HIKING THE APPALACHIANS AND BEYOND
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Atlanta Area


Atlanta Area Hikes

Atlanta was founded in 1837 at the location of two railroad lines. The original town had several different names, starting with Terminus, then Thrasherville, and then Marthasville. Finally, in 1847, the town was named Atlanta. During the Civil War, Atlanta was a fairly busy location, because the convenient location at the intersection of two railroad lines made it an important spot for sending out military supplies. The Atlanta area had several important battles during the Civil War. The town was burnt to the ground (with the exception of the town's churches and hospitals) in 1864. However, Atlanta was gradually rebuilt afterwards. In 1868, Atlanta became Georgia's capital. In 1880, Atlanta became Georgia's largest city. Atlanta was advertised as the city of the New South dependent on modern economy and not on agriculture. The opening of the Georgia School of Technology gave Atlanta a reputation of being a center of higher education. During World War II, Atlanta played an important role. This led to an enormous boost to the growth and economy of the city that lasted into the beginning of the 21st century. Today, Atlanta is the largest city in Georgia. The Atlanta Metro Area is the ninth largest metro area in the US. it is also the third largest metro area in the southeastern US.

As Atlanta can be referred to as a bustling city, one would not expect to find much in terms of outdoor recreation in the Atlanta area. To some extent, this is right, but there are notable hiking locations throughout the metro and just outside of it. Atlanta lies in the Piedmont, but at the north end of it - the Blue Ridge Mountains are only about 75 miles away from downtown Atlanta. A particularly well-known tourist attraction just east of downtown Atlanta is Stone Mountain, a monadnock that is prtected by Stone Mountain park. Hiking is far from the main interest here, but nonetheless, the park is home to several hiking trails that are some of the best in the Atlanta area. To the west of Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park provides some of the most remote hiking in the Atlanta Metro, with hiking trails spread across secluded hills and through the Sweetwater Creek valley. Near the suburb of Marietta, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield has what is perhaps the most extensive trail system in the Atlanta area, with hiking trails traversing woodlands and rocky hills. Some other conserved areas around Atlanta include Panola Mountain State Park, Arabia Mountain Preserve, Red Top Mountain State Park, Sawnee Mountain Preserve, Cochran's Mill Park, and Pickett's Mill Historic State Park. These locations have hiking trails that traverse the hilly terrain around Atlanta, and some of them even have a few vistas.

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© COPYRIGHT 2014-2018
​ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Important: I disclaim any responsibility for any damage or personal injury that may occur as a result of the activities and information found on this website. All outdoor activities, especially off-trail hiking, are done at your own risk. Never hike or head into that area that may be above your fitness or experience level.
  • Home
  • Trail Reports
    • Best Hikes
    • Hikes with Scenic Views
    • Hikes with Water Features
    • Alabama
    • Georgia
    • Florida
    • North Carolina
    • South Carolina
    • Tennessee
    • Vermont
    • Virginia
  • Map
  • Hike List
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Contact Us
  • Southeast Nature Society
    • Our Team
  • Georgia Waterfalls Database