It's amazing how some fresh air, sunshine and trail time can work magic on the soul. Metro Atlanta offers an abundance of great hikes over mountaintops, across river banks and through grassy meadows, all worthy of a great trail workout.
It's also amazing how some time on the trail can work up an appetite. But hunger be gone; some of Atlanta's favorite food and watering holes are a short distance from the city's best trails. Grab a few friends for a great morning hike. Then post-hike, check out these nearby favorites to refuel your calories or for a celebratory pint:
Sope Creek Trail
More than three miles of fantastic hiking and biking trails weave through this rolling park in East Cobb. Hit the Sope Creek Trail to explore Civil War-era paper mill ruins, a boulder-filled creek and a serene pond. After the hike, stop at Moxie Burger for a legendary turkey, beef or veggie burger piled high with toppings. Or skip the burger and build a mixed green salad like the Moxie Salad, topped with fried green tomatoes, bacon, cranberries, and avocado. Wash it all down with a sweet tea or brew on Moxie Burger's cozy, dog friendly patio.
Sawnee Mountain Trail
Stunning, long-range mountaintop views await at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming. Hike the four mile Indian Seats Trail to beautiful overlook views and the entrance to an abandoned gold mine, but leave the pup at home – Sawnee Mountain Preserve prohibits dogs on the trail. After the hike, visit Cinco to fill your post hike taco craving and sip a draft beer or margarita. On the lighter side, the menu's Ahi Tuna Salad plates an ahi steak on a bed of fresh veggies and queso fresco, drizzled with a mango-chipotle vinaigrette.
East Palisades Trail
Perhaps the perfect intown hike, the East Palisades Trail explores the banks of the Chattahoochee River near Vinings. The trail rolls elevation to catch sight of the river's angular, whitewater-filled shoals, climbs to views at an overlook and dips down into a bamboo forest on the banks of the Hooch. After the hike, satisfy a protein craving and sample some seriously tasty traditional Japanese at Sushi Huku on Powers Ferry Road. Sip sake paired with artfully plated sashimi or sushi, or choose a lunchtime bento box paired with miso soup and salad.
Kennesaw Mountain Trail
Climb Atlanta's northern mountain on the pulse-raising Kennesaw Mountain Trail to great skyline views. But don't stop at the summit: Kennesaw Mountain's huge trail network crosses through Civil War battlefields, meadows and stream-filled forest with some trail loops exceeding 10 miles. Refuel at The Red Eyed Mule (but hurry, they close at 2 p.m.!) for a tasty breakfast egg sandwich or ground beef burger on thick-cut, buttered, grilled toast. Or head to the Canvas Cafe & Bakery before 4 p.m. to order the menu's popular three egg omelet, granola smothered in Greek yogurt and berries, or fluffy pancakes or French toast. After noon, order a lunchtime menu favorite, a pimento cheese sandwich on sourdough paired with a Flying Dog Brewery pale ale.
Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill
Hike a three mile loop on the Vickery Creek Trail to a beautiful spillway waterfall and the remnants of two historic mills on the banks of a Chattahoochee River tributary. Then head to the Roswell Town Square for a pint of ale and a gastropub-inspired lunch at Salt Factory Pub. Order the Fried Green Tomato BLT, the vegetarian-friendly Portobello Sandwich or the Iceberg Wedge salad topped with Cajun-spiced shrimp. Or carb up with one of the menu's tasty pizzas, including a delicious (and classic) fresh mozzarella and basil-topped Margherita.
