalks connect all of these trails.

As you can tell, there is a variety of landscapes at Arabia Mountain, but also a lot of history and culture.

Trail Miles: Not including Panola or the PATH trails there are about 10 miles of trails.

Bathrooms: At most trailheads and parking lots including the Nature Center, Wildlife Center, and Vaughters’ Farm.

MapsHiking Trails

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 20 miles

Parking/Cost: Free parking. All the parking lots can fill quickly, but especially the ones closest to Arabia Mountain (Wildlife Center & Nature Center)

State Parks Near Atlanta

PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

best places to hike near Atlanta

BEST FOR FLORA & FAUNA

Within the Arabia National Heritage Area is Panola Mountain State Park. It is a conservation area containing a 100 acre granite outcrop and a rare ecosystem. In order to reach Panola Mountain’s summit you need to take a guided-ranger led hike due to the delicate plant life on the mountain. There is a small network of trails near the park entrance that you can hike on your own.

Further north near the Arabia trails you will find the historic Vaughters’ Farm. Behind the farm is a 1.25 mile loop trail that circles around a grassy meadow. Hikers visit the farm for photos, but rarely seem to walk the trail. We didn’t pass anyone for the entire way.

Seven miles of PATH trails also run through the park. From the main entrance take the PATH towards Alexander Lake. On the way there is a short boardwalk that overlooks Panola Mountain. The trail loops around Alexander Lake on a long boardwalk. From the lake you can head back through Alexander Barn and onto the same path back to the entrance or continue on to other areas of the park and Arabia Mountain.

In addition to hiking in the park there are a lot of other recreational activities available. The tree climbing program sounds really interesting. With the help of your rope and harness you explore the natural environment from a new vantage point. Archery lessons are another one of the unique activities offered in the park.

Trail Miles: 7 miles of PATH trails & about 3 other miles of unpaved trails (not including Arabia trails)

Bathrooms: At the main entrance parking lot and at the Alexander Lake trailhead.

MapsTrail Map

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 22 miles

Parking/Cost: $5 to park at the state park. The Arabia parking lots do not charge admission.

SWEETWATER CREEK STATE PARK

best hiking trails near Atlanta

BEST FOR SCENIC VIEWS

Some of my favorite hikes close to Atlanta are located in Sweetwater Creek State Park. All the trails begin or are accessed from the visitor center. There are seven different color coded trails. For the most part they are well marked on the map and on the trails. 

The red trail, known as the history trail, is one mile long. Many hikers choose this trail because it is alongside the creek, offers beautiful views and leads to the historic Mill Ruins. The first half mile is easy and very family friendly. The next half mile becomes quite challenging with rocky terrain. I felt like I was rock climbing, up and down! This section is well marked with the opportunity to turn around or take the white 5 mile loop trail and avoid the more strenuous part of the red trail. Again at the end of the red trail you can connect with the white trail.

The east side of the creek with the yellow, orange, and blue trails is not as busy. The Blue Trail is directly across the river from a police firing range. The gunshots ringing out did take away a bit of the serenity one typically feels when hiking. Luckily the yellow and orange trails are a little further away and you can’t hear the gunshots.

Other than the one section of the red trail, most of the trails are dirt with only small rocks. They are not completely level and have some elevation changes in parts, but they are not overly challenging. Views of Sweetwater Creek are beautiful year-round, but especially in the fall.

Trail Miles: Over 15 miles

Bathrooms: Yes. As there is camping at the park, after the main visitor center closes, the other restrooms are still open.

Maps: Trail Map

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 20 miles

Parking/Cost: $5 parking, park near the visitor center

Parks and Nature Preserves Near Atlanta

There are many other places to walk in Atlanta, including more parks and nature preserves. As the locals would say they are ITP (in the perimeter of I-285 which forms a loop around the city). The following include only the best hikes close to Atlanta that are OTP (out of the perimeter of I-285).

STONE MOUNTAIN

The best hiking near Atlanta

BEST FOR 360 DEGREE VIEWS

Stone Mountain Park is a family friendly attraction park. It has year-round attractions like miniature golf, a scenic railroad, and historical buildings. It also hosts annual festivals and events. While all of those require paid admission, you can go hiking for free at Stone Mountain. 

