Whether it’s leaf-looking, bird-watching or exploring nature with the kids, autumn is the perfect time to get out and take a hike. Fortunately, Atlanta is blessed with a multitude of trails, from urban to suburban to wilderness, all within an easy drive of anywhere in the metro area.
Randy and Pam Golden live in Woodstock and are lifelong hikers who have been writing about their outdoor adventures since 1995. Their website, Georgia Trails (georgiatrails.com), serves as a quick resource for hiking and walking in Georgia. And their two books published by Menasha Ridge Press — “60 Hikes within 60 Miles: Atlanta” and “Easy Hikes Close to Home: Atlanta” — are authoritative guides to the best scenery and locations.
Randy Golden is a writer and history buff, who often peppers his hiking descriptions with Civil War details. Pam Golden is a photographer, who takes nature pictures for the website and books.
“You can find history in almost any trail,” Randy Golden said. “Definitely, natural history is everywhere. When it comes to urban areas, Atlanta has a lot to offer. Most of all, we have the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which is 47 miles long and a good deal of it is in north Atlanta.”
Here are some of Randy Golden’s favorite trails, along with his commentary on what to look for:
Stone Mountain Mountaintop Trail, Stone Mountain — Climb to the top of Stone Mountain and you are walking through 300 years of American history, 10,000 years of American Indian history and 350 million years of natural history. To call this trail historic is an understatement. The view from the top is stunning, especially on a clear fall day. Look for a streak of yellow from the days when the top of Stone Mountain was painted with a massive yellow arrow and the word “Atlanta” to help guide airplanes to the city. Trail Length: 2.4 miles. Parking: $10.
georgiatrails.com/gt/Stone_Mountain_Mountaintop_Trail
Gold Branch Trail, Cobb County — In the heart of Cobb County, this bit of wilderness is Golden’s favorite of the Chattahoochee River trails. On quiet Saturday mornings, you might catch a glimpse of a sculling team practicing on the river. Or listen for the honk of Canadian geese and watch for the hawks and deer that grace this trail that explores the shores of Bull Sluice above Morgan Falls Dam and climbs into the Chattahoochee watershed. Trail Length: 4.8 miles. Parking: $3. georgiatrails.com/gt/Gold_Branch_Trail
Cheatham Hill Loop, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park — No single hiking trail packs more history about the Civil War in Georgia than the Cheatham Hill Loop. An easy one mile hike takes visitors through the site of the bloodiest fighting during the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. The hike is part of more than 16 miles of trails that loop through the park from the visitors' center to Kolb’s Farm. Trail Length: 1 mile. Parking: free. georgiatrails.com/gt/Cheatham_Hill_Loop
High Falls State Park, Jackson — Georgia has just about the best falls for kids because you can play and slide in them, Golden said. At High Falls, named for tumbling cascades on the Towaliga River, you can take the kids on a hike on more than 4 miles of trails, where you can see an old power plant, or stroll through or woods on a tranquil hour long walk. Trail length: varies. Parking: $5 gastateparks.org/HighFalls
Reynolds Nature Preserve, Morrow — A sometimes overlooked pleasure, this 146-acre preserve is open Mondays-Fridays and is free except for special programs. With over 3 miles of hiking trails, you can walk down to wetlands and ponds fed by natural springs, explore native plants, a butterfly garden and a high ridge in a mixed oak-hickory-pine forest. Trail length: varies. Parking: free. reynoldsnaturepreserve.org
More hiking resources
Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell — With lush gardens, trees, native wildlife, the Discovery Center museum and year-round programs for children and adults, Chattahoochee Nature Center is a community resource for every kind of outdoor activity. Five hiking trails wind through beautiful Georgia Piedmont forest with two ponds and a river boardwalk. Halloween hikes begin Oct. 21. Admission: $5-$8; free for members. chattnaturecenter.org
Atlanta Outdoor Club — Founded in 2000, this volunteer-run, event-oriented club offers a wide variety of outdoor activities to adults 21 and older (the majority of members are in their 20s and 30s). Each month, there’s a regular schedule of outings, including hiking, camping, backpacking, rafting and canoeing, as well as social events. No annual dues or fees. atlantaoutdoorclub.com
Commonsense hiking tips for safety, comfort and the environment
1. Don’t hike alone
2. Tell people where you’re going and when you’re coming back
3. Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes or boots
4. Pack water, plus nuts, dried fruit or a lunch for longer hikes
5. Pack sunscreen and/or insect repellent, according to the season
6. For longer hikes, pack a map/guidebook, compass and flashlight
7. Carry out everything you carry in, including all trash and garbage
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