{"id":26596,"date":"2022-07-31T13:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-31T20:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=26596"},"modified":"2022-09-21T06:46:57","modified_gmt":"2022-09-21T13:46:57","slug":"best-atlanta-hikes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-atlanta-hikes","title":{"rendered":"Best Hikes Near Atlanta"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"cb-itemprop\" itemprop=\"reviewBody\"><p>With Atlanta\u2019s oft-repeated tagline \u2018the city in a forest,\u2019 it&#8217;s no wonder Atlanta and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-hiking-georgia\">the surrounding area<\/a> offer many exciting trails for hikers. The city is adding more urban trail options as it works to complete its trendy BeltLine, which will eventually make a 33-mile loop around Atlanta to connect the entire city. But that\u2019s not all the metro area has to offer. Whether <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/day-hiking-checklist.html\">hikers<\/a> prefer multi-use urban strolls or the seclusion of forested spaces, Atlanta has plenty of options for all hiking enthusiasts.<\/p>\n<h2><a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/atlanta-running-walking-trails\/piedmont-park-running-trail-4-mile-loop\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Piedmont Park Loop Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Midtown Atlanta<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 4-mile loop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> City views and people watching<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Not Allowed<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_72721\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72721\" class=\"wp-image-72721 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/Piedmont_Park.jpg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C512\" alt=\"A view of midtown Atlanta skyline over a lake in Piedmont Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-72721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of Midtown over Lake Clara Meer in Piedmont Park. (Photo by Charity Davenport under <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\">CC0 1.0<\/a>)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW196947087 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/piedmontpark.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW196947087 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Piedmont Park<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\"> is a popular spot for people near downtown and Midtown Atlanta to get an extra dose of sunshine. Those who choose to walk on the loop trail get a bonus: everything from lake and meadow strolls to Atlanta skyline views. Piedmont Park\u2019s loop also connects with another popular Atlanta trail, the Eastside <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\">BeltLine<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\">, a nice option for hikers who want to vary their route. Pack a lunch and blanket, and join the hundreds (sometimes <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\">thousands<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW196947087 BCX0\">!) of park-goers who lounge in Piedmont Park\u2019s green space for some well-deserved relaxation.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a style=\"font-size: revert;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/hiking-east-palisades-indian-trail-at-the-chattahoochee-river\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">East Palisades Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Vinings, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 3.3-mile lollipop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Moderate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> River walks and bird watching<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_19336\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19336\" class=\"wp-image-19336 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2017\/08\/Chattahoochee-Oconee-NF_High-Shoals-Waterfall_USFS.jpg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C678\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"678\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-19336\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo of the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, courtesy of the USFS<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\">\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\">There is a good reason why this is one of the most popular hikes in the Atlanta area. This peaceful stroll along the banks of the Chattahoochee River is only outdone by the number of hikers vying for a chance to stumble upon the hidden bamboo forest. Hikers along the trail aren\u2019t shy about asking for directions on how to find it (h<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\">int<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\">: it\u2019s at mile marker 26), which adds to the mythical nature of its existence.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW71635920 BCX0\"><span class=\"SCXW71635920 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><br class=\"SCXW71635920 BCX0\" \/><\/span><span class=\"LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW71635920 BCX0\"><span class=\"SCXW71635920 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><br class=\"SCXW71635920 BCX0\" \/><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\">For hikers who\u2019ve gotten enough of the \u201cbamboo forest trail,\u201d there are several other wonderful trails to choose from in this section of the <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW71635920 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/chat\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW71635920 BCX0\">, including trails with hilly inclines and others with openings to small river beaches.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/kennesaw-mountain-hiking-the-2-mile-mountain-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Kennesaw Mountain &#8211; Mountain <\/span><\/b><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/kennesaw-mountain-hiking-the-2-mile-mountain-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Loop<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Marietta, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 5.8-mile loop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Moderate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> History lovers<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_32203\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-image-32008 size-cb-1400-600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Kennesaw-Mountain.jpg?resize=1200%2C720\" alt=\"A cannon along the trail at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"720\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sweetwater Creek State Park (Photo Credit: TranceMist under CC BY-SA)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\">The