North Georgia is a stunning landscape of forest, hills, lakes and rivers. A true testament to the seasons, our scenery changes month to month making each hike unique and special. Atlanta may be a busy and prosperous metropolis, but we are doubly blessed to have amazing hikes a short drive out of the city! Here’s our list of the best hikes to try for some exercise, self-care, and forest bathing.

Sweetwater Creek State Park
Hike: 2-4 Miles

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a popular retreat for Atlantans. With several winding trails through hilled forest along the wide and picturesque Sweetwater Creek, visitors have both easy and more challenging hikes to choose from. Great for trail running or a leisurely stroll, Sweetwater also has a visitor’s center, lake, and the ruins of an old factory that burned down in the 19^th century. Jump on 20 West from Atlanta and be there is 15-20 minutes!

East Palisades Trail at the Chattahoochee River
Hike: 3.4 Miles

East Palisades Trail is a great choice for dogs, river views, and for a more challenging up/down hill adventure. Located in North Atlanta, East Palisades is inside the 285 perimeter, making it a short drive on weekends. Keep your eyes open for the lookout spots offering great views of the Chattahoochee river. Stop for a refresher at the Chattahoochee coffee company nearby to relax close to the river.

Arabia Mountain in Lithonia
Hike: 1.3 Miles

Located just 30 minutes from Midtown, Atlanta, Arabia Mountain is a surreal and diverse landscape of trails and rock. The large summit is made up of rock, making it one of the only non man-made treeless spaces around. Arabia Mountain is a monadnock, or an isolated rock small mountain that rises abruptly from a level surrounding plain. The result is an eerily beautiful mars-like landscape great for photos or a clear view of the sky above!

Kennesaw Mountain Trails
Hike:1.3-11 miles

For a challenging hike, try Kennesaw Mountain just North of Atlanta off 75. Hikers can go up to 11 miles on the high-inclined trail which offers pretty views from its high elevation summit. You can also learn about the civil war on the mountain’s  historical displays.

Heading out for a hike? Be sure to pack your bag with everything you’ll need to be safe and have fun. Here is your hiking packing list:

• Backpack (With comfortable strap)
• Water
• First Aid Kit
• Phone
• Extra Layers
• Flashlight
• Camera
• Hair ties
• Hiking Boots
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen