Let's face it, finding the motivation to go for a run on hot days can sometimes feel difficult.
Well good news Atlanta— many trails around the metro area provide beautiful shaded forest canopies that allow you to run to your heart's content without the sun beating down on you the whole time.
Find your perfect shady trail run from these top picks:
Suwanee Greenway Trail. Access at Suwanee Creek Park. 1170 Buford Hwy, Suwanee. 770-945-8996. www.atlantatrails.com.
On this 6.3 mile run, you'll meander through stunning wooded boardwalks, shaded marshlands and forested paths filled with beautiful deciduous trees that offer all the protection from the sun you need. With a mixture of paved, boardwalk and dirt trails, you'll find a little something for everyone and enough interest to keep you moving forward on your journey.
South Peachtree Creek Trail. Access at Medlock Park. Decatur. 874 Gaylemont Circle, Decatur. www.atlantatrails.com.
If you're looking for a shorter run closer to town, try the South Peachtree Creek Trail in Decatur. Stretching 2 miles through Mason Mill Park and Medlock Park, this trail offers outstanding shady tree shelter, raised boardwalks and a picturesque bridge crossing Burnt Fork Creek. Although shorter in length, this trail does offer varied terrain and gorgeous scenery.
Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm Loop Trail. Access at Kennesaw Mountain. 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw. www.atlantatrails.com.
Located along the base of historic Kennesaw Mountain, the Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm Loop Trail winds through lush forest canopies with stunning views of rolling meadows, trickling streams and vintage farmland. This perfectly shaded 5.8 mile loop will keep you out of the sun and cool as a cucumber along your run.
Murphey Candler Trail. Access at Candler Park. 585 Candler Park Drive NE, Atlanta. www.atlantatrails.com.
For those of you looking for a scenic trail in the heart of the city, give the 2-mile-long Murphey Candler Trail a go. This looping, shade-rich trail winds through the Brookhaven neighborhood and takes you through wooded forests with ivy-covered trees, stream-filled marshlands and beside Murphey Candler Lake.
Tribble Mill Park Trail. Access at Tribble Mill Park. 2125 Tribble Mill Pkwy, Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890. www.atlantatrails.com.
Located north of the Atlanta area in Gwinnett County, the Tribble Mill Park Trail provides runners with a 2.8-mile-long loop filled with giant shady trees, lush ferns, mossy logs and towering forest canopies. Winding around Ozora Lake, the paved part of the trail remains relatively flat, while the boardwalk and dirt portion takes you over gently rolling terrain.
Looking for a great women's-only running group in your area? Check out these 3 running clubs for women to join in metro Atlanta.
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