Mountain Loop is part of more than 22 miles of trails on nearly 3,000 acres of preserved land at <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW184583877 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/kemo\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW184583877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\">, which is managed by the National Park Service. Hiking here doesn\u2019t just offer beautiful nature and skyline views, but a wealth of historical information about the area. Kennesaw Mountain is the ancestral home of the Cherokee Nation. Despite resistance, white settlers forced them out of their homeland during the gold rush in the 1830s. In 1864, a significant battle happened here during the Civil War. <\/span><\/span><span class=\"LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW184583877 BCX0\"><span class=\"SCXW184583877 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><br class=\"SCXW184583877 BCX0\" \/><\/span><span class=\"LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW184583877 BCX0\"><span class=\"SCXW184583877 BCX0\">\u00a0<\/span><br class=\"SCXW184583877 BCX0\" \/><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW184583877 BCX0\">The trail, which makes a nearly six-mile loop around and over the park\u2019s tallest peak, is the park\u2019s most popular trail. Most people shorten the route by climbing to the top of Kennesaw Mountain to catch beautiful panoramic views of Atlanta. Coming back down, it&#8217;s a 2.5-mile up-and-back hike.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/hiking-stone-mountain-mountain-and-lakeside-trails-near-atlanta\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Stone Mountain Park Walk-Up Trail and Cherokee Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Stone Mountain, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 1 mile up-and-back and 4.6-mile loop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Moderate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Hikers who enjoy nature walks and panoramic views<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Not Allowed on Walk-Up, Allowed \u2013 Leashed \u2013 on the Cherokee Trail<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Cherokee Trail and Walk-Up Trail are regular stops for eastside Atlanta hikers and exercise enthusiasts. The Walk-Up Trail may only be a mile long, up the enormous granite rock, but hikers will notice a steady incline that gets steeper close to the summit. The panoramic views are worth the effort; you can see 60 miles worth of Georgia landscape on a cloud-free day. The Cherokee Trail crosses the Walk-Up Trail at one point. It also passes through lots of different terrain, including forested areas, a lake and even an old rock quarry.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Metro Atlanta communities remain divided on what to do about the Confederate monument carved into the side of the granite rock, but Stone Mountain and its many trails up and around the park continue to attract a diverse group of hikers to the area.<\/span><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/arabia-mountain-top-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Arabia Mountain &#8211; Mountain Top Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lithonia, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 1\/2-mile out-and-back<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Hikers who enjoy varied landscapes<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_32203\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-image-32512 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/04\/Panola-Mountain-.jpg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C576\" alt=\"Boulders in the woods at Panola Mountain State Park.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Panola Mountain (Photo Credit: MP Contributor Spencer Malone)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\">Arabia Mountain\u2019s Mountain Top Trail is an excellent option for hikers looking for a unique, rocky landscape without all the lung-punching inclines of typical mountain trails. Most of the trail is paved and ideal for wheelchairs, strollers and bikes. Start at the wildlife center through the forested section of the trail and Arabia Mountain\u2019s \u201cpeak\u201d (a slow incline up the granite quarry) will soon come into full view. Arabia Mountain\u2019s rocky terrain is a great place to relax or inspect wildflowers growing out of the moon-like surface of the summit. Hikers looking for a little more adventure can <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\">continue on<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\"> one of the many other trails in the <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW218640807 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/arabiaalliance.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW218640807 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\">, including a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\">hike to<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\"> nearby <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW218640807 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/gastateparks.org\/PanolaMountain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW218640807 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Panola Mountain<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW218640807 BCX0\">.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/dolls-head-trail-constitution-lakes-park\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Doll\u2019s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Constitution Neighborhood, Southeast Atlanta<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 1.5-mile lollipop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Hikers who want a dose of Halloween year-round<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Leashed <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\">This hike may not be the most challenging <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\">but<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\"> is easily the most talked about romp in metro Atlanta. Start along the wetland boardwalks of Constitution Lake where you\u2019ll catch glimpses of herons, geese and turtles. Next, make your way to the Doll\u2019s Head section of the trail, a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW201215899 BCX0\">less well-marked<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\">, sometimes muddy jaunt. It\u2019s here that your gaze will drift from nature to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW201215899 BCX0\">discarded household items like metal fans, light bulbs and push-button telephones once scattered throughout the forested area, now rearranged into an artistic display. The most <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\">notable exhibits are the doll parts, detached heads and limbs that have been reassembled to make unconventional figures. Some hikers find the installations <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\">creepy;<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201215899 BCX0\"> others see a fascinating display of repurposed children\u2019s toys that make a statement about how humans alter the natural environment<\/span>.