Access Atlanta > The Newcomer > Archives > 2008 > August > 04 > Entry
Where to find Atlanta area trails for casual hikers?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today’s Newcomer guest post comes from AJC intern Eunice Lee, an Oregonian who first came to Atlanta as a student at Emory University four years ago. Jamie returns next week, if she’s not lost in the woods.
Need to get some peace of mind? Here’s one quick getaway inside the city.
Hiking does not require a backpack that towers over your head, or 15 lbs. of supplies from REI, or an expansive knowledge of the great outdoors, contrary to popular belief.
I was born and raised in Oregon, so hiking runs in my blood. But I’m what you’d call a casual hiker—for me a hike requires a pair of sturdy sneakers, a water bottle and 10 minutes of Internet research before heading out.
When I came to Atlanta four years ago, I was excited to find the metro area well endowed with trees, sloping hills and patches of nature that reminded me of my own green home state.
While looking for good hiking trails, I turned to the advice of Atlanta blogger Doug Boyle, (aka The Urban Baboon.) Though Boyle said he doesn’t fancy himself a hiking expert, he has checked out over 40 different trails in the past few years, which was good enough for me.
So on a lazy Sunday afternoon, instead of watching reruns on Comedy Central, I took up one of Boyle’s recommendations and hiked the East Palisades Trail, a little gem tucked away inside the neighborhoods of Roswell.
A leafy canopy keeps hikers cool at the trail head of East Palisades in Atlanta.
Who knew you could find yourself in the middle of a forest inside Atlanta so quickly? The five-mile loop offers a few inclines and plenty of level trails for leisurely strolling. The clearly marked path has room enough for two friends chatting and catching up or someone (like me) who just needed a bit of space and quiet.
“You need places to find peace and solitude,” Boyle said to me. “It’s good for your soul.”
I got that. Especially after the quick trek downhill led me to the edge of the Chattahoochee River.
Often you’ll see kayakers or a few hopeful fishermen out on the Chattahoochee River along the East Palisades trial.
Boyle had plenty of other trail suggestions as well as tips for hikers. He said East Palisades was probably the most scenic place inside the I-285 perimeter (and costs only $3 for parking), but just outside the perimeter there are plenty of great hikes (think right along the places where major interstates cross I-285).
If you’re willing to venture out farther and work up more of a sweat, Boyle recommends Sweetwater Creek State Park (west on I-20), Providence Canyon State Park (south on I-85 and then past Columbus, GA, on I-185), or any number of the Appalachian trails (starting on the northeast corner of Georgia bordering Tennessee).
What to bring: water, bug spray, sunscreen, basic First Aid supplies, light snacks.
While it’s helpful to check Web sites like GeorgiaTrails.com before blazing ahead, don’t let the planning swallow the party.
“It’s about having fun, not about making a plan,” Boyle said. “Don’t get married to the map.”
Have you found any hidden gems around Atlanta? Where are your favorite places to hike? Share your ideas and tips in the comments.
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By anonymous coward
August 4, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
I too am from Oregon and will eventually return as soon as I can get out of this terrible housing market. In the meantime some good hikes: 1. Appalachian Approach trail from Amicalola Falls 2. Panther Creek State Park, just south of Tallula 3. Any of the Chattahooche NRA sections, but my favorite is the one off Barnwell Road in Roswell/John’s Creek.
By JJ
August 4, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
Elachee Nature Center in Oakwood.
By mayretter local
August 4, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield has many trails of varying lengths, and several different access points.
The Chattahoochee trails are allgreat. Try the Powers Ferry Island trail for a short walk across the river from the busier trail that connects to Columns Dr.
By C. Dillard
September 28, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Sweetwater State Park in Lithia Springs, has 4 trails up to 4 miles in length with great views of the city in the fall after the leaves fall as well as great creekside views for a part of the hike
By SouthernHiker.com
November 24, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Just read the article. Thank you for the fine. I write a blog on the outdoors in the Southeast, and stumbling upon this blog is great for sites near Atlanta.
By TlaB
December 6, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
Great article! I’m visiting Atlanta over Christmas. What are these trails like in the winter? Do I still need bug spray?
By Jamie Gumbrecht
December 9, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Hey there! I can’t say I have experience with these trails during winter, but I wouldn’t put bug spray on your packing list. It’s been quite chilly here so far, so we’re out of bug season.