The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts flock to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. Its picturesque locales also offer a romantic ambiance. The 189-acre (76.48-hectare) facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.
Just east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a 3200-acre (1300-hectare) park centres on the world's largest exposed granite mountain. Skylift gondolas whisk visitors 825 feet (251 meters) to the top, where commanding views of the Georgia countryside await them. The north face's bas-relief memorial to Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson is one of the world's largest. An antebellum plantation, an antique auto museum and a petting zoo are all located within the park. Playing host to myriad activities such as camping, dining, and lodging, this park bears wooden mountain slopes bearing recherche Georgia oak, natural pools as well as delightful, verdant foliage. During the summer, there are evening laser light shows on the mountain, whereas the Great Barn and Geyser Towers are other attractions in the park. Some of the major trails coursing through the park include the Cherokee Trail, Walk-Up Trail, Nature Garden Trail, and Songbird Habitat Trail.
Nestled amidst the residential locale of East Atlanta, the Brownwood Park is a well-maintained city park. The park is spread across 12 acres (4.9 hectares) and easily accessible through Pendleton and Emerson Avenue. It comprises of tennis courts along the Pendleton Street, which serves as a playing field for kids, whereas, the other part of the park is ideal for family picnic and outings. Besides this, the park is host to concerts and festivals like the East Atlanta Beer Festival and Brownwood Park Bike Rally where people from across the city participate in these events. Call ahead to know more.
Surrounded by the residential neighborhoods of Roswell and Sandy Springs, this beautiful park is a popular site for family picnics, quiet strolls, and dog outings. Trails are marked out throughout the park for hiking, running, and biking. Picnic sites are arranged along the banks of the slow-rolling Chattahoochee, the longest river in Georgia. Canoes and rafts are available for rent, and make for great summertime adventures. Take the Roswell Road off Interstate 285, go north to Azalea Drive and turn left for a day of rejuvenating recreation.
Clayton County International Park, located 20 minutes to the south of Atlanta, was constructed for the beach volleyball competition of the 1996 Olympic Games, and now serves as one of Atlanta's most complete water parks. In addition to a 6200 capacity volleyball stadium and 13 courts, the park offers a beach on its six-acre (2.5 hectare) lake, several water slides, and a pool for small children. Miniature golf, basketball, softball, hiking and fishing are also offered. Check the website for varying schedule of operations.
Located on the banks of the Candler Lake at the Emory University, Lullwater Park is an expanse of green that offers stimulating trails across the dense countryside. A popular spot for jogging, it also functions as a beautiful picnic site for families. There is a quaint foot-over bridge, a mini creek and waterfall that give a countryside feel. Enjoy fishing by the lakeside too.
This national park is located on the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, the last significant victory for the South during their defense of Atlanta in 1864. The park features over 16 miles (26 kilometers) of mapped trails as well as a museum commemorating the historic battle. Picnic sites, battlefield markers and monuments are peppered throughout the forested mountainside, which features great views of Atlanta in clear weather. Maps detailing the trails and battle history are available at the visitor center.
Peacefully residing in Douglas County, the Sweetwater Creek State Park is a breathtaking amalgam of history, nature, and biodiversity. Located within close proximity to downtown Atlanta, this state park is a serene sanctum, offering repose from the cacophony of the city. An incredible canvas of wilderness unfolds at the park, as rolling hills, meandering trails, and emerald thickets, all come together to form an ethereal site. The agile Sweetwater Creek slices through the diversified terrains of the park, whereas an assemblage of birds croons into densely wooded expanses. Amid all the blooming ferns, azaleas and magnolias, lie the enigmatic ruins of a cotton mill run by the erstwhile New Manchester Manufacturing Company. Anchoring a placid lake, picnic spots, a museum, yurts, campsites, and playgrounds, this state park hosts a range of activities like boating, birding, hiking, camping, fishing and more. The park's visitor center has gained much praise for its environment-friendly stride, housing exhibits, displays, and maps chronicling the region's history.
Surrounded by the residential neighborhoods of Roswell and Sandy Springs, this beautiful park is a popular site for family picnics, quiet strolls, and dog outings. Trails are marked out throughout the park for hiking, running, and biking. Picnic sites are arranged along the banks of the slow-rolling Chattahoochee, the longest river in Georgia. Canoes and rafts are available for rent, and make for great summertime adventures. Take the Roswell Road off Interstate 285, go north to Azalea Drive and turn left for a day of rejuvenating recreation.
Years ago, the Silver Comet Rail Line took passengers back and forth between Atlanta and Birmingham, Alabama. Now, however, the abandoned line has carried passengers only on foot or on bicycle. This paved trail runs for 13 miles (21 kilometers) through Cobb County and continues into Paulding and Polk Counties. When completed, the trail will extend the entire length of the Atlanta-Birmingham line. Pets are allowed if leashed. You can access this scenic trail at multiple locations; just call for directions.
Located on the banks of the Candler Lake at the Emory University, Lullwater Park is an expanse of green that offers stimulating trails across the dense countryside. A popular spot for jogging, it also functions as a beautiful picnic site for families. There is a quaint foot-over bridge, a mini creek and waterfall that give a countryside feel. Enjoy fishing by the lakeside too.
The most expansive and popular of Atlanta's city parks was originally laid out for the Cotton States and International Exposition of 1895, and it now attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Dog owners, sun-seekers, and sports enthusiasts flock to Piedmont Park to enjoy the fair weather, largely unaware that this was the spot of the Battle of Peachtree Creek during the Civil War. Its picturesque locales also offer a romantic ambiance. The 189-acre (76.48-hectare) facility is home to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and scenic Lake Clara Meer and plays host to many of Atlanta's favorite concerts and festivals.