10 Must-Hike Trails Near Atlanta for All Skill Levels: A Local’s Guide to Scenic Adventures

Atlanta sits at the edge of the Appalachian foothills, giving you access to everything from riverside walks to legitimate mountain climbs within an hour's drive. The hiking here surprises people—dense forests, waterfalls, and rocky summits exist closer to downtown than most residents realize.

This guide covers 10 trails around Atlanta, ranging from easy 2-mile loops to challenging 9-mile climbs. Each trail includes accurate distances, real elevation gains, parking logistics, and honest assessments of difficulty. Before heading out, make sure you have proper merino wool clothing to handle Georgia's humid summers and unpredictable weather.

The trails are organized by drive time from downtown Atlanta, so you can quickly find options that fit your schedule.

 

How to Use This Guide

Three tools make planning easier:

Trail Picker Table: Filter by difficulty, drive time, and season to narrow your options.

Detailed Trail Breakdown: Full descriptions with accurate mileage, elevation, parking info, and what to expect.

Logistics Section: Parking availability, permit requirements, best times to arrive, and transit options where available.

Match your available time and fitness level to a trail, check the logistics, then go hike.

Trail Picker

Trail	Difficulty	Distance	Elevation Gain	Drive Time	Best Season
East Palisades	Easy	3-5 miles	200 ft	20 min	Year-round
Sweetwater Creek	Easy-Moderate	2-7 miles	300 ft	30 min	Spring/Fall
Stone Mountain	Moderate	1-5 miles	800 ft	30 min	Fall/Winter/Spring
Kennesaw Mountain	Moderate	2-5 miles	800 ft	25 min	Spring/Fall
Sawnee Mountain	Moderate	3 miles	850 ft	45 min	Spring/Fall
Arabia Mountain	Easy	3-5 miles	Minimal	35 min	Spring/Fall
Panther Creek Falls	Moderate	7 miles	600 ft	90 min	Spring/Summer
Amicalola Falls	Hard	2.5-8 miles	1,200 ft	90 min	Spring/Fall
Blood Mountain	Hard	4.3 miles	1,300 ft	2 hours	Spring/Fall
Cloudland Canyon	Moderate-Hard	2-5 miles	1,000 ft	2 hours	Spring/Fall

Decision Framework

How much time do you have?

• Under 2 hours: East Palisades, Arabia Mountain
• Half day: Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Sweetwater Creek
• Full day: Amicalola Falls, Blood Mountain, Panther Creek Falls

What's your fitness level?

• New to hiking: East Palisades, Arabia Mountain, Sweetwater Creek (short loops)
• Regular exercise: Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Sawnee Mountain
• Experienced hiker: Amicalola Falls, Blood Mountain, Cloudland Canyon

What season?

• Summer: Stick to river trails (East Palisades, Panther Creek) or start by 7am for mountain hikes
• Fall: Everything shines. Peak foliage is mid-October to early November.
• Winter: Stone Mountain and Kennesaw get icy. Arabia Mountain and riverside trails stay accessible.
• Spring: Waterfalls are strongest. Amicalola Falls and Panther Creek are spectacular March-May.

Logistics

Trail	Parking	Fee	Permit	Transit	Best Arrival Time
East Palisades	Limited (50 spots)	Free	No	None	Before 9am weekends
Stone Mountain	Ample	$20/car	No	None	Before 10am
Kennesaw Mountain	Good	Free	No	None	Before 9am weekends
Sweetwater Creek	Good	$5	No	None	Weekdays anytime
Amicalola Falls	Limited	$5	No	None	Before 11am
Arabia Mountain	Good	Free	No	None	Anytime

Parking notes: East Palisades fills completely by 9:30am on weekends. Either arrive early or try a weekday. Stone Mountain charges $20 per vehicle—the fee covers the entire park. Kennesaw Mountain has overflow parking but fills on nice spring/fall weekends.

No permits required for day hiking on any of these trails. Overnight camping at Amicalola Falls or along the Appalachian Trail requires advance reservations.

