Best Hikes in Atlanta: Top Trails for Every Kind of Hiker

You don’t have to leave the metro area to find great hiking. Atlanta mixes forest, river, and city skyline views in a way that’s hard to match. Whether you live in-town and want a quick after-work walk or you’re visiting and looking for a full Saturday adventure, there are hikes in and around Atlanta for every level.

Below is a guide to the best hikes in Atlanta and the immediate surrounding area, plus what to expect, how hard they are, and practical tips on parking, crowds, and safety.

Quick-Glance Guide: Best Hikes Near Atlanta

1. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: The Classic Atlanta Hikes

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is one of the best places to hike near Atlanta, with multiple units along the river.

Atlanta-area visitors typically use:

• Island Ford Visitor Center (general info)
  1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  Phone: 678-538-1200

Parking is usually paid; bring a card or check current fee details before you go.

East Palisades: Best In-Town “Escape” Hike

Where: Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Distance: 2–5 miles depending on loops
Difficulty: Moderate (some climbs, roots, and rocks)

Why locals love it:

• Feels surprisingly wild for being inside the Perimeter
• Great views of the Chattahoochee River and bluffs
• A well-known bamboo forest area that feels totally different from the rest of the trail
• Shady forest, good on hot days

Good to know:

• Trails are well-used but not always well-marked. Take a photo of the map at the trailhead or use a trail app.
• Can be muddy after heavy rain.
• Dogs are common but must be leashed.

Best for: Hikers comfortable with some up-and-down and roots who want a “real hike” within city limits.

West Palisades (Paces Mill Area): River and Bluff Views

Where: 3444 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
Distance: 2–4 miles
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

Highlights:

• Gentle trails along the river and through forest
• Bluff overlooks with views of the Chattahoochee
• Close to Vinings, Buckhead, and the Battery area

Good to know:

• Easier footing than East Palisades, with some rolling hills.
• Popular on weekends; parking can fill up late morning.

Best for:Casual hikers and families wanting nature without too much climbing.

2. Stone Mountain: Iconic Summit Hike East of Atlanta

Where: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Distance: ~1.3 miles each way (Walk-Up Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous (short but steep)
Parking: Fee to enter the park

The Stone Mountain walk-up trail is one of the most famous hikes near Atlanta. It’s a granite dome with a clear trail straight up the west side.

Why it stands out:

• Wide-open rock, not a forest walk
• Big city views: On clear days you can see downtown Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains
• Great sunrise or early morning hike in cooler months

Tips:

• It’s steep and fully exposed. In summer, go early or near sunset, bring plenty of water, and wear sun protection.
• The rock can be slippery when wet or icy.
• There are also easier loop trails around the base if you want something flatter.

Best for: People okay with a climb who want one of the best skyline views near Atlanta.

3. Arabia Mountain: Otherworldly Rock and Rare Plants

Where: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Main nature center: 3787 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038

Distance: Multiple options from 1–6+ miles
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

Arabia Mountain feels like stepping onto another planet: bare granite, shallow pools, and rare, colorful plants.

Why it’s one of the best hikes near Atlanta:

• Less crowded than Stone Mountain, with a similar granite environment
• Beautiful in spring (wildflowers) and late winter when the rock pools hold water
• Mixture of rock scrambles, forest paths, and lakes

Tips:

• Stay on marked areas of rock to protect fragile plant life.
• There’s a paved multi-use PATH trail system nearby if someone in your group prefers biking or walking on pavement.
• Bring a hat and water; the rock is exposed and can get hot.

Best for: Hikers who want a unique landscape close to the city without a long drive.

4. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: History + Hills

Visitor Center:
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152
Phone: 770-427-4686

Distance: 2–10+ miles depending on route
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections

Kennesaw Mountain is a favorite for training hikes and anyone who wants both history and scenery.

Highlights:

• Main trail from the visitor center to the summit (about 1 mile up) with Civil War earthworks and signage
• Longer ridge hikes to Little Kennesaw and Pigeon Hill
• Overlooks with views toward Atlanta and the metro area

Good to know:

• Very popular, especially on weekends and pleasant days. Parking can overflow.
• There’s a road to the top, and a shuttle bus sometimes operates from the visitor center (check current details if needed).
• Trails can be rocky and rooty; good shoes are helpful.

Best for: Hikers looking for a solid workout close to Marietta and northwest Atlanta.

5. Sweetwater Creek State Park: Ruins, Rapids, and Woods

Where: 1750 Mount Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Phone: 770-732-5871

Distance: 1–5+ miles on various loops
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Parking: State park fee or pass

Located just west of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park is one of the most popular day-hike destinations for metro residents.

Why it’s a top choice:

• Scenic rushing creek and small waterfalls
• Historic textile mill ruins from the 1800s
• Mix of easy creekside walking and more rugged hillside trails

Popular routes:

• Red Trail: Along the creek to the ruins; mostly easy with some rocky bits.
• White & Blue Trails: Longer loops through forest and higher terrain, quieter than the main ruin area.

Tips:

• Can be very crowded and parking may fill up on nice weekends.
• Trails near the water can be slippery; step carefully on wet rocks.
• Check creek conditions if there’s been heavy rain; parts of the trail can be muddy or occasionally affected.

Best for: People wanting a classic forest-and-river Georgia hike less than an hour from downtown.

6. Intown Atlanta Hikes: Nature Without Leaving the City

If you don’t have time to drive to a state park, there are several green pockets inside Atlanta that offer surprisingly good hiking-style walks.

Morningside Nature Preserve

Where: 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
Distance: 1–2+ miles
Difficulty: Easy

Why go:

• Shady trails through forest and along South Fork Peachtree Creek
• Popular “dog beach” area at the water (dogs should be under good control; leashes are required per rules even where some people let dogs swim)
• Convenient to Midtown, Virginia-Highland, and Buckhead

Best for: Short, relaxed hikes and dog owners wanting a wooded intown walk.

Lullwater Preserve (Emory University Area)

Where: 1463 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30322 (public walking access near Emory campus entrances; parking is limited nearby)
Distance: ~2–3 miles of paths
Difficulty: Easy

Highlights:

• Trails around a lake and through forest
• A small waterfall and a pedestrian suspension bridge
• Historic Candler Mansion ruins

Good to know:

• It’s more of a nature walk than a strenuous hike.
• Often used by Emory students and neighbors for jogging and dog walking.

Best for: A peaceful intown escape that still feels tucked away.

Other Intown Walking/Hiking Options

• South Peachtree Creek Trail (near Medlock Park / Mason Mill in Decatur) – mix of boardwalks, paved path, and forest.
• Fernbank Forest (at Fernbank Museum) – reserved old-growth forest access; check for hours and entry requirements.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside & Westside Trails – more urban walking/biking than “hiking,” but useful if you want long, safe, mostly flat mileage in the city.

7. Silver Comet Trail: Long, Flat Miles for Walkers and Runners

Main Georgia trailhead near:
4480 Mavell Rd, Smyrna, GA 30082

Distance: Up to 60+ miles (out-and-back as far as you like)
Difficulty: Easy (paved, gentle grades)

While technically more of a recreational rail-trail than a traditional hike, the Silver Comet Trail is popular among Atlantans for long walks.

Why it’s worth knowing about:

• No car traffic on the trail surface
• Great for long-distance fitness walking, running, or stroller walks
• Shaded sections west of Smyrna feel surprisingly rural

Best for: People wanting smooth, predictable surfaces and the ability to, say, walk 5–10 miles without big hills.

8. Panola Mountain State Park: Protected Granite Summit

Where: 2620 Georgia 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
Phone: 770-389-7801

Distance: 1–6+ miles depending on trails and tours
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate

Panola Mountain is a protected granite monadnock (like Stone and Arabia) but more strictly managed to preserve its ecosystem.

Highlights:

• Lakeside and forest trails open to the public
• Ranger-led hikes and guided trips to the protected summit (often require advance registration)
• Part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area trail system

Best for: Hikers interested in guided nature experiences and a quieter alternative to Stone Mountain.

9. How to Choose the Best Hike in Atlanta for You

When you’re deciding where to go, think about:

1. Driving Distance

• Under 20 minutes from Midtown: East/West Palisades, Morningside Nature Preserve, Lullwater, some BeltLine and neighborhood trails.
• 20–40 minutes: Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Sweetwater Creek, Silver Comet trailheads, Panola Mountain.

2. Difficulty and Terrain

• Easier / beginner-friendly:

  • Morningside Nature Preserve
  • Lullwater Preserve
  • West Palisades (river sections)
  • Red Trail at Sweetwater (go slow on rocky areas)
  • Silver Comet Trail (paved)

• Moderate / moderate-plus:

  • East Palisades
  • Stone Mountain walk-up
  • Kennesaw Mountain ridge trails
  • Arabia Mountain (rock + trail combos)
  • Longer loops at Sweetwater and Panola

3. What Kind of Experience You Want

• Best river hikes in Atlanta: East and West Palisades, Sweetwater Creek, Morningside, parts of CRNRA at Island Ford, Cochran Shoals.
• Best skyline views: Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, some high points, and overlooks on clear days at Arabia.
• Best hike close to Midtown: East Palisades or Morningside Nature Preserve.
• Best “feel like you left the city” spots: Arabia Mountain, Sweetwater Creek, Kennesaw, Panola.

10. Practical Tips for Hiking Around Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific points can make your hike smoother:

Weather & Timing

• Heat and humidity: From late spring through early fall, start early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on exposed granite (Stone, Arabia, Panola).
• Storms: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer; avoid high exposed rock during storms and watch for slick surfaces afterward.
• Winter: Trails are usually open year-round; occasional ice or freezing rain can make rock and boardwalks very slippery.

Parking and Fees

• Many popular spots have parking fees or require passes:
  • State parks like Sweetwater and Panola typically charge a daily fee or honor a state park pass.
  • Stone Mountain charges for park entry.
  • CRNRA units (Palisades, Island Ford, etc.) usually require a day-use fee or federal pass.
• Lots for intown preserves may be small and fill quickly; street parking rules can be strict around Emory and nearby neighborhoods.

Safety and Etiquette

• Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile habitats and to reduce erosion, especially on granite surfaces.
• Carry water, a basic snack, and a small daypack even on shorter hikes.
• Snakes and other wildlife live in the area; just give them space and stay aware of where you step and sit.
• Dogs are widely allowed but typically must be on leash; check specific site rules.
• In busier parks, expect to share narrow trails—step to the side for faster hikers or runners and be courteous.

Local Info Sources

For current conditions, hours, and potential closures, Atlantans commonly check:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
  Island Ford Visitor Center
  1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  Phone: 678-538-1200

• Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (for Sweetwater, Panola, and others)
  Georgia Department of Natural Resources – Parks Division
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, Suite 1352, Atlanta, GA 30334
  Main office phone: 404-656-0770

• Stone Mountain Park
  1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Guest services typically available by phone via the park’s main line.

Calling ahead or checking official park information can help you avoid showing up to a full parking lot, special event closure, or trail work.

If you’re in or near Atlanta, you’re never far from a good hike. With options from quick lunch-break walks to half-day summit routes, you can match a trail to your schedule, fitness level, and mood—and still make it back in time for dinner in the city.