<\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/cascade-springs-nature-preserve\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Spring Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Cascade Heights, Southwest Atlanta<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 1\/2-mile loop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Hiker families or casual strolls with friends<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_32203\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-image-70796 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/07\/Swimming-Holes_Upper-Falls-at-Jacks-RiverGettyImages-178182378-1.gif?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C682\" alt=\"A rippling pool above light brown rocks beneath a rushing waterfall.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Falls in Georgia. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\">There are four trails to choose from in the 125-acre <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW217879494 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.exploregeorgia.org\/atlanta\/outdoors-nature\/hiking\/cascade-springs-nature-preserve\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW217879494 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Cascade Springs Nature Preserve<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\">, and all of them are less than a mile long. Choosing the Spring Trail gives hikers of all ages plenty of wildlife to check out along the way, including woodpeckers, turtles and deer. Follow along Turkey Creek and young hikers may want to stop at Cascade Falls, a small waterfall with large boulders that make wading easy. The Spring Trail also has an early twentieth-century <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW217879494 BCX0\">pump <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217879494 BCX0\">house. The boardwalk in front of it at the trail junction is a natural spot for a meetup or a simple place for contemplation.<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<!-- END Hiking Project--><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/sweetwater-creek-hiking-the-red-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Red (History) Trail at Sweetwater Creek<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lithia Springs, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 2-mile out-and-back<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Moderate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Ruins and river views<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"9\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-32203 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C765\" alt=\"Sweetwater Creek at Sweetwater Creek State Park\" width=\"1024\" height=\"765\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\">The trails in <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW208080756 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/gastateparks.org\/SweetwaterCreek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW208080756 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Sweetwater State Park<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\"> are a favorite for hikers in the Atlanta area. The park\u2019s red trail is the most popular, likely because it takes hikers directly to the park\u2019s main attraction: the Manchester Mill ruins. The hollowed structure was a cotton mill in the mid-nineteenth century <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart SCXW208080756 BCX0\">that <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW208080756 BCX0\">was burned down in 1864 during the Civil War. Once only known to local hikers, the mill gained more popularity after it was used in the Hunger Games movies. As the trail continues, it takes hikers near the banks of the creek and then through more rocky terrain. Sweetwater State Park is also known for its beautiful meadows with abundant wildflowers, enough to keep hikers coming back again and again!<\/span><\/span><!-- END Hiking Project --><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/atlanta-running-walking-trails\/atlanta-beltline-eastside-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail to Freedom Park Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Atlanta<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 3 miles + 1.4-mile out-and-back<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Hikers who enjoy city views<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"10\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">Why choose one trail when you can have two? The Atlanta Beltline\u2019s Eastside trail was the first section of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">old<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\"> railroad converted to paved, oak tree-lined trails to welcome city hikers. The popular eastside trail offers great views of downtown Atlanta and many intown neighborhoods. Hikers on the beltline trail can turn near the 4th Ward Skate Park in the Inman Park neighborhood onto the Freedom Park Trail connector, which takes hikers past the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and on to <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW35900369 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantafreedomtrail.com\/freedom-park.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW35900369 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Freedom Park<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">. Both paved trails are wheelchair accessible as well as stroller, scooter and <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">bike friendly<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">. Several restaurants and shops along the way could turn a short <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\">in-town<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW35900369 BCX0\"> hike into an all-day outing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/red-top-mountain-homestead-trail\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Homestead Trail at Red Top Mountain State Park<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Acworth, GA<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 5.5-mile lollipop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Moderate<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Lake views<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"11\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW18834173 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/gastateparks.org\/RedTopMountain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW18834173 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Red Top Mountain State Park<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\"> is mostly known for water activities like boating, fishing and jet skiing, but it also is home to arguably one of metro Atlanta\u2019s best hikes. The Homestead Trail gives hikers a little bit of everything the state park has to offer, starting with a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\">one-mile<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\"> hike through a beautiful forest full of pine trees and ferns. Next, it makes a loop around <\/span><\/span><a class=\"Hyperlink SCXW18834173 BCX0\" href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/lake-allatoona\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW18834173 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\" data-ccp-charstyle=\"Hyperlink\">Lake Allatoona<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW18834173 BCX0\">, which provides a serene space for relaxing, or even a swim. Hikers complete the lollipop trail by looping back to the forest walk they started on, which leads back to the visitor\u2019s center.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlantatrails.com\/hiking-trails\/riverside-hiking-trails-island-ford-at-the-chattahoochee-river\/\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Island Ford North Loop Trail<\/span><\/b><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Location:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Dunwoody, GA\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Length:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> 2.8-mile, round-trip lollipop loop<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulty Rating:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Easy<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Best For:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> An easy-going outing for the entire family<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"12\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Dogs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Allowed on-leash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"attachment_32203\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-image-31988 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Island-Ford-North-Loop.jpg?w=1024&#038;resize=1024%2C768\" alt=\"Geese in the Chattahoochee River\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-32203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chattahoochee River at Island Ford (Photo Credit: thomasawolff under CC BY-SA)<\/p><\/div>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This easy 2.8-mile, round-trip hike features plenty of pretty views along the slow, winding waters of the Chattahoochee River. The short length and gentle inclines of the well-maintained forested trail make this a great option for beginners or family outings. Plan an early morning hike to enjoy the peaceful setting along the river as the fog lingers over the waters. Catch glimpses of the gray shoals of the Chattahoochee River at various points throughout the hike. Parts of the trail follow right along the shore, with the calls of geese and other waterfowl and the gentle rippling of the river creating a melodious soundtrack for the hike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Are you a new hiker excited to learn or someone more experienced looking to connect with fellow hikers? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/events\/a\/camping-and-hiking?geoLocationId=ChIJjQmTaV0E9YgRC2MLmS_e_mY&amp;distance=100\">our local hiking events<\/a> and go on an adventure with REI.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With Atlanta\u2019s oft-repeated tagline \u2018the city in a forest,\u2019 it&#8217;s no wonder Atlanta and the surrounding area offer many exciting trails for hikers. The city is adding more urban trail options as it works to complete its trendy BeltLine, which will eventually make a 33-mile loop around Atlanta to connect the entire city. But that\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32151,"featured_media":32203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[387,388],"tags":[1469,406,707,1542,1927,1470],"internal-tag":[1678,1442],"class_list":["post-26596","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hike","category-travel","tag-atlanta","tag-georgia","tag-hiking","tag-south","tag-southeast","tag-where-to-go","internal-tag-pre-redirect-hiking","internal-tag-seo"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-atlanta-hikes","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Best Hikes Near Atlanta","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-atlanta-hikes","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/hike\/best-atlanta-hikes"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?fit=2000%2C1494"},"articleSection":"Hike","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Tawanah Reeves-Ligon"}],"creator":["Tawanah Reeves-Ligon"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["atlanta","georgia","hiking","south","southeast","where to go"],"dateCreated":"2022-07-31T20:11:00Z","datePublished":"2022-07-31T20:11:00Z","dateModified":"2022-09-21T13:46:57Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"Best Hikes Near Atlanta\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/hike\\\/best-atlanta-hikes\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/hike\\\/best-atlanta-hikes\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/05\\\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?resize=150%2C150\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rei.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/4\\\/2018\\\/05\\\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?fit=2000%2C1494\"},\"articleSection\":\"Hike\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Tawanah Reeves-Ligon\"}],\"creator\":[\"Tawanah Reeves-Ligon\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Uncommon Path \\u2013 An REI Co-op Publication\",\"logo\":\"\"},\"keywords\":[\"atlanta\",\"georgia\",\"hiking\",\"south\",\"southeast\",\"where to go\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2022-07-31T20:11:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-07-31T20:11:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2022-09-21T13:46:57Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/rei.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2018\/05\/Sweetwater-Creek-Hero.jpg?fit=2000%2C1494","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26596","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32151"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26596"}],"version-history":[{"count":69,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":180688,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26596\/revisions\/180688"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26596"},{"taxonomy":"internal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/internal-tag?post=26596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}