Georgia Hikes With Amazing Views (Within 1 hour of Atlanta)

By Chris Watkins

Published November 5, 2024
Last Updated November 7, 2024

Atlanta has its fair share of nicknames. The A, ATL, The Big Peach, and one temperature-related monicker that will not be named (you know, that thing we don’t call Atlanta). But one name that particularly encapsulates the jewel of the South that is Atlanta, is “The City in the Forest.” And no, this isn’t because every road and side street is somehow named “Peachtree.” Outdoorsy types will find that there’s a multitude of trees both in and around the city making it easy to get out for a brisk hike or leisurely walk depending on your energy levels. 

So strap of those laces and grab your preferred water bottle because WE OUTSIDE exploring these Atlanta hikes worth the trek. We’re also throwing in some nearby eats and drinks to refuel. You’re gonna need it. 

In Atlanta

Atlanta Beltline East/West Trails 

This one’s for the explorer who wants to keep their pricey cross-trainers free of dirt. The Beltline is Atlanta’s urban playground, connecting neighborhoods with flat, paved trails ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. The 22-mile loop has given new life to an unused corridor that once connected the city breathing new life into areas long forgotten. Split between East and West trails, the Eastside Trail buzzes with energy, always packed with people eyeing stops and nearby bars and restaurants or wanting to take in the public art and skyline views. The Westside Trail brings a more laid-back vibe with greenery and historic landmarks where you go to actually hear yourself think. So whether you’re clocking miles or just people-watching, there’s no better place to soak up Atlanta’s local culture than the Beltline. 

Rest and Recharge: Adult fruit cups, juices, and coffee about at LottaFrutta. 

Piedmont Park

A walking path that’s as social as it is scenic? Yep. You’ve stepped right into ATL’s own backyard at Piedmont Park. We’re talking 200 acres of green space in the heart of Midtown that serves as a highly-coveted locale for festivals and concerts that need a bit of breathing room for the masses to cram into. With relatively flat and paved paths, you can have it all whether it’s a leisurely morning walk before a meeting or a more strenuous jog. Clock a couple of miles, people-watch, and take in gorgeous skyline views. 

Rest and Recharge: Get juicy with cold-pressed and smoothie sips at Squeez and Arden’s Garden Juice Bar. 

Westside Reservoir Park

You can be anything when you grow up, kids. Case in point, what was once the site of an abandoned granite quarry is now a lake that connects to the Atlanta Beltline. Westside Reservoir Park holds the title of Atlanta’s largest green space occupying acres of trails, playgrounds, and art installations set across the backdrop of the ATL skyline. The trails are a walk in the park (had to take it there) with multiple paved routes to explore. 

Rest and Recharge: You may need to loosen a few buttons for chicken and waffle goodness at Atlanta Breakfast Club at City of Refuge. 

Morningside Nature Preserve

With chill vibes and easy terrain, this hidden oasis is tucked away in one of Atlanta’s coolest neighborhoods. Morningside Nature Preserve is an underrated urban escape and one of the city’s best-kept secrets. A 2-mile, mostly flat trail leads you through serene woods and across a wooden suspension bridge before offering serene views across South Peachtree Creek. Perfect for a leisurely walk with your doggo or a quiet morning stroll, it’s easy and ideal for anyone seeking to disconnect without leaving the city. 

Rest and Recharge: See savory sandwiches and maybe a cookie or two at Alon’s Bakery and Market. 

Constitution Lakes Park (South Atlanta) 

While Constitution Lakes Park has all the hike trappings of picturesque views and trails that make for a challenging trek, things take a turn for the weird on the Doll’s Head Trail. Blending nature, quirky art, and dolls that definitely move when you’re not looking, this 2-mile loop takes you through wetlands and forests for a journey you won’t forget (because they won’t let you). In all seriousness, think DIY art installations with found objects turned into surreal sculptures by local artists. Equal parts eerie, all fascinating that’s giving, “How did I get here, and what’s the quickest way out?”. 

