The Best Things To Do Just Outside Atlanta: Day Trips, Nature Escapes, and Easy Getaways

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting and have a car—you don’t have to go far to feel like you’ve escaped the city. Within 30 minutes to about 2 hours, you’ll find waterfalls, historic towns, mountain views, lakes, and family-friendly attractions that make for easy day trips or quick weekend getaways.

Below is a guide to things to do outside Atlanta, grouped by distance and type of experience so you can quickly pick what fits your time, interests, and energy level.

Quick Escapes Within About 30–45 Minutes of Atlanta

These are great when you want to get out of the city but don’t want to spend most of the day in the car.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Just north of the city, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers hiking, paddling, tubing, and fishing at multiple units along the river.

Popular access points near Atlanta include:

• Palisades Unit – Paces Mill
  3444 Cobb Parkway SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Features riverside trails and easy access for paddling.
• Island Ford
  8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
  Known for scenic forest trails and wildlife viewing.

Things to do:

• Walk or run the riverside trails for a quick nature break.
• Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube (many outfitters set up near the river in season).
• Bring a picnic and enjoy the sound of the water.

👀 Tip: Parking lots can fill up on pretty weekends. Arrive early in the day or closer to sunset for easier access.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park is one of the most popular outdoor attractions near Atlanta.

• Address: 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Highlights:

• Hike the Walk-Up Trail to the summit for skyline views of Atlanta.
• Take the Summit Skyride (a cable car) if you prefer not to hike.
• Enjoy lakefront paths, miniature golf, and other family activities.

👟 Good to know: The walk-up trail is steep and exposed to sun. Bring water and avoid the hottest part of the day in summer.

Historic Roswell and the Chattahoochee

Roswell offers a combination of charming historic district and riverfront recreation.

• Roswell Mill / Vickery Creek Trail
  95 Mill St, Roswell, GA 30075 (area access)

Things to do:

• Walk around Historic Roswell along Canton Street for restaurants, coffee, and shops.
• Hike the Vickery Creek Trail to see the covered bridge and the old mill waterfall.
• Head to Azalea Park or Riverside Park along Azalea Dr in Roswell for river views, playgrounds, and walking paths.

Downtown Decatur and Nearby Parks

Just east of Atlanta, Decatur has a compact, walkable downtown and access to several green spaces.

Things to do:

• Stroll Downtown Decatur around the square (Decatur, GA 30030) for bookstores, restaurants, and cafes.
• Visit Glenlake Park (1121 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030) for tennis courts, playground, and open space.
• Explore Decatur Cemetery (229 Bell St, Decatur, GA 30030) – one of the oldest in the area, with quiet walking paths and large trees.

1–2 Hour Day Trips from Atlanta

If you have a full day, you can reach mountains, lakes, caves, and historic towns that feel worlds away.

Lake Lanier

About an hour northeast of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is one of the most popular spots for boating and lakeside relaxation.

Main recreation area:

• Buford Dam / Lake Lanier
  1050 Buford Dam Rd, Buford, GA 30518

Things to do:

• Swim or picnic at public beaches and parks.
• Rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard from marinas around the lake.
• Walk the trails near Buford Dam for lake and forest views.

⚠️ Safety tip: Water levels and currents can change. Obey posted signs and swim only in designated areas.

Red Top Mountain State Park (Lake Allatoona)

About 45–60 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Red Top Mountain State Park offers lake views and wooded trails.

• Address: 50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102

Highlights:

• Hiking trails including the popular Iron Hill Loop alongside the water.
• Swimming beach and picnic areas.
• Options for kayaking and boating on Lake Allatoona.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

West of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park features rugged trails along a scenic creek and the ruins of a textile mill.

• Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

Things to do:

• Hike the Red Trail along the creek to view the New Manchester Mill ruins.
• Explore more challenging uphill routes for overlooks and quieter forest areas.
• Fish, boat (non-motorized), or picnic near the lake.

🎒 Tip: Trails can be rocky and rooty; wear sturdy shoes, especially after rain.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Just east of Atlanta, the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area includes granite outcrops, lakes, and miles of multi-use trails.

Key access points:

• Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
  3787 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038
• Panola Mountain State Park
  2620 GA-155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281

Things to do:

• Hike the Arabia Mountain granite outcrop for unique landscapes and seasonal wildflowers.
• Ride or walk the PATH trail system that winds through forests and past lakes.
• Join guided hikes or ranger-led programs at Panola Mountain (especially useful if you’re new to hiking on granite domes).

Callaway Resort & Gardens (Pine Mountain)

About 1.5 hours south of Atlanta, Callaway Resort & Gardens combines gardens, trails, and family attractions.

• Address: 17617 US-27, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Highlights:

• Walk through botanical gardens and seasonal flower displays.
• Visit the butterfly center.
• Enjoy bike trails, a lake beach (seasonal), and outdoor recreation.

Historic Marietta and Kennesaw Mountain

Northwest of Atlanta, Marietta and Kennesaw combine history, shopping, and outdoor activity.

Marietta Square:

• Address (general area): 50 N Park Sq NE, Marietta, GA 30060
  Walkable square with shops, museums, and restaurants.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park:

• Visitor Center: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA 30152

Things to do:

• Hike to the summit of Kennesaw Mountain for panoramic views (trail starts from the Visitor Center).
• Explore Civil War history through the park’s trails and exhibits.
• Spend time around Marietta Square for a relaxed small-town feel close to Atlanta.

Chattanooga, Tennessee (Borderline Day Trip)

At around 2 hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga is a feasible long day trip or quick overnight.

Highlights near or in Chattanooga:

• Lookout Mountain (rock formations, views, and historic sites).
• Tennessee Riverfront areas for walking and sightseeing.
• Family-friendly aquariums and attractions in the downtown core.

If you’re staying mostly in Atlanta but want a different city vibe for a day, Chattanooga is one of the closest options.

Mountain Getaways and Outdoor Adventures

When you’re craving real elevation change and cooler air, North Georgia offers several mountain towns and parks within about 1.5–2 hours.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, GA is a popular mountain town known for its scenic railway, hiking, and cozy downtown.

Things to do:

• Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway (departing from downtown Blue Ridge).
• Hike nearby Appalachian Trail sections or other local trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
• Explore downtown shops and restaurants built around a small-city feel.

Helen and the North Georgia Mountains

The town of Helen recreates a Bavarian-style village and serves as a base for outdoor activities.

Key attractions nearby:

• Unicoi State Park & Lodge
  1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545
• Anna Ruby Falls (managed by the U.S. Forest Service)
  Trailhead near: 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Rd, Helen, GA 30545

Things to do:

• Hike to Anna Ruby Falls, a short but scenic waterfall trail.
• Walk around Helen’s downtown for food and shops, especially during fall events.
• Enjoy Unicoi State Park’s hiking trails, lake, and seasonal activities.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Amicalola Falls is one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the Southeast and a starting point for many hikers heading toward the Appalachian Trail.

• Address: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Things to do:

• Take visitor-friendly routes to view the waterfall from above, below, or via stairways.
• Hike more challenging trails for extended time in the woods.
• Explore the park’s visitor center to learn about local wildlife and hiking routes.

🪜 Note: The stairs near the falls can be strenuous; check signage, take breaks, and consider shorter overlooks if you prefer gentler walks.

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge, about 1.5–2 hours northeast of Atlanta, features a dramatic river gorge and suspension bridge.

• Address: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Things to do:

• Walk to overlooks for top-down views of the gorge and waterfalls.
• Cross the suspension bridge for a closer view of the gorge walls.
• With special permits (limited daily), hike to the gorge floor on designated routes.

⚠️ Important: Permits for gorge-floor access are limited and conditions vary. Check with the Tallulah Gorge State Park Visitor Center on arrival for current rules and availability.

Family-Friendly Attractions Outside the City Core

If you’re traveling with kids or a mixed group, certain attractions just outside Atlanta can appeal to a wide range of ages.

Six Flags Over Georgia

About 20 minutes west of downtown, Six Flags Over Georgia is a major amusement park.

• Address: 275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168

What to expect:

• Roller coasters, family rides, and seasonal events.
• Water rides in warmer months.
• On-site food and typical theme park services.

Zoo and Aquarium Alternatives Outside Central Atlanta

While Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium are in the city, you can find wildlife and nature-focused experiences outside the dense urban core:

• Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
  4525 U.S. 78, Lilburn, GA 30047
  Small wildlife sanctuary with walking paths and animal exhibits.

• Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
  712 L G Griffin Rd, Locust Grove, GA 30248
  Rescue-focused sanctuary with self-guided walking tours (check hours before going).

These can be useful if you want a quieter, more spread-out experience than downtown attractions.

Historic Towns and Cultural Excursions Near Atlanta

Athens, Georgia

About 1.5 hours east of Atlanta, Athens blends university-town energy with historic neighborhoods.

Things to do:

• Walk through Downtown Athens and the University of Georgia campus.
• Explore historic areas with 19th- and early 20th-century architecture.
• Take advantage of the local dining and music scene if you stay into the evening.

Covington and “Hollywood of the South” Spots

Covington, southeast of Atlanta, is often used as a filming location.

• Covington Square (Downtown Covington)
  Around 2101 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014

Things to do:

• Walk the historic town square with shops and restaurants.
• Take locally available walking or driving routes highlighting filming locations (signage and local maps usually indicate key spots).
• Drive through nearby neighborhoods to see historic homes and quiet streets.

Madison, Georgia

Madison is known for its well-preserved historic homes and calm small-town atmosphere.

• Downtown Madison & Historic District
  General area: Madison, GA 30650

Things to do:

• Take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district (local visitor centers often provide maps).
• Visit downtown shops and cafes around the courthouse square.
• Combine a visit with nearby parks or scenic drives through rural landscapes.

Quick Reference: Popular Outdoor Day Trips from Atlanta

Practical Tips for Planning Trips Outside Atlanta

A few Atlanta-specific planning points can make your outing smoother:

• Traffic timing:
  Leaving the city before 8:00 a.m. on weekdays or before mid-morning on weekends usually reduces time in traffic, especially heading north on GA-400 or I-75/I-85.

• Parking and fees:
  Many state parks (like Red Top, Sweetwater, Tallulah, Amicalola) require a daily parking pass. These are typically available at the entrance gate or self-pay stations.

• Weather awareness:
  North Georgia mountains and lakes can be several degrees cooler than Atlanta, but summer humidity and sudden storms are still common. Check forecasts before hiking or boating.

• Cell service:
  In some mountain or gorge areas, cell coverage is limited. Download maps ahead of time or note key directions before you lose signal.

• Accessibility:
  Many sites—such as Stone Mountain summit by Skyride, some overlooks at Tallulah Gorge, and visitor centers at state parks—offer more accessible options if you prefer gentler terrain. Visitor centers are a good first stop to ask about short, level, or paved routes.

By using Atlanta as your base, you can easily mix city attractions with nearby nature, history, and small towns—often in the same weekend. Whether you have just a free afternoon or a full day, there is almost always somewhere outside the city worth the drive.