Drive Time from Downtown Atlanta

Under 30 minutes:

• East Palisades (Chattahoochee River): 20 minutes via I-75
• Kennesaw Mountain: 25 minutes via I-75
• Stone Mountain: 30 minutes via I-285

30-60 minutes:

• Sweetwater Creek: 30 minutes via I-20
• Arabia Mountain: 35 minutes via I-20
• Sawnee Mountain: 45 minutes via GA-400

60+ minutes:

• Panther Creek Falls: 90 minutes via GA-400
• Amicalola Falls: 90 minutes via GA-400
• Blood Mountain: 2 hours via GA-400
• Cloudland Canyon: 2 hours via I-75 and I-59

Trail Breakdown

1. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Distance: 2-5 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr, Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw Mountain combines Civil War history with legitimate elevation. The main trail climbs 800 feet over a mile to the summit, where you get 360-degree views of Atlanta's skyline and the North Georgia mountains.

Two route options: take the paved road (easier grade, 2 miles round trip) or the steeper Mountain Trail (1.8 miles round trip, rockier). Both reach the same summit. The Mountain Trail cuts through the woods and feels more like actual hiking.

Civil War earthworks and cannons line the trails. In June 1864, Union and Confederate forces fought here during Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. The interpretive signs are worth reading if you care about history.

Parking fills by 9am on spring and fall weekends. Summer is brutal—no shade on the summit, and the humidity makes the climb feel harder than it is. Go early or skip it in July and August. Winter is perfect for this trail—cool temps, clear views, fewer crowds.

2. East Palisades Trail (Chattahoochee River)

Distance: 3-5 miles Elevation gain: 200 feet Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: Indian Trail Rd NW, Atlanta, GA

East Palisades runs along the Chattahoochee River inside Atlanta's city limits. The trail winds through bamboo forests, crosses wooden boardwalks, and passes river overlooks. It's flat enough for beginners but interesting enough that regular hikers won't get bored.

The main loop is about 3 miles, but you can extend it by connecting to other Chattahoochee River trails. The terrain is mostly packed dirt and rock with some rooty sections. After rain, it gets muddy—wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

Dogs are allowed on leash. You'll see plenty of them. This is one of Atlanta's most popular dog-walking spots. Hiking with your dog here works well because of the shade and river access for cooling off.

Parking is the main problem. The lot holds about 50 cars and fills completely by 9:30am on weekends. Either arrive before 9am or go on a weekday. There's no overflow parking, so if it's full, you're out of luck.

3. Stone Mountain Park

Distance: 1-5 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 800 feet (Walk-Up Trail) Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA

Stone Mountain is Atlanta's most recognizable landmark—a massive granite dome rising 800 feet above the surrounding landscape. The Walk-Up Trail climbs straight up the exposed rock face. It's only 1 mile to the summit, but the grade is steep and relentless.

The trail is a mix of cable-assisted rock scrambles and steep switchbacks. In summer, the exposed granite gets scorching hot by 10am. Go early or save this for fall/winter. The summit views stretch across Atlanta's skyline and on clear days reach the Appalachian foothills.

Alternative routes: the Cherokee Trail loops 5 miles around the base through forested terrain. It's easier and shadier than the summit trail.

Stone Mountain charges $20 per vehicle for park entry. The fee is steep for a hike, but it covers all park amenities including the summit trail. Parking is ample but gets crowded on weekends. The park is also a Confederate memorial site, which some find problematic.

4. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Distance: 2-7 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 300 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trailhead: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA

Sweetwater Creek offers multiple trail options, all following Sweetwater Creek through hardwood forest. The main attraction is the New Manchester Manufacturing Company ruins—a Civil War-era textile mill that Sherman's forces burned in 1864.

The Red Trail (2 miles) and Yellow Trail (3 miles) are the most popular loops. Both pass the mill ruins and follow the creek. The terrain is gentle with some rocky sections near the water. The creek moves fast after rain, creating small rapids and cascades.

This park works well for families and beginners. The trails are well-marked, the elevation is minimal, and the mill ruins give kids something to explore. $5 parking fee. Dogs allowed on leash.

Fall and spring are ideal—the creek flows stronger, and the temps are comfortable. Summer gets hot and buggy near the water.

5. Amicalola Falls State Park

Distance: 2.5-8 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (to falls top) Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA

Amicalola Falls drops 729 feet in multiple cascades, making it Georgia's tallest waterfall. The main trail climbs 604 steps alongside the falls to reach the top. It's steep, exposed, and will smoke your legs if you're not in shape.

Two routes to the top: the Staircase Trail (425 steps, 0.6 miles, brutal) or the slightly longer but less steep East Ridge Trail (1.2 miles). Both are challenging. The views from the top are worth it—you look down on the entire waterfall and out across the North Georgia mountains.

For a longer hike, continue past the falls to Springer Mountain (8.5 miles one way), the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This is a legitimate mountain hike with significant elevation gain.

$5 parking fee. The park gets crowded on spring and fall weekends—arrive before 11am or expect limited parking. The falls are strongest in spring (March-May) after winter rains. Summer flow is minimal.

6. Blood Mountain (Appalachian Trail)

Distance: 4.3 miles round trip Elevation gain: 1,300 feet Difficulty: Hard Trailhead: Neel Gap, US-19/129, Blairsville, GA

Blood Mountain is Georgia's highest peak on the Appalachian Trail at 4,458 feet. The trail climbs relentlessly through rocky, rooty terrain with minimal flat sections. It's a genuine mountain hike—steep, exposed in sections, and physically demanding.

The summit offers 360-degree views across North Georgia's mountain ranges. On clear days, you can see into Tennessee and North Carolina. The historic Blood Mountain Shelter sits just below the summit—a stone structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

The trailhead starts at Neel Gap, where the Appalachian Trail literally passes through Mountain Crossings outfitter store. It's the only place where the AT goes through a building. You can resupply, get trail advice, or grab food before hiking.

This trail gets heavy use from AT thru-hikers in spring (March-May). Parking at Neel Gap is limited—about 20 spots. Arrive early on weekends. The elevation means cooler temps and later foliage than Atlanta. Peak fall colors hit in mid-October.

7. Sawnee Mountain Preserve

Distance: 3 miles (Indian Seats Trail) Elevation gain: 850 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: 4075 Spot Rd, Cumming, GA

Sawnee Mountain sits in Forsyth County, about 45 minutes north of Atlanta. The Indian Seats Trail climbs to a rock outcrop with views across the North Georgia foothills. The trail is well-maintained, moderately challenging, and less crowded than Kennesaw or Stone Mountain.

The climb is steady but manageable. The trail winds through hardwood forest before reaching the exposed rock summit. The "Indian Seats" are natural rock formations that create bench-like seating areas. Fall foliage here peaks in late October.

Free parking. The lot holds about 30 cars and rarely fills completely. This is a good option when the more popular trails are crowded. Dogs allowed on leash.

8. Arabia Mountain

Distance: 3-5 miles depending on route Elevation gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy Trailhead: 3787 Klondike Rd, Lithonia, GA

Arabia Mountain is a granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain but smaller and less developed. The terrain is unique—exposed granite dotted with rare plants and seasonal pools. The Bradley Pond and Lake Loop combines both Arabia Mountain and nearby Panola Mountain for a 5-mile hike across exposed rock and through pine forest.

This trail is almost entirely flat. The exposed granite can get hot in summer, but the lake and pond sections provide shade. Spring is spectacular here—rare diamorpha plants turn the granite pink in February and March. This is one of the few places to see this.

Free parking. Dogs allowed on leash. The exposed granite gets slippery when wet—avoid after rain. This is a great winter hike when mountain trails are icy.

9. Panther Creek Falls

Distance: 7 miles round trip Elevation gain: 600 feet Difficulty: Moderate Trailhead: Panther Creek Rd, Clarkesville, GA

Panther Creek Falls is a powerful 60-foot waterfall in Northeast Georgia. The trail follows Panther Creek through dense forest, crossing the creek multiple times on footbridges. The terrain is moderate with some rocky sections.