Rest and Recharge: Bring on the breakfast tacos and margs at Muchacho. 

West of Atlanta

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area (Lithonia) 

Arabia Mountain is quite the rocky road (pun intended) with it being a craggy behemoth littered with craters and outcroppings more like you’re walking on the moon than anything else. The lunar-like landscape is quite the sight enveloped in plants and flowers that somehow manage to survive growing their own unique ecosystem sprouting directly from the rocky surface. Trails here range from easy strolls to moderate hikes, with a mix of paved and natural paths adding versatility for walkers of all levels. 

Rest and Recharge: Grab a coffee, tea, or breakfast sando at Black Dot Cultural Center. 

North of Atlanta

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (Kennesaw) 

Come for the sweat, stay for the story. Civil War history meets a full-on fitness foray at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. The sprawling park is a time capsule capturing the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in the 1860s with some canons and barracks still preserved from the conflict. The trails range from moderate to tough with a 1.5-mile hike to the summit for epic panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Explore over 22 miles of hiking trails with plenty of commemorative displays along the paths. 

Rest and Recharge: Get behind at platter syrup-soaked pancakes at BaseCamp at Kennesaw Mountain. 

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Sandy Springs/Marietta) 

You might call Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area the food hall of hiking trails due to its immense size and variety of trek options available. All with a certain flair of their own, the 48-mile long chain of parks and hiking paths includes 15 trail options to get the blood moving. Some standouts are the East Palisades Trail complete with a grove of 30-foot bamboo trees that’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported to China, Sope Creek Trail amidst the stacked stone ruins of Civil War-era paper mill, and Vickery Creek Trail with its scenic covered bridges and waterfalls.  

Rest and Recharge: Connect for coffee and carbs at Breadwinner Café & Bakery. 

Stone Mountain Park (Stone Mountain) 

Stone Mountain is Atlanta’s iconic “rock” star and brimming with cool things to do making it the perfect variety pack of fun for everything from laser shows and fireworks displays to seasonal festivals and min golf. Now this rock was made for hiking, so while the 1-mile walk-up trail to the summit may seem short, don’t let the distance fool you. It’s a mountain and steep so you can expect to break a sweat on your rise to the top. But no risk, no reward, and the prize you get when you make it is beyond jaw-dropping views of the city and beyond. 

Rest and Recharge: Looking for coffee? Gilly Brew Bar has the drip. 

West of Atlanta

Sweetwater Creek State Park (Lithia Springs) 

Sweetwater Creek’s color-coded trails blend a mix of rocky terrain and gentle riverside paths. Getting the picture? Ok. Now throw in some more ruins of a bygone era and whitewater views for scenic excursion. While the trails range from easy to moderate, you can still test your calf muscles with a climb up Taz Hill on the Yellow Trail. But if you want to keep things easy peasy, stick to the shorter and more level Red Trail. 

Rest and Recharge: Track down all-day breakfast bites at Tiffany’s Kitchen. 

Silver Comet Trail (Smyrna to Alabama line) 

Starting in Smyrna and running over 60 miles all the way to Alabama, the Silver Comet Trail trades the typical rough and tumble trails you’re used to for a flat, paved option perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Once a railway line is like another trail destination on this list, the trail retains its historic vibes with old trestles and tunnels if you’re looking to go off the beaten path. And while it’s an easy path, you can really go the distance if you want to rack up some miles. 

Rest and Recharge: Refresh yourself at BLENDED Smoothie & Juice Bar. 

Chris Watkins is an Atlanta-based writer and photographer with a deep love and connection to the Atlanta dining and nightlife scene. His work has appeared in Thrillist, Jezebel Magazine, Men’s Book Atlanta and The Atlantan. He currently operates Watkins Branding, a digital marketing agency with focus on the restaurant and hospitality industry.