The hustle and bustle of the city can be suffocating, and the remedy can only be found within nature. These Atlanta parks have you covered.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Get some fresh air and take in the changing leaves at the nearby Cloudland Canyon State Park. With over 64 miles of trails and countless lookout points, this park is a prime place to view the Georgia autumnal colors. Take a hike, cast a fishing line or play some frisbee golf at its designated course. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch the sight of the woodland creatures that hide among the trees.
Piedmont Park
The crowned jewel of Atlanta, Piedmont is considered to be the Central Park of Atlanta, hosting millions of guests a year among its greenery and dozens of activities. Established in the early 1800s as an elite horse racing club, Piedmont has now evolved into an iconic landmark with hundreds of years of experience and fun under its belt. Fishing is a popular activity among the several ponds, stocked with catfish, bream and large-mouth bass, and dogs are a common sight when out and about. The park also hosts several events, including Atlanta Pride, Music Midtown and the Atlanta Jazz festival. There’s always something going on at Piedmont!
Centennial Olympic Park
Built for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Centennial Olympic Park is nestled in the city among major Atlanta landmarks such as the World of Coca-Cola, The Georgia Aquarium, the Georgia World Congress Center and many more. The Fountain of Rings is a key attribute to the park, featuring a fitting Olympic Ring-shaped splash pad with a computer-powered light show that plays every day of the year. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, visit the SkyView Ferris wheel that’s stationed across the street. Not only will you get an amazing view of the Centennial Park foliage, but also the whole city of Atlanta.
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve
A mere 22-minute drive from the city, a trip to Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve will feel like you’re voyaging into the great unknown. The mountain is composed of mostly granite and little landscape, creating a harsh but unique environment for flora and fauna. In fact, the environment is so special that it holds several endangered plants, like the black-spored quillwort, which is only found in four other places. In case you’re looking to hit several locations, the walking and biking path continues through several other nearby destinations, from Panola Mountain State Park to the Montessori of the Holy Spirit.
Chastain Park
Another location that’s existed for over a century, Chastain Park is the largest city park in all of Atlanta at a whopping 268 acres. With all that land comes a large splay of activities, including the typical fare of playgrounds and paths, while also providing premier facilities, like a horse park and golf course. There’s also an outdoor concert space, the Cadence Bank amphitheater, which prides itself on being the first music venue in Atlanta. They’ve hosted countless acts, ranging from the classics like Johnny Cash and The Monkees to newer acts, the most recent being Billie Eilish. It’s a perfect place to enjoy nature and music at the same time, making this park especially unique.
Sweetwater State Park
Located 30 minutes outside of Atlanta, this destination is worth the drive, chock full of lush scenery and entertaining activities, including hiking paths, canoe rentals and fishing areas. For the history buffs, there are remnants of a Civil-War era textile mill free to explore and observe.
What sets this park apart from the others is the ability to stay the night on one of their campsites. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a coveted spot at one of the yurts, a pre-fixed round tent located on an elevated deck. It’s a hassle-free experience for a novice camper or anyone who’s not too keen on the tent experience.