The waterfall sits in a small gorge where you can get close to the base. In spring, the water flow is intense—bring rain gear because you'll get wet from the spray. Summer flow is lighter but still impressive.

This trail sees less traffic than Amicalola Falls despite being just as scenic. The trailhead is harder to find (use GPS), and the longer distance filters out casual hikers. Free parking. Dogs allowed on leash.

10. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Distance: 2-5 miles depending on route Elevation gain: 1,000 feet (Waterfalls Trail) Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Trailhead: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA

Cloudland Canyon sits on Lookout Mountain in Northwest Georgia, about 2 hours from Atlanta. The canyon cuts 1,000 feet deep, creating dramatic cliffs and two major waterfalls. The Waterfalls Trail descends 600 stairs to reach Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.

The descent is manageable. The climb back up is brutal—600 stairs straight up the canyon wall. Go slow and take breaks. The waterfalls are worth the effort, especially in spring when water flow is high.

The Rim Loop Trail (4.8 miles) stays on top of the canyon, offering overlook views without the stair climb. It's easier but less dramatic than the waterfall trail.

$5 parking fee. The park has camping and cabins if you want to stay overnight. This is one of Georgia's most scenic state parks—worth the 2-hour drive.

Hiking with Kids, Dogs, and Mixed Groups

For families with kids: Sweetwater Creek and Arabia Mountain work best. Both have minimal elevation, interesting features (mill ruins, granite outcrops), and shorter loop options if kids get tired. East Palisades is good for slightly older kids who can handle 3-5 miles. Avoid Stone Mountain's summit trail with young kids—the steep, exposed granite is intimidating and potentially dangerous.

Dog-friendly trails: Most trails around Atlanta allow leashed dogs. East Palisades, Sweetwater Creek, and Arabia Mountain are the most dog-friendly with shade, water access, and moderate terrain. Stone Mountain allows dogs but the exposed summit trail gets too hot for paws in summer. Always bring a collapsible bowl and extra water.

Mixed-ability groups: Sweetwater Creek and East Palisades accommodate different fitness levels best. Both offer multiple trail options and easy bailout points if someone needs to turn back early. Kennesaw Mountain works if your group can handle moderate elevation—the paved road option is easier than the mountain trail.

What to Wear and Pack

Georgia's climate means humid summers, mild winters, and unpredictable spring/fall weather. Dress in layers and prepare for temperature swings.

Footwear: Trail runners work for most Atlanta trails—East Palisades, Sweetwater Creek, Arabia Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain. Save hiking boots for rockier terrain like Blood Mountain, Amicalola Falls, and Cloudland Canyon. The extra ankle support matters on steep, uneven trails.

Clothing: Summer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics. Merino wool t-shirts handle Georgia's humidity better than synthetic fabrics. Merino doesn't hold odor even after hours of sweating.

Spring/Fall: Layering is essential. Start with a merino base layer, add a fleece mid-layer, and bring a lightweight rain jacket. Morning temps can be in the 40s while afternoon hits 70s.

Winter: Merino base layers, fleece, and a windproof shell. Add merino gloves and a beanie for higher elevations like Blood Mountain or Cloudland Canyon.

Essential gear:

• Water: 2 liters minimum for summer hikes, 1 liter for winter
• Snacks: Trail mix, bars, fruit
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and hat
• Merino hiking socks (prevent blisters better than cotton)
• Phone/GPS and backup battery
• Rain jacket (even if forecast is clear)

Packing by season:

Item	Spring/Fall	Summer	Winter
Merino base layer	Essential	Optional	Essential
Rain jacket	Essential	Recommended	Essential
Merino socks	Essential	Essential	Essential
Sun protection	Recommended	Essential	Recommended
Extra water	1.5L	2-3L	1L

Safety, Weather, and Trail Etiquette

Weather risks:

Season	Primary Risk	Severity	Prevention
Summer	Heat exhaustion, dehydration	High	Start by 7am, carry 2L+ water, avoid exposed trails
Spring/Fall	Sudden storms, hypothermia	Moderate	Check forecast, bring rain gear, extra layers
Winter	Icy trails, cold exposure	Moderate	Traction devices for mountain trails, proper layers
Year-round	Snakes (copperheads, rattlesnakes)	Low	Watch where you step, make noise on trail

Summer hiking: Georgia summers are brutal—90°F+ with 80% humidity. Start mountain hikes by 7am or skip them entirely in July-August. Stick to shaded river trails (East Palisades, Panther Creek) during peak summer. Carry more water than you think you need. Heat exhaustion happens fast.

Storm safety: Spring and summer thunderstorms develop quickly in Georgia. If you hear thunder, get off exposed summits (Stone Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Blood Mountain) immediately. Don't wait to see lightning. Storms move fast and can be severe.

Wildlife: Venomous snakes (copperheads, timber rattlesnakes) are present but rarely seen. Watch where you step, especially on rocky trails. Black bears exist in North Georgia mountains but encounters are rare. Make noise on remote trails. Don't approach deer—bucks can be aggressive during fall rut.

Trail etiquette:

• Uphill hikers have right of way on steep sections
• Step aside for faster hikers on narrow trails
• Keep dogs leashed—required on all public trails
• Pack out all trash, even biodegradable items
• Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion

Sample Itineraries

One Day: Best of Atlanta Hiking

Morning: Kennesaw Mountain (arrive 7:30am, hike 2 hours). Summit trail to the top, enjoy views, explore Civil War earthworks.

Afternoon: East Palisades (arrive 1pm, hike 1.5 hours). Easy riverside walk to cool down after the morning climb.

Total hiking: 6-7 miles, moderate effort, back in Atlanta by 4pm.

Weekend: North Georgia Mountains

Day 1:

• Morning: Drive to Amicalola Falls (leave Atlanta 7am)
• Hike to top of falls via Staircase Trail (2-3 hours)
• Lunch at falls
• Afternoon: Hike Springer Mountain approach trail (optional, 3-4 hours)
• Camp or stay at Amicalola Falls Lodge

Day 2:

• Morning: Drive to Blood Mountain/Neel Gap (45 minutes from Amicalola)
• Hike Blood Mountain (3-4 hours)
• Lunch at Mountain Crossings
• Drive back to Atlanta (arrive 5pm)

Total: Two challenging mountain hikes with legitimate elevation. Requires solid fitness.

Weekend: Easier Exploration

Day 1:

• Morning: Sweetwater Creek (2-3 hours)
• Afternoon: Stone Mountain Cherokee Trail (2 hours)
• Evening: Atlanta

Day 2:

• Morning: Drive to Cloudland Canyon (2 hours)
• Hike Waterfalls Trail (2-3 hours)
• Explore Rim Trail (1-2 hours)
• Drive back to Atlanta

Total: Moderate hiking with spectacular scenery. Manageable for most fitness levels.

Navigation Tools

AllTrails ($36/year for Pro): Best all-around trail app. Download offline maps for areas without cell service (Blood Mountain, Panther Creek, Cloudland Canyon). Read recent reviews to check trail conditions before driving out.

Gaia GPS ($40/year): Better topographic maps than AllTrails. Useful for more remote trails where you want detailed terrain info. Offline maps included.

Hiking Project (Free): Good alternative to AllTrails. Less polished interface but solid trail info and maps.

Weather apps: Check forecast before leaving, especially for higher elevation trails. Mountain weather differs significantly from Atlanta—Blood Mountain can be 15-20°F cooler than the city.

Cell service: Most trails near Atlanta have decent service. Blood Mountain, Panther Creek, and Cloudland Canyon have spotty coverage. Download offline maps before leaving.

FAQ

What's the best time of year to hike near Atlanta?

Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May). Fall brings comfortable temps and peak foliage in mid-October to early November. Spring has the strongest waterfall flows and wildflowers. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid—start mountain hikes by 7am or stick to shaded river trails. Winter is mild and great for hiking, though higher elevation trails can ice over.

Are there dog-friendly trails near Atlanta?

Most trails allow leashed dogs. Best options: East Palisades (river access for cooling off), Sweetwater Creek (shade and water), Arabia Mountain (flat terrain), and Kennesaw Mountain. Avoid Stone Mountain's summit trail in summer—the exposed granite gets too hot for paws. Always bring water and a collapsible bowl for your dog. Read more about hiking with dogs.

What should I pack for hiking near Atlanta?

Water (2+ liters in summer), snacks, first aid kit, sunscreen, rain jacket, and appropriate clothing. Merino wool layers work better than cotton in Georgia's humidity. Bring merino hiking socks to prevent blisters. Check the full packing list in the "What to Wear and Pack" section above.

Which trails are best for beginners?

Start with East Palisades, Arabia Mountain, or Sweetwater Creek (short loops). All three have minimal elevation, good trail conditions, and easy navigation. Avoid Blood Mountain, Amicalola Falls, and Cloudland Canyon until you've built up fitness and experience.

Do I need permits for hiking near Atlanta?

No permits required for day hiking on any trails in this guide. Some parks charge parking fees ($5-20). Overnight camping at Amicalola Falls or along the Appalachian Trail requires advance reservations through the Georgia State Parks system.

When do I need hiking boots vs trail runners?

Trail runners work fine for East Palisades, Sweetwater Creek, Arabia Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, and Sawnee Mountain. Use hiking boots with ankle support for rockier, steeper terrain: Blood Mountain, Amicalola Falls, Cloudland Canyon, and Panther Creek Falls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not checking weather before heading out: Georgia weather changes fast, especially in spring and summer when thunderstorms develop quickly. Check the forecast the morning of your hike, not the night before. Mountain weather differs significantly from Atlanta—Blood Mountain can be 15-20°F cooler and get storms when Atlanta is clear.

Underestimating summer heat: The humidity makes Georgia summers feel worse than the actual temperature. A 85°F day with 80% humidity is brutal on exposed trails. Either start by 7am or choose shaded river trails (East Palisades, Panther Creek). Heat exhaustion happens faster than you think.

Not bringing enough water: Carry more water than you think you need, especially in summer. Minimum 2 liters for summer mountain hikes, 1.5 liters for shorter or cooler hikes. Dehydration ruins hikes and can be dangerous. There are no water sources on most trails.

Wearing cotton clothing: Cotton holds moisture and stays wet, which causes chafing and makes you cold when you stop moving. Use moisture-wicking fabrics instead. Merino wool handles Georgia's humidity better than any other fabric—it breathes, wicks sweat, and doesn't stink.

Choosing trails beyond your fitness level: Blood Mountain and Amicalola Falls look manageable on paper (4-5 miles) but the steep, relentless elevation gain is physically demanding. Start with easier trails like Sweetwater Creek or Kennesaw Mountain before attempting the harder mountain hikes. Build up gradually.

Ignoring parking logistics: East Palisades fills completely by 9:30am on weekends with no overflow parking. Stone Mountain charges $20 per vehicle. Blood Mountain has about 20 parking spots total. Check parking info before driving out—nothing's worse than arriving after a long drive to find no parking available.

 

Conclusion

Atlanta's hiking scene offers more variety than most people realize. You can riverside walk in the morning and summit a mountain in the afternoon, all within an hour's drive. The trails range from paved paths to rocky scrambles, giving you options regardless of fitness level or available time.

Start with the easier trails near the city—East Palisades, Sweetwater Creek, or Arabia Mountain. Build up to the moderate climbs at Kennesaw Mountain and Stone Mountain. Save Blood Mountain, Amicalola Falls, and Cloudland Canyon for when you're ready for legitimate mountain hiking.

Before your next hike, stock up on gear from our men's outdoor collection or women's outdoor collection. Don't forget quality merino wool socks and base layers to handle Georgia's humidity and temperature swings. Check out our hiking tips for beginners if you're new to hiking.

Check the weather, arrive early for parking, and carry extra water. The trails are waiting.