20.1K

Summary- The best hikes near Atlanta

Atlanta has been my home for the last two years and I’ve loved getting to explore the lesser-known side of it- the hidden nature gems. I get asked all the time, “There are hiking trails near Atlanta!?” Yes, there is!

The city may be known for its bars, clubs, and shopping scene, but it also has an outdoor appeal to it. In today’s post, I’m highlighting 10 different hikes for you to get your much needed nature escape from the city.

Georgia is one of the most beautiful states in the Southeast, I may be biased because I live here, but it’s true! If you want to explore more of the state be sure to check out some Breathtaking Waterfalls in Georgia.

Please remember to leave no trace when you are on the trails so we can keep the outdoors beautiful. Atlanta hiking trails consist of a variety of aspects that you wouldn’t expect to find so close to the city, such as waterfalls, mountains and beautiful scenery. Happy hiking!

What to Pack For Hikes Near Atlanta

Sometimes the outdoors can be unpredictable so it’s always a good idea to bring the necessary items for every hiking trip. These are my go-to’s for every hike near Atlanta:

• Hydroflask waterbottle
• Battery Pack
• Snacks
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bug Repellent
• Head Lamps
• First Aid Kit
• Camera
• Rain Jacket
• All Trails App Pro Version

Map of Hikes Near Atlanta

The Most Amazing Hikes Near Atlanta

1) East Palisades Trail

LENGTH: 3.3 miles roundtrip to the bamboo forest
DIFFICULTY: Easy, loop trail 
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $0

This is absolutely one of my favorite hikes near Atlanta! It is only 20 minutes from downtown and it’s the perfect escape from the city. East Palisades Trail is right along the Chattahoochee River and features an overlook of the river and a bamboo forest. Yes, a bamboo forest right in the middle of Atlanta! 

This trail is heavily trafficked and therefore the parking lot gets pretty packed. If you want to secure a spot I suggest arriving before 11 am, especially when the weather is nice. 

Many people struggle to find the bamboo forest once they arrive. Luckily this trail is well marked and there are plenty of maps along the trail to guide you. The bamboo forest can be found on marker EP 26 and is located at top of the map.

The best way to do this trail is to start at EP 1 and go left and walk along the river, this way you can stop by the overlook between markers 12 and 14. Then work your way up to the bamboo forest. Once you leave, you can either choose to go back the way you came or go to marker EP 24 and walk back down to EP 1, this way will be less scenic but is much quicker as it is mostly downhill.

PARKING: There are two places you can park for this trail. If you look at the map below, I recommend parking at marker EP 1, this way you can start your hike along the water. To get here use this address: 4058 Whitewater Creek Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327

2) Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail

LENGTH: 4 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, loop trail 
DOGS: Not allowed
FEE: $0

Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trails shows off some beautiful views of North Georgia and is located 40 minutes Northwest of Atlanta. It is a beautiful view at sunset where you can look at the vast fields below you and you can even see mountains in the distance. This trail is mostly uphill on the way there and downhill on the way back.

PARKING: There is a ton of parking here and you should have no problem finding a spot. The parking address is: 2500 Bettis Tribble Gap Rd Cumming, GA 30040

SEE ALSO: 10 WATERFALLS TO CHASE IN NORTH GEORGIA

3) Stone Mountain Trail

LENGTH: 2 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: More difficult, out and back trail 
DOGS: Not allowed 
FEE: $20 (if parking within Stone Mountain gate)

Stone Mountain was my very first hike in Atlanta and was the hike that got all of this started!! I went at sunset and the view was spectacular. Stone Mountain is a popular and highly trafficked trail that gives you a great workout on your way to the top.

There is a yellow marked trail as you go up that will give you the best path to take to ease the difficulty. Once you reach the top you can see 360 views of the Atlanta skyline, the North Georgia mountains, and the surrounding areas.

PARKING: You can park inside the gate and pay $20 or you can choose to save the money (like I do) and park a few blocks down from Stone Mountain. I usually park on side road in a neighborhood. The parking lot address is 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

4) Vickery Creek at Roswell Mill

LENGTH: 3.4 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, loop trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $0

Vickery Creek is the closest waterfall (it’s technically a dam) that you will find near the city. Located 25 minutes North of downtown Atlanta, this beautiful waterfall is the perfect summer spot to cool down under on a hot day.

This is where I take friends and family when they are visiting from out of town because it’s scenic, peaceful, and a quick walk to the waterfall.

