Four Favorite Suburban Hikes Near Atlanta

We love driving to the North Georgia mountains for remote hikes. But pressed for time, many locations closer-in to Atlanta, Marietta, and Cobb and neighboring counties offer convenient access. And you’ll find diverse terrain and nature or urban walks sure to please experienced and new outdoors people.

Dedicated and novice hikers agree on the many reasons to love winter hiking in Georgia. Here are a few examples of nearby hiking spots for those craving a winter outdoors experience:

Kennesaw Mountain

The most-visited national battlefield park in the US, the locals consider KeMo a premier hiking spot for mountain-top views, wildlife sightings and trail variety. Sunrise and sunset hikes feature colorful panoramas. Our favorite loop hike travels up KeMo’s backside.

Kennesaw Mountain offers easy summit access for great views. Multiple trails offer terrain for all ages and abilities.

Marietta Mountain-to-River Trail

A multi-use recreation trail, we often bike this route. Around Marietta Square, walking is best, plus there’s lots of history and easy access to shopping and dining. Stop in at the Gone With the Wind Museum along the way for a break and some entertainment nostalgia.

East and West Palisades

Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, these forested preserves straddle Interstates 75 and 275 in Cobb County. Paths at both East and West Palisades follow the Chattahoochee River, offering frequent views at riverside and from high above on the neighboring hills.

Riverside views, rolling hills and a convenient location make East Palisades trail one of our newest favorites.

Allatoona Pass Battlefield

If you’re looking for a flat trail through the woods, this is it. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed, passing through a deep mountain cut and alongside Lake Allatoona. There are great views and some access to Lake Allatoona to cool your feet. Just across the water, you can enjoy winding walks in the woods at Red Top Mountain State Park.

Cutting through high bluffs, the Allatoona Pass trail is a flat path on an abandoned rail line. Side trails offer different terrain, plus a chance to cool your feet in Lake Allatoona.

More Family-Fun Hiking

There are lots of summit view hikes within an hour of Atlanta. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain and Indian Seats are all great hikes within a short drive of the perimeter. For more hiking ideas farther out in the North Georgia mountains, check out the Georgia Small Plates section at OurTravelCafe.com. Other great hiking reference resources include the Atlanta Trails website and All-Trails.