Under-the-radar hiking trails inside the perimeter
Don’t waste a beautiful weekend on an indoor workout.
With the upturn in hikers and joggers, it can sometimes be hard to feel at one with nature on the popular Beltline and Piedmont Park trails. But as Atlanta grows, so do many of the havens for outdoor enthusiasts.
Stroll on over to these six lesser-known metro Atlanta trails to start.
Trolley Line Trail
This path is an effort by the city to convert the former trolley route that ran from the heart of Atlanta to Decatur into a multi-use trail. The trail currently starts at the western end of the Beltline and runs from Coan Park and comes to an end a bit past Gilliam Park. The next installation will run it through Flat Shoals Ave. where it will eventually hit the Eastside Beltline. Along the route, you can see an Edgewood communal garden, greenspaces and shady, tree-lined streets. The final project will be about a 1.6-mile segment of the Beltline’s Eastside trail.
Location: East Atlanta - 1530 Woodbine Avenue SE (Parking at Coan Park at the start of the trail.)
Dearborn Park Trail
In September, Dearborn Area Nature Alliance worked with volunteers to restore the entrance to this path. The park is currently undergoing dramatic revitalization. The 1.1-mile out and back trail runs along Shoal Creek, is generally considered an easy route and is dog-friendly. Dearborn is a neighborhood park with a playground for the kids. Despite being sandwiched between two neighborhoods, many hikers have said the park rarely seems very busy.
Location: DeKalb - 1310 Deerwood Dr, Decatur
Fernbank Forest
Directly accessible through Fernbank Museum’s outdoor WildWoods exhibit, Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre old-growth forest, with a 2-mile path that winds through all of it. It is an urban oasis of rare plant and animal species, several of which can only be found in Fernbank. Many of the trees are more than 300 years old and tower 16 stories above the ground. This is also a great option for hikers who require ADA-accessible pathways.
Location: East Atlanta - 767 Clifton Rd
West Palisades Trail at Akers Drive
This trail has been labeled as “easily one of the most scenic in-town hikes in Atlanta by Atlanta Trails. Take in the forest and river views on the rocky bluff overlook. This 4-mile loop offers an escape through the Chattahoochee Recreational National Park area. It is of relatively moderate difficulty and is dog friendly.
Location: Cobb County - 3700 Akers Drive
Morningside Nature Preserve
A 2.5-mile trail in the middle of the Virginia Highlands neighborhood. Stroll through unpaved trails to enjoy a lush, green oasis, full of plants, various wildlife and mushrooms. Midway through the trail you can take off your shoes and feel the sand through your toes at the unofficial neighborhood dog beach. This trail is well-kept by neighbors and The Nature Conservancy.
Location: Buckhead/Northeast Atlanta - 2020 Lenox Rd NE
Whitewater Creek Trail
Another secret favorite trail for dog lovers, you will find a beach and water area with a small river that feeds into the Chattahoochee. But be mindful, that dogs need to be on-leash. The trail offers varying levels of difficulty with many route options ranging from a half-mile to over four miles. It has been praised as a great spot for mountain running.
Location: Sandy Springs - 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW
5 running clubs for kids around Atlanta