The one mile walk-up trail is the most popular. It is only one mile up and the same one mile back down, but it does get quite steep in parts. Near the top there is a metal railing to help hikers go up and down. It’s not a good trail on or after rainy days as the terrain becomes quite slippery. 

Once at the top you will be treated with a great unobstructed view. You can wander around the large mountaintop and see for miles in every direction. There’s even a food place at the top and a cable car if you don’t wish to walk back down. You do need to pay extra for this.

On lower ground you will find five looping trails and a few other connecting trails. The looping trails range from a ¾ mile to 5 miles. They are all fairly easy, dirt or gravel tread trails. The five mile Cherokee Trail goes around the base of the mountain and connects to the other trails. 

Trail Miles: About 13 miles 

Bathrooms: Yes, at the bottom and the top of Stone Mountain. Also a few other locations near the other trails. They are marked on the main map. Note that some of them are seasonal and only open March – November. The complete hiking trails map shows which ones are seasonal. 

Maps: All Maps Be aware that the main map and the complete hiking map views are opposite. One map has north to the top and the other has north to the bottom. 

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 20 – 25 miles

Parking/Cost: Free to hike, but $20 parking. The walk up trail lot near the South Woods gate is where the hike up the mountain begins. If you take MARTA from Atlanta (it is a bit of a journey) then you won’t have to pay for parking. You can also try to find a spot in the town of Stone Mountain. Many of the spots have a 3 hour time limit though. It is easy to walk to the trails from the center of town. The Stone Mountain Path trail that runs from downtown Atlanta to the park is also near this entrance. 

MORGAN FALLS OVERLOOK PARK

hiking close to atlanta

BEST FOR COMBINING WITH A DAY ON THE RIVER

Morgan Falls Overlook Park in Sandy Springs is a really nice park with a new, shaded playground. High Country Outfitters Paddle Shack rents kayaks and stand up paddle boards (SUPs) right at the park. They have a great system where the kayaks are already down at the dock so you don’t need to carry them. Staff also help you enter and exit the water. It couldn’t be any simpler. 

The forested trail at the park starts at one end of the parking lot. It weaves through the woods for about a mile and comes out on the far end of the playground past the parking lot. While the trail isn’t very long, it is scenic and you can easily make several loops to add on a couple of miles.

The swinging benches overlooking the Chattahoochee River make for a relaxing end to a busy day paddling and hiking. Make sure to pick up a popsicle from King of Pops to enjoy during your rest.

Trail Miles: About 1 mile

Bathrooms: Yes, near the playground.

Maps: Not Needed

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 20 miles

Parking/Cost: Free parking lot

REYNOLDS NATURE PRESERVE

hiking close to Atlanta

BEST FOR AN EASY, SHORT HIKE

The 146 acre Reynolds Nature Preserve is a great spot if you are looking for easy hiking close to Atlanta. The preserve is a nice woodland area that includes Back Mountain and several ponds. There are around 3 miles of natural trails. The perimeter loop is about 1.5 miles. Within the perimeter loop there are several smaller looping trails. There is some elevation change, but overall the trails are fairly easy. A short wheelchair accessible boardwalk behind the nature center leads to one of the ponds.

It’s a good place to see some wildlife. If you don’t see any outside, you can visit the nature center during the week to see live animals and environmental exhibits.

The early history of the nature preserve isn’t entirely clear as the records were burned during the Civil War. William Reynolds owned the property in the 1920s. Several buildings including two barns were on the property at that time. One of them you can still see as you are hiking around the perimeter.

Trail Miles: About 3 miles

Bathrooms: At the entrance, but only open M – F 8am – 5pm 

Maps: Trail Map

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 14 miles

Parking/Cost: Free parking lot

Trails Near Atlanta

PATH

PATH Trail: best hiking near Atlanta

BEST FOR LONG, PAVED TRAILS

Some people may only consider hiking when it is done on natural surfaces. Who is to say that you can’t hike on paved trails though? There are a lot of great paved trails for hiking near Atlanta.

The paved multi-use PATH trails are spread out around the state. There are more than 300 miles of trails. While the best part of hiking isn’t about reaching a destination, but the activity itself, sometimes it is nice when you can actually get somewhere on your hike. The PATH trails are great because many of them are in or around Atlanta. They connect many of the best neighborhoods in Atlanta and make for a car-free way to move around the metro area.

The Eastside BeltLine trail and the Stone Mountain Trail are both popular trails within Atlanta. Before reaching Stone Mountain, the path goes through several parks and neighborhoods in Atlanta, including the linear Freedom Park. The 33 mile Arabia PATH travels through Panola State Park and Arabia Mountain, connecting with the hiker only trails in the heritage area.

Read more about the BeltLine and PATH trails in my Atlanta walking guide.

Trail Miles: ~300 miles

Bathrooms: Many trails are in Atlanta, other cities, or parks where bathrooms are nearby.

Maps: PATH trails

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: Depends on which trail. The Stone Mountain PATH goes downtown.

Parking/Cost: Varies by location. No fee to use the trails.

MOUNTAIN TO RIVER TRAIL 

Mountain to River Trail: Best Hikes around Atlanta

BEST FOR A BELTLINE ALTERNATIVE

While one of the most popular PATH trails, the Atlanta BeltLine is a top trail, it can become quite crowded. Another great paved tail that isn’t as busy is the Mountain to River trail which begins at Kennesaw Mountain and continues for about 3.5 miles to Marietta. Plans are in the works to extend the trail to the Chattahoochee River, thus the name Mountain to River.

It was a little unclear how to access the trail and locals were not sure either! There are a few spots, like the bridge over the interstate right after the cemetery where you can see the trail but can’t access it. The trail runs along Kennesaw Avenue and can be accessed in most spots though. We started walking towards the mountain from the Marietta Confederate Cemetery.

Trail Miles: About 3.5 miles, but will be extended further

Bathrooms: At the Kennesaw National Battleground Visitor Center or at businesses in Marietta (Marietta Square Market)

Maps: Map

Distance from Downtown Atlanta: About 20 – 23 miles

Parking/Cost: $5 parking at the Kennesaw Visitor Center or you can find free street parking in Marietta.

What to Bring Hiking Near Atlanta

Many of the best places to hike near Atlanta only take a few hours to hike. Even if you are only planning on hiking for a couple of hours on an easy trail, it pays to come prepared with the best outdoor items. Depending on the time of the year these are the items that I always bring on my hikes.

  • Sea to Summit Day Pack: I can’t say enough good things about this backpack. To start it is lightweight and weighs only 2.4 ounces. When empty you can’t feel it at all. This is essential for me because I don’t want to carry any extra weight. I have been traveling around the world with it for the last four years and when packed down it takes up hardly any space. Not to mention I use it at least once a week if not more so it is very durable for being such lightweight material.
  • Water Bottle: I have had my trusty Nalgene bottles for even longer than my backpack. It is one of those rare items that are made to last.
  • Snacks: I never go anywhere without a snack, seriously I don’t! Especially when hiking and working up an appetite. You never know when you might accidentally go on a longer loop and then find the perfect mountain view to enjoy a snack. Cliff Bars are packed with protein and can be jostled around without becoming smushed.
  • Bug Spray: In the wooded hikes in the summer you don’t want to be without bug spray. I use OFF and prefer the smaller size bottles so they are easier to carry.
  • Sunscreen: Neutrogena is my sunscreen of choice because it has a less gloppy feel than other brands. The sunscreen smell is slightly toned down as well.
  • Kleenex & a Ziplock Bag: Ladies, if nature calls when you aren’t near a restroom it is good to be prepared. Remember to leave no trace and take any paper protects with you (thus the ziplock bag). Plus Kleenex and bags can come in handy for a lot of other reasons.
  • Wet Wipes: After going to the bathroom, having a snack, or using your hands to climb over some muddy rocks you will be glad to have wet wipes. I much prefer them to hand sanitizer because they will clean dirty hands in addition to sanitizing.

In your opinion, where is the best hiking near Atlanta? Let me know in the comments if I left out any of your favorite hikes around Atlanta. 

More in Atlanta

ACTIVITIES: 

ART:

FOOD:

OUTDOORS:


Pin IT!!

11 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *