Chattahoochee River Trail from Columns Drive

Sope Creek is a little slice of wild heaven squeezed into the hustle and bustle of Atlanta's metro madness. Bordering the Chattahoochee River, Interstate 285, and Suburbia sprawl, Sope Creek offers the city dweller an environmental escape that seems too good to be true. From the parking lot off Sope Creek Rd ,Take the Sope Creek Trail (blue blazes) that drop down to Spoke Creek. Once you arr...

The East Palisades trail is one of the only real hiking trails within Atlanta's perimeter.  Although it boasts surprising beauty and great trails, relatively few people in the city are aware this trail even exists.  As part of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, this section of forest is very well preserved and boasts some of the best views along the Chattahoochee river.  Even though th...

Blue Heron Nature Preserve is located directly off of the heavily trafficked Roswell Road in Buckhead.  The preserve boasts seven acres of greenery, wetlands, meadows, wildlife, and wildflowers.  There is even an educational facility located on the grounds for those extra curious explorers.  This park is dog-friendly, but be sure to bring doggy waste bags if your furry companion is tagging alon...

Big Trees is truly a backyard beauty. The entrance connector brings you through to the beginning of the trails. If you are low on time, try out the Big Trees Loop (1/2 mile) which appears slightly before the major Backcountry trail system. Without going too deep into the preserve, you can still enjoy a peaceful getaway under the towering canopies of dogwoods and oak trees alike.If you choose to...

You’re going to be really surprised you’re still in Roswell, or in the Atlanta area at all. When you get out of your car and start walking down the wooden stairs at the start of the trail, the busy sounds of the rushing cars on Atlanta Street fade away into the wind flowing through the Tulip Poplar trees. You look up, and there’s color - everywhere. You immediately feel isolated from the rest o...

From Riverside Road, the Vickery Creek Trail takes you alongside the creek, then to an intersection where you will turn right. Switch onto Outer Loop Trail at the next intersection, and keep an eye out for marked junctions going forward. The trail will take you to the Roswell Mill waterfall, then to a covered bridge 3 miles in, before reaching the ruins of the mill, itself. There is a nice wat...