Whether you're diehard climbers or the kind of family that needs a little encouragement to get off the couch for a few hours, there are lots of hikes your kids will love near Atlanta.
Here are five with features that particularly appeal to kids.
Most of them are so close to the ATL you can get up and go this very weekend or make it an after-school, midweek hike:
Reynolds Nature Preserve
Clayton County Parks and Recreation, 5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow. 770-603-4188
This hike is brief but involves the challenge of some hills. It will appeal to the animal and history lovers in the family, with its mix of wetlands critters and old farm equipment and a barn that dates to 1867.
Choose from the 1-mile Pond Loop, the 1-mile Summit Loop that takes you near Back Mountain, elevation 1,116 feet, or the 1.5-mile perimeter loop that also goes by some ponds and a butterfly garden. Before you leave, check out the live animals and environmental displays at the nature center.
Island Ford Park Trail
1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs 678-538-1200
Follow along the Chattahoochee River and cross a couple of streams with this 2-mile hike. Island Ford State Park is the headquarters for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. You'll start there, from the 1930s log park headquarters. You'll likely spot plenty of birds and other wildlife. A trail highlight are oversize rock outcrops that likely sheltered native tribes once living in this valley. When you need a breather, stop at one and let your imaginations loose.
The Cherokee Trail at Stone Mountain
1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407
A little tougher with some steep sections, the Cherokee Trail is a solid option for kids who are more fit and very energetic. If you and the kid are counting steps on your Fitbit or other devices, the park estimates it takes 7,363 steps to traverse the 5 miles of oak-hickory forest with its views of streams and mountain.
Vickery Creek Trail
400 Riverside Road, Roswell.
Intriguing and scenic, this metro Atlanta trail is accessible all year 'round. It features mill ruins and a waterfall. The "out and back" trail is 3.5 miles total, but if someone gets tired before you're done you can cut the hike short by turning back before the midpoint. Your pup can tag along too, on a leash.
Panther Creek Trail to Panther Creek Falls
Old Us Hwy 441 N, Clarkesville. 706-754-6221
After you've accomplished a few shorter jaunts and know you've got the stamina, reward your kids with a daylong adventure to Panther Creek. Part of the Chattahoochee National Forest near Tallulah Gorge, the trail to the falls involves 7 miles with waterfalls alongside most of the way. Dip your feet in the pools in the warm months. Once you're done with the pools, check out the many campsites along the trail in case you choose to come back for a night under the stars.
>>> If you're already planning for next summer, take a look at this camps for the outdoor adventurer.
