If you’re inspired by the Winter Olympics, now is the time to get outside and enjoy winter activities. Though Georgia doesn’t offer most Olympic sports like skiing, bobsledding or luge, winter is a great time to reconnect with Georgia outdoors by hiking or walking.
We love driving to the North Georgia mountains for remote hikes. But pressed for time, many locations closer-in to Atlanta, Marietta, and Cobb and neighboring counties offer convenient access. And you’ll find diverse terrain and nature or urban walks sure to please experienced and new outdoors people.
With mild temperatures and sunny days, winter is a great time of year for Georgia hikes and walks. As you explore outdoor ideas, some of the included links may contain advertising where the website or author may receive payments.
Dedicated and novice hikers agree on the many reasons to love winter hiking in Georgia. Here are a few examples of nearby hiking spots for those craving a winter outdoors experience:
Kennesaw Mountain
The most-visited national battlefield park in the US, the locals consider KeMo a premier hiking spot for mountain-top views, wildlife sightings and trail variety. Sunrise and sunset hikes feature colorful panoramas. Our favorite loop hike travels up KeMo’s backside, through “the big zig,” over the saddle and back down to the visitor center.
Marietta Mountain-to-River Trail
A multi-use recreation trail, we often bike this route. Around Marietta Square, walking is best, plus there’s lots of history and easy access to shopping and dining. Stop in at the Gone With the Wind Museum along the way for a break and some entertainment nostalgia. Plus, the on-trend food hall, Marietta Square Market, is adjacent to the trail, great for meals and snacks.
Allatoona Pass Battlefield
If you’re looking for a flat trail through the woods, this is it. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed, passing through a deep mountain cut and alongside Lake Allatoona. And, if you want some elevation, side trails climb the bluffs with lots of historical markers along the way. In addition to history, there are great views and some access to Lake Allatoona to cool your feet. Just across the water, you can enjoy winding walks in the woods at Red Top Mountain State Park.
Walking in Woodstock
No, not THAT Woodstock, but, rather Woodstock, GA. Located just up I-575, park downtown and enjoy the Noonday Creek greenway trail, a three-mile round-trip out-and-back walk. Or drop in at the Woodstock visitor’s center on Main Street in the historic Dean’s Store and pick up the map for a 1.7-mile self-guided history hike. If you choose to do both, you’ll want to leave time for refreshments in the wonderful downtown.
East and West Palisades
Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, these forested preserves straddle Interstates 75 and 275 in Cobb County. Paths at both East and West Palisades follow the Chattahoochee River, offering frequent views at riverside and from high above on the neighboring hills. Away from the riverbanks, hardwood forests and small streams are home to a variety of wildlife. A bamboo forest also is a hidden surprise at East Palisades.
Lullwater Preserve
Inside the Perimeter and tucked quietly between Emory University and the Atlanta VA Medical Center, nature blends with abandoned infrastructure in this natural oasis among urban surroundings. Walk along scenic Peachtree Creek to find a hidden suspension bridge and ruins of an abandoned powerhouse.
Stone Mountain
With trails ranging from under one mile to five miles, Stone Mountain delivers on family-friendly hiking experiences. The Walk-Up Trail is most popular, climbing nearly 800 vertical feet to the top of the granite monolith. The Loop Trail circles the mountain, through the woods and along the lakes, delivering on great views with less climbing. For the least-adventurous, try the Nature Garden trail, a .75-mile route around creeks and gardens.
Even More Georgia Hiking Ideas
There are lots of summit view hikes within an hour of Atlanta. Kennesaw Mountain, Pine Mountain and Indian Seats are all great hikes within a short drive of the perimeter. For more hiking ideas farther out in the North Georgia mountains, check out the Georgia Small Plates section at OurTravelCafe.com. Other great hiking reference resources include the Atlanta Trails website and All-Trails.
If you’re a Facebook user, consider joining these groups for more Georgia hiking ideas:
