Fall is here, and the leaves will start changing soon. It's time to find the best seat in the house to watch the show! These eight hikes are within 40 miles of Metro Atlanta, creating the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and kick off the autumn season.
Sawnee Mountain [Indian Seats] Trail
- Location: 4075 Spot Rd. Cumming GA 30040
- Admission: Free
- Distance: 4 Miles Roundtrip
Follow a trail around Sawnee mountain, with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, check out a gated gold mine entrance and the granite craters at the summit.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Location: 1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
- Admission: $5 per vehicle
- Distance: 2-4 Miles Roundtrip
Hike alongside the Sweetwater Creek as it drops 120 feet in elevation towards the Chattahoochee River and check out the Manchester mill. Wildflowers are frequent until late fall and there are several trails to hike for multiple weekends of fun.
Pine Mountain Trail
- Location: 2970 Georgia 190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822
- Admission: $5 per vehicle
- Distance: 2-8 Miles
The Pine Mountain Trail hosts seven loops creating multiple opportunities for day hikes. Drop by Cascade Falls and hike to the top of the Wolf Den cave cliff, while enjoying rock formations and springs and creeks to cross. Pack an extra pair of socks just in case!
Kennesaw Mountain Trails
- Location: Map to Trailheads Here
- Admission: $5 per vehicle
- Distance: 1.35 to 11 Miles
The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is a rich combination of history and nature, overlooking the Atlanta skyline.
Freedom Park (Stone Mountain) Trail
- Location: Sweet Auburn, Atlanta, GA 30312
- Admission: Free
- Distance: 7.3 Miles Paved Loop
For a paved and urban experience with parks, historical sites, shopping and bike access, check out this paved loop which begins at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in downtown Atlanta and moves from the Freedom Trail to Stone Mountain Trail. On your journey, swing by the Flying Biscuit or Dr. Bombay's Tea Room for refreshments.
Stone Mountain Cherokee Trail Loop
- Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087
- Admission: $15 per car
- Distance: 4.9 Miles
Meander by a lake on this loop trail, with lots of terrain variation. This is a great spot to find wildlife, including deer, frogs and squirrels. Head out early in the day to beat the crowds.
Arabia Mountain
- Location: Nature Center and Mountain Access -3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia 30038 and Mountain Base - 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia 30038
- Distance: ½ Miles to 8 Miles
- Admission: Free
Climb to the top of Arabia Mountain for a cratered summit with panoramic views of autumn leaves. Along the way, hikers can find rock formations, wildfires and water-filled craters. The Arabia Mountain Top Trail comes in at a relatively moderate 1.3 miles round trip, perfect for the entire family to enjoy.
East Palisades Trail
Addresses:
·Indian Trail Entrance - 1425 Indian Trail NW Sandy Springs, GA 30327 and Whitewater Creek Entrance - Whitewater Creek Road Atlanta, GA 30327
Distance: 3.4 miles
Admission: $5 per vehicle
Within the Atlanta perimeter, follow a trail along the Chattahoochee river, enjoying a bamboo forest, building ruins, sandy river beaches to stop and explore and scenic cliff overlooks.
Metro Atlanta has it all, with proximity to beautiful hiking destinations, fun local restaurants and friendly neighborhoods. Looking to relocate to the area? Take a look at our Communities page here to find your dream new neighborhood and talk to one of our local home buying experts about all the area has to offer.
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