Top 5 Hiking Trails Near Atlanta

January 31, 2017

If you are some what outdoorsy {enjoy sunlight, like cute dogs} , hiking is a great way to take a “mini” vacation inside your own city! Most of the time all you have to do is pay for the gas there, and god bless, gas has been relatively cheap so at most you are spending $10 for a total experience! What a steal! These are my go to hikes near Atlanta that can be a great day trip and time to relax!

#1: Kennesaw Mountain (25 miles north of the city)

Kennesaw Mountain is a great trail for those wanting a shorter trail to start off. The most basic trail is only about 1 mile up and isn’t too rigorous until the very end. It is a very wide trail with lots of space even on busier days. It has a great area to picnic at the top and stunning views of Atlanta. It is a very dog friendly trail and parking is free and plentiful!

Trail up to the top of Kennesaw Mountain

View of Atlanta from the top of Kennesaw Mountain

View of Atlanta from back trails of Kennesaw Mountain

Afterwards hit up Mountain Biscuits for the most buttery biscuits you’ve ever tasted! If your into bottomless mimosas for only $10 yes you heard that correct, you need to go to The Chicken and the Egg. Hiking + Brunch= perfect weekend plan.

#2: Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats

For those wanting a little bit of an excursion but not an all day commitment, then look no further than Cumming,GA where the Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats is a great hike for any intermediate hiker. A straight shot up GA400 {45 miles away} there isn’t a better place. Parking is free, but beware dogs are not allowed due to it being a preservation. This hike is a little more complicated to navigate but in the end has spectacular views with actual “seats” in the rocks to sit on. Perfect spot for a hammock {check out this knock off eno for half the price and just as good quality} and a delicious picnic.

View from the top of the Sawnee Mountin Preserve

Panoramic View of Sawnee Indian Mountain Seats

#3: Yonah Mountain

Wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a day and breath in some super fresh air? Yonah Mountain in Clevland, Georgia is just the place. A more rigorous hike than the others, this is for those even beginner hikers who want a little bit of a challenge in their routine. Yonah Mountain is 80 miles north of Atlanta perfect for a day trip adventure. The top of the mountain is not your typical view, it is surrounded by trees and you actually have to go towards the edge for the best views {I know a little scary but totally worth it}.

Views from the Yonah Mountain trail

Yonah Mountain Trail at the halfway point

Ice on Yonah Mountain Trail

View from the top of a cloudy Yonah Mountain

#4: Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is the perfect strolling trail with minimal hills involved {whoot whoot}. It is 15 miles west of Atlanta and parking is $5 so make sure you bring cash! The red and blue trails are my favorite because they follow right along the creek which has the most beautiful views. It also comes upon the breathtaking and historical New Manchester Mill that was famously used in the Hunger Game movies. This park is not only dog friendly but event friendly. There is a playground for kids, perfect place to picnic and in the summer rentals for water activities.

The New Manchester Mill at Sweetwater Creek State Park

View of The New Manchester Mill at Sweetwater Creek State Park

#5: Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is one of the most recognisable names in the Atlanta area and especially for hiking it. 22 miles east of Atlanta, this beautiful granite has multiple hiking opportunities around it BUT for the most spectacular view of the city you have to climb the 1 mile trail up to the top. The only downside is that this park you have to pay $15 to enter into the park per day. The last .25 mile of the hike is the toughest but you can always take the skyride down{but that costs money too}. The best time to hike it in my opinion is for the sunrise. The park opens up at 5am so you can see the sunrise year round. It is a great family activity but unfortunately dogs are not allowed up this trail as well.