Best Hiking Near Atlanta, GA: Top Trails, Local Tips, and Where to Go

Atlanta might be known for traffic and skyscrapers, but you’re never far from a great hike. Whether you live in-town, are staying in Midtown or Buckhead, or you’re visiting and want to see Georgia’s outdoors without a long drive, there are excellent hiking options within 30–90 minutes of Atlanta.

Below is a practical guide to the best hiking near Atlanta, GA, broken down by distance, difficulty, and what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Quick Overview: Top Hiking Spots Near Atlanta

Driving times assume leaving from downtown Atlanta with light-to-average traffic.

Best Hiking Within 30 Minutes of Atlanta

These options work well for weekday evenings, quick morning hikes, or when you don’t want to spend all day in the car.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

If you’re in Atlanta and love hiking, you will eventually end up at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). It’s not one park but a chain of units along the river, many within or just outside the I-285 perimeter.

Common access points near Atlanta include:

• East Palisades Unit (Whitewater Creek) – Sandy Springs
• West Palisades Unit (Pace’s Mill / Akers Mill) – Vinings
• Cochran Shoals – Powers Island / Interstate North – Sandy Springs
• Island Ford – Sandy Springs

Why locals love it:

• Short drive from Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Vinings
• Woods + river views, with a mix of easy riverside walking and hillier loops
• Great for trail running, dog walking (leash required), and quick hikes

Trail highlights:

• East Palisades:
  • Steeper sections, bluffs above the river, and a popular bamboo grove area.
  • Good if you want more elevation and views close to town.
• Cochran Shoals – Fitness Loop:
  • Flat, wide gravel loop along the river; great starter hike or easy walk.
• Island Ford:
  • Forested trails with some rocky sections; more “wild” feel than some city parks.

Need-to-know:

• The CRNRA is managed by the National Park Service.
• Parking typically requires a daily fee or an interagency pass.
• Check the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area office for current info:
  • 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  • Phone: (678) 538-1200

Stone Mountain Park

Distance: About 30 minutes east of downtown (traffic and time of day matter).

Stone Mountain is one of the most recognizable outdoor spots near Atlanta. The main draw for hikers is the Walk-Up Trail to the top of the granite dome.

Walk-Up Trail basics:

• Distance: Roughly 2 miles round-trip
• Difficulty:Moderate – short but steep, especially near the top
• Experience:
  • Wide, open rock with great views of the Atlanta skyline on clear days
  • Can be crowded on weekends and nice-weather evenings

Other trails include:

• Cherokee Trail: Circles the mountain’s base through woods and across exposed rock.
• Shorter nature trails near the lake and picnic areas.

Need-to-know:

• There is usually a vehicle entry fee to get inside the park’s main gate.
• Trails are open during general park hours; check ahead if going early or late.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Distance: Around 30 minutes northwest from downtown, near Marietta.

Kennesaw Mountain offers both Civil War history and a solid workout. Trails climb and descend multiple summits, with forested paths and occasional views.

Popular routes:

• Kennesaw Mountain Summit Trail
  • Approx. 2 miles out-and-back from the visitor center
  • Steady uphill, can be rocky and crowded on weekends
• Longer loop options across Little Kennesaw, Pigeon Hill, and connecting trails for 5–10+ miles.

Why it’s a favorite:

• Good option if you live in Marietta, Smyrna, or northwest Atlanta.
• Feels more like “real” hiking than a city park, with noticeable elevation gain.

Need-to-know:

• Managed by the National Park Service.
• Check the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center for maps and parking:
  • 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw, GA 30152
  • Phone: (770) 427-4686

Best Hiking 30–60 Minutes from Atlanta

If you can spare a half-day or full day, these spots add more scenery while still being easy to reach from most Atlanta neighborhoods.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Distance: Roughly 25 minutes west of downtown, near Lithia Springs.

This is one of the most popular state parks for Atlanta residents because it’s close, scenic, and has trails for most skill levels.

