Your Guide to REI in Atlanta, GA: Stores, Services, and Local Outdoor Tips

If you’re searching for “REI Atlanta GA,” you’re probably looking for where the stores are, what they offer, and how they fit into Atlanta’s outdoor scene. This guide walks you through REI locations in and around Atlanta, what you can do there, and how locals use REI to explore nearby trails, rivers, and parks.

REI Locations in the Atlanta Area

The Atlanta metro area has multiple REI Co-op stores that serve different parts of the city and suburbs. Hours and services can change, so it’s always smart to confirm details directly with the store before you go.

1. REI Atlanta (Inside the Perimeter)

This is the closest option for many intown residents and anyone staying near Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown.

• Area: Often associated with the intown Atlanta core
• Typical customers: City residents, students, visitors staying near central Atlanta
• Good for: Quick gear pickups, apparel, basic bike or ski services (where offered), classes and events

This location is popular with people who ride the BeltLine, run in Piedmont Park, or head up to the North Georgia mountains on weekends.

2. REI Perimeter / Sandy Springs Area

For those living or working near the northern suburbs and the Perimeter business district, the Perimeter-area REI is a convenient stop.

• Area: Near I-285 / GA-400, convenient to Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and nearby offices
• Typical customers: Commuters, office workers, residents of north Atlanta suburbs
• Good for: After-work visits, picking up camping gear before driving north to the mountains

Many people hit this store on Friday afternoon before heading toward Blue Ridge, Helen, or the Chattahoochee National Forest for the weekend.

3. REI Kennesaw / Northwest Metro

If you’re in Cobb County or northwest metro Atlanta, a Kennesaw-area REI is often the closest option.

• Area: Northwest metro, convenient to Kennesaw, Marietta, Acworth
• Typical customers: Families, college students from Kennesaw State, weekend hikers
• Good for: Hiking and camping gear for trips to Red Top Mountain State Park or Allatoona Lake, everyday outdoor clothing

4. REI Alpharetta / North Point Area

Serving the Alpharetta / Johns Creek / Roswell region, this store is well-positioned for families and commuters in North Fulton County.

• Area: North Point / Alpharetta retail corridor
• Typical customers: Suburban families, tech workers from the North Fulton corridor
• Good for: Gear for Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area visits, running and cycling gear, kids’ gear

What You Can Do at REI in Atlanta

Most Atlanta-area REI stores offer a similar mix of gear, services, and education, with some variations by location.

Shop Gear for Atlanta’s Outdoor Lifestyle

You’ll typically find:

• Hiking and backpacking gear for trips to North Georgia, the Appalachian Trail approach near Amicalola Falls, or day hikes in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Camping equipment for state parks like Stone Mountain Park, Fort Yargo, or Cloudland Canyon
• Paddling gear (where available), useful for kayaking and paddleboarding on the Chattahoochee River or nearby lakes
• Cycling gear for road, gravel, and mountain biking across Atlanta’s trail networks
• Running and fitness apparel ideal for Atlanta BeltLine, neighborhood runs, or local races
• Travel gear for flights in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Because Atlanta’s weather ranges from humid summers to chilly but mild winters, REI locations usually stock a broad seasonal mix—lightweight, breathable clothing most of the year and layering pieces for late fall and winter.

Use REI’s Repair and Maintenance Services

Many REI stores in the Atlanta area include:

• Bike shop services

  • Tune-ups and adjustments
  • Flat repair
  • Brake and drivetrain work
  • Wheel truing, parts installation

• Snow and ski services (seasonal, where offered)

  • Waxing, edge tuning, basic repairs for gear headed to North Carolina or farther trips

• Boot and gear fitting

  • Backpack fitting for longer trips
  • Hiking boot or trail shoe fitting

If you live in Atlanta and rely on your bike for commutes, BeltLine rides, or weekend group rides, the REI bike shop can be a convenient maintenance option, especially if you bought your bike there.

Classes, Events, and Local Outdoor Education

REI stores in Atlanta often host classes, workshops, and local outings that are especially useful if you’re new to town or new to outdoor activities.

Common offerings include:

• Intro to Hiking in Atlanta & North Georgia
• Backpacking Basics geared toward trips in the Georgia mountains
• Kayaking or paddleboarding basics with a focus on local rivers and lakes
• Bike maintenance 101 for city and trail riders
• Running clinics and group activities in surrounding neighborhoods

These classes are often scheduled on weeknights or weekends, making them accessible to people with traditional work schedules. They can be a good way to:

• Learn about local trails and best seasons to visit
• Understand how Atlanta’s heat, humidity, and sudden storms affect gear choices
• Meet other local outdoor enthusiasts

How REI Fits into Atlanta’s Outdoor Scene

Atlanta is known as a city in a forest, with thick tree cover and easy access to nature. REI stores often act as gateways for residents and visitors to explore nearby outdoor areas.

Popular Spots Atlanta Locals Use REI Gear For

Here are some of the destinations many Atlantans prep for at REI:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

  • Short hikes, trail runs, and paddling just minutes from the city

• Stone Mountain Park

  • Day hikes, family outings, and fitness walks up the mountain

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

  • Close-in hiking, Civil War history, and great views of the skyline

• Red Top Mountain State Park & Lake Allatoona

  • Camping, boating, and lakeside camping a short drive from northwest metro Atlanta

• Cloudland Canyon, Tallulah Gorge, and other North Georgia state parks

  • Backpacking, waterfalls, and extended camping trips

• Appalachian Trail Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls State Park

  • Popular for weekend backpacking and shakedown hikes

Whether you’re flying into Atlanta and planning a road trip to the mountains, or you live ITP/OTP and want gear for weekend adventures, an Atlanta-area REI is usually on the way.

Quick Reference: REI in Atlanta, GA

Below is a simple summary to help you pick which REI best fits your situation:

Practical Tips for Visiting REI in Atlanta

Here are a few Atlanta-specific pointers to make your visit smoother:

• Plan around traffic:
  Atlanta traffic can be heavy near I-285, GA-400, I-75, and I-85, especially weekday late afternoons. If you’re picking up gear before a trip, allow extra time.

• Think seasonally:

  • Summer: Focus on breathable clothing, sun protection, and hydration systems for hot, humid conditions.
  • Spring and fall: Popular hiking and camping seasons; gear availability can be in high demand.
  • Winter: Mild but variable—layering systems and rain protection matter more than extreme cold gear for most local outings.

• Ask about local recommendations:
  Store staff are often familiar with current trail conditions, water levels on the Chattahoochee, and which parks are crowded on weekends.

• Use services before big trips:
  If you’re planning a backpacking trip, bikepacking route, or multi-day road trip from Atlanta, schedule bike tune-ups, boot fitting, or pack fitting a week or more in advance so you’re not rushed.

When REI Is Especially Useful for Atlantans

You might find an REI store particularly helpful if you:

• Just moved to Atlanta and want to learn where locals hike, run, and paddle
• Are visiting Atlanta and plan to explore nearby natural areas instead of staying only in the city
• Need reliable gear before driving to North Georgia, North Carolina, or Tennessee
• Want to maintain your bike used on the BeltLine, Silver Comet Trail, or local road routes
• Prefer hands-on help with fit and sizing rather than ordering gear online

By knowing which REI in Atlanta, GA is closest to you and what it offers, you can gear up efficiently and spend more time actually enjoying the city’s parks, rivers, and nearby mountains.