Georgia
is a place of astounding natural beauty, and boasts many amazing hiking trails less than two hours
outside of Atlanta, such as the Appalachian Trail and the breathtaking
waterfalls at Panther Creek. However, for Atlanta residents reluctant to leave
the city too far behind, it may come as a surprise
to know that many incredible places can be found close to the urban hub of
Atlanta. Along the perimeter of the city,
you can find a number of magnificent
hiking trails that are perfect for the casual day tripper.
Murphy Chandler Park Trail
Murphy Chandler Park Trail
Hiking
is a fantastic family activity, and most kids love getting out in the great
outdoors and exploring nature’s playground. However, long hikes combined with
high elevations can turn a pleasant family outing into an afternoon of bored
and tired kids whining to go home. Fortunately, close to the center of Atlanta,
there are many family-friendly
trails short enough for young children
to enjoy but still full of interesting scenery and places for adventurous kids
to explore.
One
such trail can be found in the urban
oasis, Murphy Chandler Park, just north of the city of Atlanta. Within the
100-acres of forest is a short 2-mile
trail that follows the banks of the lake. The kids can enjoy the wildlife that inhabits the lake, and the trail is also dog-friendly, so you can bring along the family
pooch. This is also a great trail for
runners because there is very little
elevation.
Doll’s Head Trail
For
a unique hiking experience, you can’t go past the Doll’s Head Trail located in
Constitution Lakes Park without trying it out. Part art installation, part
scenic stroll, this short loop in the middle of the multitude of crisscrossing
trails in the park offers hikers an alternative to the forest, wildlife, and
wetlands.
The
trail is scattered with displays of artfully arranged found objects, such as
decorative tiles, TVs, and toys, including the dolls’ heads that give the trail
its name. Stretching only 1.6 miles, the Doll’s Head trail makes an imaginative
detour through the lakes. Remember to take your
camera to capture the combination of Atlanta’s creative culture and breathtaking scenery.
Cascade Springs Natural Preserve
Believe
it or not, there is a waterfall located only 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta.
Not only is there a majestic waterfall at the end of this 1.9-mile trail, but
the trail is also scattered with remnants of Civil War history.
Beginning
with the ruins of defensive lines dug by troops during the battle of Utoy
Creek, the trail meets a historic
springhouse and ends with the spectacular waterfall. The trail is both paved
and unpaved, and contains bridges and boardwalks, making for an interesting but
not too strenuous hike.
Sweetwater Creek State Park Red Trail
Many
of the hiking trails surrounding Atlanta are steeped in Civil War history. One
beautiful example of well-preserved Civil War ruins can be found on the trail
through Sweetwater Creek State Park.
The
historical ruins of the New Manchester Mill lay on the banks of a turbulent creek located along the Red Trail.
The trail leads you along sandy shores and over boulders and rocky outcrops,
finishing with some of the most breathtaking views of the Sweetwater Creek
valley below.
The
Red Trail is only one of many spectacular trails found in Sweetwater Creek
Park. The Red Trail stretches a modest 2.3-miles, so be sure to check out some
of the other trails on your day trip.
East Palisades Trail
Of
all the trails along the Chattahoochee River (and there are many!), the East
Palisades trail is one of the most beautiful and is one of the most popular
trails frequented by day trippers both to and from metro Atlanta.
The
trail departs from the Indian trailhead and follows the wide, rushing
Chattahoochee river, through lush bamboo forests and up towering bluffs. It’s
easy to see why the trail is so popular with kayakers, hikers, and outdoor
adventurers of all kinds, as it offers the best scenery Atlanta has to offer.
Golden Branch Loop
While
you’re exploring the trails in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation
Area, you might try the Golden Branch Loop. The 3.3-mile loop is located between
Sandy Springs and Roswell and is a less frequently traveled trail.
The
serene banks of the lake and river are home to a variety of wildlife, including
geese, heron, turtles, and deer. Its short distance makes it a great trail for beginner hikers, but seasoned hikers
will still find it interesting due to its rollercoaster of elevations. So, if
you’re moving to Atlanta
and want to take up hiking and explore the local area, the Golden Branch Loop
is a great place to start.
Arabia Mountain Boardwalk Trail
Another
popular hiking area close to Atlanta’s metro area is the Arabia Mountain Nature
Preserve. The preserve is home to numerous
twisting and interconnected hiking, running, and cycling trails but, arguably,
the most popular and most scenic is the Boardwalk Trail.
The
Boardwalk Trail is accessible from the Arabia Mountain Nature Center and
stretches 5.1 miles along unpaved forest
floor and exposed rock. The trail ascends through an enchanting pine forest,
past the glassy lake. You will have to keep an eye out for a small stream
trickling over open rock surfaces, which can get very slippery at times.
The
Boardwalk Trail eventually connects to the Mountain Top Trail, which ends with 360-degree views of the stunning surrounding
landscape.
Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National
Park
The
trails traversing Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park have a number of
various elevations, distances, and terrains, making it a fantastic day trip for
hikers of all levels of fitness and interest. However,
the main attraction along these trails isn’t the magnificent scenery, but the
exceptionally preserved Civil War battlefield. Throughout the trails, you can
see mounds of earth, Civil War weaponry, and monuments dedicated to Civil War
history and the role that the area played in the Battle of Kennesaw.
The Red Mountain Loop trail is a favorite among
hikers. It will take you up to the summit of Mount Kennesaw, then lead you to
Fort McBride and Confederate earthworks on the descent. The track is full of surprising
rocky patches and entrancing sunlit forest canopies. You can then either follow
the same trail back or choose one of the connected trails for your return journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned
hiker, or simply curious about the beauty surrounding Atlanta’s metro area, you
can find a trail to suit your interests.
Olivia
is the content manager for Atlanta Peach Movers (www.atlpeachmovers.com). When she’s not writing,
you can find her running through Buckhead with her rescue pup, Bo.
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