The Best Hikes Near Atlanta: Local Trails, Scenic Views, and Quick Escapes

Atlanta may be known for traffic and skyscrapers, but it’s also surrounded by surprisingly easy-to-reach hiking trails. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or just want a quick escape into nature, you can find everything from paved riverside walks to waterfall hikes and mountain overlooks within a short drive.

Below is a detailed, Atlanta-focused guide to hikes near Atlanta, organized by distance from downtown and type of experience.

Quick Overview: Hikes Near Atlanta at a Glance

Times assume leaving from central Atlanta (Downtown/Midtown) with normal traffic.

Easy Hikes In Atlanta (No Long Drive Required)

For days when you don’t want to sit on I‑75 or I‑85, these in-town options deliver a nature break without a major commute.

Atlanta BeltLine Trails

The Atlanta BeltLine is an urban trail network that loops around intown neighborhoods. It’s more of a walking and biking corridor than a wilderness hike, but it’s extremely convenient.

• Eastside Trail (Inman Park – Poncey-Highland – Midtown)
  Flat, paved, and busy. Great for:

  • Stroller-friendly walks
  • Short fitness walks or runs
  • Combining with coffee or food stops

• Northside Trail (Collier Hills / Ardmore Park)
  Short, shady, and less crowded than the Eastside. Expect:

  • A mix of pavement and boardwalks
  • Easy, kid-friendly terrain
  • Quick lunchtime or after-work walks

Tip: 🚲 Weekends can be crowded with bikes and scooters. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, early mornings or weekdays are easier.

Piedmont Park & Lullwater Preserve (Emory Area)

Piedmont Park in Midtown has multiple paved and gravel paths with gentle elevation changes and skyline views. While it’s more of an urban park walk, you can stitch together a 2–4 mile loop easily.

Nearby, Lullwater Preserve (on Emory University’s main campus near Druid Hills) offers a more natural feel:

• Dirt trails along South Fork Peachtree Creek
• A small lake and dam
• A pedestrian suspension bridge

Trails here are generally easy to moderate, and popular with Emory students, neighbors, and families.

Chattahoochee River Hikes Close to Atlanta

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (NRA) is one of the best resources for hikes near Atlanta. It’s made up of several separate “units” along the river, many within a 15–30 minute drive of Downtown, depending on traffic.

The NRA is managed by the National Park Service. You typically pay a day-use fee per vehicle in the parking lots (check posted signs at each unit).

Popular Chattahoochee River Units Near Atlanta

1. Cochran Shoals – Interstate North

• Location: Near I‑285 and Powers Ferry Road, just north of the city
• Experience: Flat riverside trails, wide gravel path
• Difficulty: Easy
• Why locals like it:
  • Great for running and casual walking
  • Boardwalks and side trails near wetlands
  • Nice river views without big climbs

Common route: A 3-mile loop using the main gravel path along the river and returning via the inland trail.

2. Paces Mill

• Location: Off Cobb Parkway (US‑41), near the I‑75 / I‑285 interchange
• Experience: River views steps from Buckhead
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (depending on loops)
• Highlights:
  • Short riverside paths
  • Easy parking when not at peak times
  • Convenient if you live or stay in Buckhead or Vinings

3. Island Ford

• Location: Near Roswell / Sandy Springs, along Roberts Drive
• Experience: More wooded and secluded than some other units
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• What to expect:
  • Forested trails with some short hills
  • River access points and rocky outcrops
  • Less urban feel while still close to the city

4. East Palisades (Indian Trail)

• Location: Off Indian Trail NW, near the I‑75 / I‑285 area
• Experience: One of the more rugged-feeling spots near ATL
• Difficulty: Moderate (steeper, rooty sections)
• Highlights:
  • Overlooks above the Chattahoochee
  • A famous “bamboo forest” section
  • Narrow dirt trails, some with drop-offs

This is a good step up if you’re comfortable on uneven terrain and want more of a “real hike” while still being very close to town.

Iconic “Near Atlanta” Hikes: Stone Mountain & Kennesaw

These two are among the most recognized hikes near Atlanta for both locals and visitors.

Stone Mountain Walk-Up Trail

• Location: Stone Mountain Park, roughly 25 minutes east of Downtown
• Trail type: Out-and-back, exposed granite
• Difficulty: Moderate (short but steep in sections)
• Distance: About 2 miles round trip

The Walk-Up Trail climbs the large granite dome of Stone Mountain to a summit with 360-degree views of the Atlanta skyline and surrounding area. The rock can be hot and slippery when wet, so people commonly:

• Start early in the morning, especially in summer
• Wear shoes with good traction
• Bring water (there is little shade on the upper sections)

Stone Mountain Park has multiple other walking paths, but the summit trail is the classic.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

• Location: Kennesaw, northwest of Atlanta (I‑75)
• Managed by: National Park Service
• Experience: History + hill climbing + views

Main Kennesaw Mountain Trail

• Distance: Roughly 2 miles round trip from the visitor center to the summit
• Difficulty: Moderate (sustained uphill)

What you’ll find:

• Forested paths with roots and rocks
• Civil War-era earthworks and interpretive signs
• Views of Atlanta from the top on clear days

There are also longer loop options that connect Little Kennesaw Mountain and Pigeon Hill for more mileage and elevation. This is a popular training spot for people preparing for longer mountain hikes.

Visitor Center (for maps and info):
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Visitor Center
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152

State Parks Within About an Hour of Atlanta

Several Georgia state parks are easy day trips from Atlanta and offer well-marked trail systems, parking, and restrooms.

Sweetwater Creek State Park (West of Atlanta)

• Drive time: Around 25–35 minutes from Downtown, depending on I‑20 traffic
• Address: 1750 Mount Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
• Experience: Creekside hiking, mill ruins, rocky terrain

Key trails:

• Red Trail (Historic Trail):

  • Follows Sweetwater Creek to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company
  • Continues past the ruins into increasingly rugged terrain with rock scrambles along the creek
  • Easy to the ruins, moderate beyond

• White & Blue Trails:

  • Climb into the forest and offer longer loops
  • Generally moderate with some steeper sections

Sweetwater is a favorite for those who want something more scenic and adventurous than in-town parks, without driving to North Georgia.

Red Top Mountain State Park (North of Atlanta)

• Drive time: Around 45–60 minutes via I‑75
• Address: 50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102
• Experience: Wooded trails along Lake Allatoona

Popular options:

• Lakeside Trail: Short and easy, with frequent water views
• Homestead Trail: A longer loop with rolling hills and varied forest scenery

This park works well for families, newer hikers, or anyone who likes lake scenery more than steep climbs.

Panola Mountain & Arabia Mountain

Located on the east side of the metro area, both preserve granite outcrops, rare plants, and wide-open views.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

• Approx. drive: ~25–40 minutes east of Atlanta
• Experience: Open rock slabs, short climbs, quiet landscapes

Trails vary from paved greenways suitable for bikes and strollers to rocky outcrop walks where you’ll see seasonal wildflowers, lichens, and pools.

Panola Mountain State Park

• Approx. drive: Similar direction and time as Arabia Mountain
• Experience: Protected granite mountain, guided summit hikes

Some areas of Panola are restricted to guided hikes to protect sensitive environments, but there are also:

• Paved multi-use trails
• Forested loops
• Opportunities for ranger-led activities

These two areas are great if you want scenery distinct from forests and rivers—expansive rock views without going all the way to North Georgia.

Day Trip Hikes: North Georgia Mountains from Atlanta

If you’re willing to drive 1.5–2 hours from Atlanta, you can reach true mountain and waterfall hikes, popular for weekend trips.

Amicalola Falls State Park

• Drive time: Around 1.5–2 hours north of Atlanta
• Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534
• Highlight: One of Georgia’s tallest waterfalls, with multiple viewpoints

Trail experiences:

• Base-to-top staircase route:

  • Series of stairs and platforms with waterfall views
  • Physically demanding but not technically difficult

• Approach Trail to Springer Mountain:

  • Starts near the visitor center
  • Leads to Springer Mountain and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail (if you continue far enough)
  • Suitable for stronger hikers wanting a longer route

Popular North Georgia Towns for Hiking Access

• Dahlonega: Gateway area to multiple waterfall and AT-access trails
• Helen / Unicoi: River and forest trails, and access to higher-elevation hikes
• Blue Ridge / Ellijay: Many trailheads with a range of difficulty levels

These areas are often treated as full-day or weekend trips from Atlanta due to travel time and the number of routes to choose from.

Choosing the Right Hike Near Atlanta

When you’re planning a hike near Atlanta, consider:

1. Drive Time vs. Trail Type

• Same-day, short window:
  • BeltLine, Piedmont Park, Chattahoochee River units, Kennesaw Mountain, Stone Mountain.
• Half-day outing:
  • Sweetwater Creek, Red Top Mountain, Arabia Mountain, Panola Mountain.
• Full day / weekend:
  • Amicalola Falls, Appalachian Trail access, North Georgia towns.

2. Difficulty & Terrain

Think about:

• Elevation gain:

  • Steep climbs: Stone Mountain, Kennesaw, some Sweetwater and North Georgia trails.
  • Mostly flat: many Chattahoochee units, Red Top’s easier loops, BeltLine segments.

• Trail surface:

  • Paved or gravel: BeltLine, portions of Chattahoochee, some state park paths.
  • Roots, rocks, and uneven ground: Sweetwater Creek, Kennesaw, North Georgia, East Palisades.

3. Season & Weather in Atlanta

Atlanta’s climate shapes how hiking feels:

• Summer: Hot and humid, especially mid-day.

  • Aim for early morning or evening hikes
  • Choose shade-heavy trails (Kennesaw, Sweetwater, many Chattahoochee units)

• Fall: Often the best combination of cooler temps and color.

• Winter: Generally mild, with occasional cold snaps and rain.

• Spring: Pleasant temperatures, but trails can be muddy and pollen can be intense.

Practical Tips for Hiking Near Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific considerations can make your outing smoother:

• Traffic timing:

  • Avoid starting long drives during weekday rush hours (roughly 7–9 a.m., 4–7 p.m.)
  • Expect extra congestion heading back toward the city Sunday evenings, especially from North Georgia.

• Parking & fees:

  • Many state parks charge a daily parking fee or use a park pass.
  • Chattahoochee River NRA units typically require a day-use fee per vehicle.
  • Some popular lots (e.g., Cochran Shoals, East Palisades, Kennesaw Mountain) can fill on pretty weekends—arrive earlier when you can.

• Heat & hydration:

  • Atlanta-area summers can make even short hikes feel strenuous.
  • Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially on exposed rock (Stone Mountain, Arabia, Panola).

• Trail information:

  • Visitor centers at state parks and national park units around Atlanta usually provide printed maps and route advice.
  • Trailheads often have bulletin boards with closures, route options, and safety notices.

Where to Get Official Local Info

For up-to-date details on trail conditions, fees, and maps near Atlanta, reliable starting points include:

• Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
  Headquarters mailing location commonly referenced:
  2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SE, Suite 1352, Atlanta, GA 30334
  (Individual parks list their own offices and phone numbers.)

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (National Park Service)
  Island Ford Visitor Contact Area (common central office for park info):
  8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

• Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
  Visitor Center:
  900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Staff at these locations can help you pick a trail that matches your time, comfort level, and location in or near Atlanta.

By matching your time window, drive tolerance, and desired difficulty, you can almost always find a satisfying hike near Atlanta—whether that means a quick riverside walk along the Chattahoochee, a vigorous climb up Kennesaw or Stone Mountain, or a full-day waterfall adventure in North Georgia.