Trail highlights:

• Red Trail (Mill Ruins Trail)
  • Follows Sweetwater Creek past historic mill ruins and rapids
  • Mostly easy to moderate, with some rocky, rooty sections
• White and Yellow Trails
  • Longer, more wooded hikes with fewer crowds
  • Good if you want to stretch your mileage beyond just the river section

Why go:

• Fast drive from downtown, Westside, or south of I-20
• Creek views, boulders, and shade make it nice even on warmer days
• Good option for families and casual hikers, with more challenging routes available

Need-to-know:

• Managed by Georgia State Parks.
• Daily parking fee or state park pass usually required.
• Sweetwater Creek State Park office:
  • 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
  • Phone: (770) 732-5871

Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain, and the Monastery Area

Distance: Around 25–35 minutes east/southeast of Atlanta, mostly off I-20.

This area features several granite outcrops, similar in feel to Stone Mountain but more natural and less developed. It’s part of a broader protected landscape often referred to as the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area.

Key spots:

• Arabia Mountain (DeKalb County)
  • Trails over exposed rock with shallow pools and seasonal wildflowers
  • Feels “otherworldly” in places—great for photography and sunrise or sunset
• Panola Mountain State Park (Stockbridge area)
  • More controlled access to the main rock outcrop (some areas require guided hikes)
  • Additional trails through forest and along paved paths

Why locals like it:

• Less commercial than Stone Mountain
• Good for easy to moderate hikes with unusual scenery
• Accessible from East Atlanta, Decatur, and I-20 east suburbs

Need-to-know:

• Check Panola Mountain State Park office for trail access and guided hike info:
  • 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281
  • Phone: (770) 389-7801

Red Top Mountain State Park

Distance: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour northwest, near Lake Allatoona.

Red Top Mountain is a lakefront state park with a network of well-marked trails that are generally moderate and family-friendly.

Highlights:

• Lakeside trails with water views and gentle ups and downs
• Well-maintained paths, usually less rocky than mountain hikes further north
• Good for families, newer hikers, and group outings

Best if you’re in:

• Northwest Atlanta, Cobb County, Acworth, Cartersville, or nearby suburbs looking for an easy day out.

Need-to-know:

• Managed by Georgia State Parks.
• Red Top Mountain State Park office:
  • 50 Lodge Road SE, Acworth, GA 30102
  • Phone: (770) 975-4226

Best Day-Trip Hikes 1.5–2 Hours from Atlanta

These options are ideal if you want mountain scenery, waterfalls, or more challenging terrain and you’re able to dedicate most of a day.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Distance: About 2 hours northwest of Atlanta, on the western edge of Lookout Mountain.

Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s most dramatic state parks, with deep gorges, tall cliffs, and waterfalls.

Popular trails:

• West Rim Loop Trail
  • Scenic views along the canyon rim
  • Moderate, with some elevation changes
• Waterfalls Trail
  • Steep stairs down into the canyon to reach waterfalls
  • Can be strenuous on the way back up

Why it’s worth the drive:

• Big, “wow factor” views that feel very different from metro Atlanta
• Multiple trail options for different fitness levels, though many include steep stairs

Need-to-know:

• Managed by Georgia State Parks.
• Cloudland Canyon State Park office:
  • 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738
  • Phone: (706) 657-4050

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Distance: Around 1.5–2 hours northeast of Atlanta, near Tallulah Falls.

Tallulah Gorge features a deep, narrow canyon with a series of waterfalls. It’s a popular day trip from Atlanta, especially for hikers seeking a mix of overlooks and more demanding routes.

Trail types:

• Rim Trails
  • Overlooks and views into the gorge
  • Generally moderate, with some stairs and short steep sections
• Gorge Floor Access
  • Often requires a limited daily permit from the visitor center
  • Significantly more strenuous, including steep sections and rocky terrain

Why go:

• Classic North Georgia scenery with a dramatic gorge and river
• Good mix of easy rim walks and more challenging options if you get a permit

Need-to-know:

• Check weather, water levels, and permit info before driving up.
• Tallulah Gorge State Park office:
  • 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573
  • Phone: (706) 754-7981

Appalachian Trail Access Near Atlanta (Springer Mountain Area)

Distance: Roughly 1.5–2 hours north of Atlanta, depending on trailhead and road conditions.

For many hikers, getting onto the Appalachian Trail (AT) is a bucket-list experience. The southern terminus is at Springer Mountain in North Georgia.

Common starting points from Atlanta:

• Amicalola Falls State Park
  • The Approach Trail takes you from the park up to Springer Mountain
  • Includes long stair sections around the falls; considered strenuous
• Forest Service Roads near Springer
  • Allow shorter access hikes to reach parts of the AT
  • Road conditions can vary; some approaches are gravel and may be rough

What to expect:

• More rugged, mountain-style hiking than you’ll find close to the city
• Elevation changes, roots, rocks, and more remote feeling than state park loops

Need-to-know:

• Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge office:
  • 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534
  • Phone: (706) 344-1500

Easy Hikes and Beginner-Friendly Trails Near Atlanta

If you’re just getting into hiking, have young kids, or simply want something relaxed, these are typically easier, shorter, and less technical.

Good beginner choices:

• Cochran Shoals (Chattahoochee NRA) – Flat gravel loop, close to I-285 and Sandy Springs.
• Sweetwater Creek – Lower portions of the Red Trail – Scenic but not overly long.
• Arabia Mountain – main outcrop areas – Shorter hikes with good scenery; watch footing on smooth rock.
• City and county nature preserves (for example, smaller trails around Decatur, Sandy Springs, or Roswell) which often have well-marked, shorter loops.

Beginner tips:

• Start with 2–4 mile routes and see how you feel.
• Choose cooler times of day in summer (early morning or later afternoon).
• Bring water, even for “short” hikes around town.

More Challenging Hikes Near Atlanta

If you’re already comfortable on trails and want more effort and elevation:

• Kennesaw Mountain long routes – Combine multiple peaks and trails for a 5–10 mile outing.
• East Palisades (Chattahoochee NRA) – Steeper hills and roots, plus some narrow paths.
• Sweetwater Creek longer loops (White/Yellow Trails) – More mileage and rolling hills.
• Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, and AT sections – For stronger hikers willing to drive farther.

Choose these if you’re okay with:

• Steeper climbs and descents
• Rockier terrain and roots
• Longer time on your feet (half-day or more)

When to Hike Near Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate allows hiking year-round, but conditions vary:

• Spring (March–May)
  • Mild temps, wildflowers, and flowing creeks
  • Can be busy, especially at state parks and popular overlooks
• Summer (June–August)
  • Hot and humid, especially in the city and lower elevations
  • Earlier starts and shaded trails (like Sweetwater, Chattahoochee units) are more comfortable
• Fall (September–November)
  • Cooler, with leaf color in October/November in North Georgia
  • Very popular time for trails near the mountains
• Winter (December–February)
  • Many clear, cool days with good visibility and fewer crowds
  • Higher elevation areas can be colder and occasionally icy—check conditions if heading north

Practical Hiking Tips for Atlanta-Area Trails

A few basics help make Atlanta hiking safer and more enjoyable:

• Parking & Fees
  • Expect parking or entry fees at state parks and national recreation areas.
  • Bring a card or exact cash where machines are older or remote.
• Navigation
  • Many parks provide printed maps at visitor centers or kiosks.
  • Phone apps can help, but cell signal can be weak in some North Georgia areas.
• Water & Snacks
  • Carry more water than you think you’ll need, especially in summer.
  • Even on short hikes around town, it’s easy to underestimate the heat.
• Footwear
  • Sturdy sneakers are enough for easy, in-town and state park trails.
  • For rockier or steeper North Georgia hikes, trail shoes or hiking boots are more comfortable.
• Weather & Safety
  • Check the forecast; pop-up storms can be common on summer afternoons.
  • Tell someone roughly where you’re going if you’re heading to more remote trails.
  • Follow posted rules about trail closures, gorge access, and water levels.

How to Choose the Best Hike Near Atlanta for You

To narrow down your options:

• If you want a quick after-work or half-day hike:
  • Chattahoochee River NRA units, Stone Mountain, or Kennesaw Mountain.
• If you want scenery without a long drive:
  • Sweetwater Creek, Arabia Mountain / Panola Mountain, or Red Top Mountain.
• If you want a full-day mountain adventure:
  • Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, or the Appalachian Trail near Springer.

By deciding how far you want to drive, how much elevation you’re comfortable with, and whether you prefer water, rock outcrops, or forest, you can quickly zero in on the best hiking near Atlanta, GA for your needs.