Can you believe we missed hiking on Nov. 17, National Hiking Day? There are still plenty of great hiking days in North Georgia, year round. Cooler fall and winter weather make hiking a great way get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors. And you’ll find diverse terrain and a choice of nature or urban walks sure to please experienced and new outdoors people. Here are a few of our favorite Cobb County hiking spots for those considering a nearby 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 due to other pedestrian traffic, plus there’s lots of history and easy access to shopping and dining. The on-trend food hall, Marietta Square Market, is adjacent to the trail, great for meals and snacks.
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.
Just Outside Cobb County
These are also excellent nearby considerations:
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. In addition to history, there are great views of Lake Allatoona and a side path that allows water access 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.For more hiking ideas farther out in the North Georgia mountains, check out the Georgia Small Plates section at OurTravelCafe.com.