If you want to take the shortest route to the waterfall, take a left before crossing the bridge and walk straight down. You will reach the waterfall in about a 7 minute walk.

If you cross the bridge you can see the waterfall on the other side and there are different trails that you can walk.

PARKING: There is large parking here but it does get filled quickly on the weekends so you may have to drive around a few times to find a spot. The address is 1 Mill St, Roswell, GA 30075.

5) Pine Mountain Trail

LENGTH: 2.1 miles roundtrip (West Loop)
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, out and back
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $0

I am a huge sucker for a good sunset and this trail is the perfect way to watch the end of the day with a good view. The sunsets at Pine Mountain are unreal at this beautiful hiking trail near Atlanta. It is located 40 minutes West of the city and is a perfect escape to nature. Most of the trail is in covered woods until

PARKING: There is a lot of parking spots here, and I’ve rarely seen it full so you should have no trouble finding a spot. The parking lot does close at 10 pm so make sure you are back from your hike in time. The address to get here is: Komatsu Dr SE Cartersville, GA 30121

6) Sweetwater Creek State Park

LENGTH: 4.1 miles roundtrip (White Trial)
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, loop trail 
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 to park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a family-friendly trail near Atlanta that is usually populated with people in swimming suits playing the water, kayaking down the creek, or fishing.

There are so many trails to explore here from difficult to easy. If you are just looking to get in the water, the hike from the parking lot will probably take you about 10 minutes.

Many families come here to picnic and have play dates in the water. It’s beautiful during the summer and fun to jump around the rocks while the water is rushing around you.

PARKING: There is plenty of parking here, the address is 1750 Mt Vernon Rd Lithia Springs, GA 30122.

7) High Falls State Park

LENGTH: 1.1 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, loop trail 
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $5 for parking

This is one of those places that you won’t believe exists in Georgia, let alone within an hour from Atlanta! The trail starts with a set of stairs leading to the waterfall and as I walked down and it opened up to this large cascading waterfall I was absolutely stunned.

Sometimes I just stand in front of nature and think you’ve got to be kidding me, no way this place is real. This is one of those places and this makes it one the best hikes close to Atlanta.

You technically don’t have to do much hiking to see the waterfall, once you make it down the stairs you can choose to do the 1 mile loop or go back up the stairs to go back to your car. I highly recommend doing the hike, the first half goes along the water and it feels like you are in lush rainforest.

PARKING: There are a ton of spots of parking here. Once you pay at the gate and park, you’ll want to cross the street to find the trail. The address is 76 High Falls Park Dr, Jackson, GA 30233.

8) Arabia Mountain

LENGTH: 1.3 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate, out and back trail
DOGS: Allowed on a leash 
FEE: $0

Arabia Mountain is a large granite mountain with more than 30 miles of hiking trails that’s located just 30 minutes from downtown Atlanta. It’s a very popular spot and you will often see people taking their engagement or maternity photos here.

Depending on the season, once you reach the top you may be greeted with wildflowers, pools of water, or grass which look nice when contrasted with the granite rock.

PARKING: This parking lot is pretty small so it may be difficult to find a spot. The address is 4158 Klondike Road Stonecrest, GA 30038

9) Morningside Nature Preserve

LENGTH: 1 miles roundtrip, loop 
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DOGS: Allowed 
FEE: $0

This trail is in the middle of a neighborhood in Atlanta and only minutes from downtown. It starts off leading you uphill through the woods, then takes you down a pair of stairs onto a wooden paved trail. As you continue down you will come across a hanging bridge and just below is what they call the “Dog Beach.” We walked this trail at sunset and saw a lot of lighting bugs following us along the trail so it was awesome to see.

PARKING: There is limited parking here, only about 10 spots but it is not usually crowded during weekdays. The address to get here is: 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

10) Kennesaw Mountain

LENGTH: 1.2 miles roundtrip
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
DOGS: Allowed on a leash
FEE: $0

The Kennesaw Mountain is a great hike near Atlanta that is mostly uphill and is a good workout to get your legs burning on a morning workout. It is highly trafficked and popular amongst the residents in Cobb county. At the top, you can see the Atlanta skyline and North Georgia mountains in the distance.

PARKING: There are ample parking spots here, yet the lot can still get filled quickly, especially on the weekends. The address is 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr Marietta, GA 30060.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this post, please share it!