Atlanta offers ample opportunities to embrace nature with its vast terrain and landscape, consisting of several natural wonders and adventures that make for a great escape not too far away.
No matter if you’re looking for Atlanta running trails or a nice place to barbecue with family and friends, these nature reserves around Atlanta are beautiful to visit.
Right at your doorstep, you may find the perfect nature escape. Here are a few suggestions:
Piedmont Park
Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Description: Located in the heart of Atlanta, Piedmont Park offers a serene escape with its vast green spaces, walking trails, and beautiful lake. It’s a popular spot for picnics, jogging, bird watching, and various outdoor activities.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a beautiful 30-acre botanical garden located close to Piedmont Park in Midtown Atlanta. It features a Children’s Garden, various plant collections, and exhibits. The garden also hosts special events and art exhibitions.
Fernbank Forest
Address: 767 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 Located behind the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta, Fernbank Forest offers outdoor nature adventures. Visitors can explore the trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The forest is part of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, adding to the overall educational and immersive experience.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell, GA 30075
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private, non-profit environmental education facility located in Roswell, Georgia. Situated along the Chattahoochee River, it offers a diverse range of ecosystems for visitors to explore. With woodland trails, gardens, and educational exhibits, visitors can learn about local wildlife, engage in bird watching, or even embark on a canoe trip along the river. The nature centerplaces a strong emphasis on educational outreach, utilizing live flora and fauna to enhance the learning experience for its visitors.
Stone Mountain Park
Spread across over 3,200 acres of natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, seasonal family-friendly attractions, and a range of on-site lodging options, ensuring a seamless experience of staying where you play!
The park boasts a colossal granite mountain, enveloping it with hiking trails, a scenic railroad, a sky ride, and an enchanting laser light show during evenings. This awe-inspiring park is built around the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, adding to its unique and captivating allure.
The park boasts a colossal granite mountain, enveloping it with hiking trails, a scenic railroad, a sky ride, and an enchanting laser light show during evenings. This awe-inspiring park is built around the world’s largest piece of exposed granite, adding to its unique and captivating allure.
Big Trees Forest Preserve
7645 Roswell Rd NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Big Trees Forest Preserve is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape within the city. It features hiking trails through a lush forest with impressive old-growth trees, providing a peaceful and tranquil environment.
This 30-acre nature preserve has a network of signed trails in a scenic streamside setting, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Additionally, this 31-acre park serves as a plant and wildlife sanctuary and features nature trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
This 30-acre nature preserve has a network of signed trails in a scenic streamside setting, offering a refreshing change of scenery. Additionally, this 31-acre park serves as a plant and wildlife sanctuary and features nature trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Peachtree Creek Greenway
Multiple access points along the trail. The Peachtree Creek Greenway is a developing trail system that follows the path of Peachtree Creek. It provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, and biking, with future plans for additional green spaces and amenities.
Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformative project that repurposes abandoned railway corridors into a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails, connecting 1,300 acres of public parks and linking neighborhoods together. It provides an ideal setting for activities such as jogging, biking, and inline skating. The 2.25-mile Eastside Trail is a favorite section, offering picturesque skyline views, captivating public art installations, and convenient access to parks and attractions.
Arabia Mountain
Address: 3787 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038 Located within the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Arabia Mountain offers unique rock formations, stunning wildflower fields, and serene lakes. Visitors can hike, bike, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings and diverse wildlife. It is conveniently situated just east of Atlanta along I-20. With its dominating granite outcrops, Arabia Mountain presents a wealth of natural wonders, a rich history, and exhilarating recreational opportunities.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122 Situated on the outskirts of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park is known for its picturesque landscapes and the historic ruins of a textile mill. The park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. It is located just miles from downtown Atlanta and is named after Sweetwater Creek, which runs through it.
Final Word
These natural retreats offer a range of experiences for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking to enjoy the beauty of Atlanta’s surroundings.
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