Fall Hiking in Atlanta, Georgia

During the fall, Atlanta, Georgia has some awesome parks and nature trails for the family. Metro Atlanta's fall hiking trails are both splendid and spectacular to watch because of the beautiful natural scenery. When you go to theses hiking trails, you will actually feel a peace of mind. The three great hiking trails in Atlanta, Georgia are Stone Mountain Park, The Big Trees Forest Preserve Trail, and Panola Mountain.

The first great hiking in metro Atlanta is Stone Mountain Park. Mountain Park is located just 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta. This park has a very beautiful fall scenic nature trail that goes up along the mountain. Once you climb the top of the mountain you have an opportunity to enjoy the splendid view of fall leaves and luscious trees. Stone Mountain Park is a great green haven for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors together. This park was listed in Frommer's 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See before You Die." Stone Mountain is five square mile park and is Georgia's most visited attraction. It is the home to the world's largest piece of exposed granite; Stone Mountain Park has a wide variety of attractions, entertainment and recreation to choose from.

The next fall hiking trail in metro Atlanta is The Big Trees Forest Preserve Trail. The Big Trees Forest Trail is located in Sandy Springs, Georgia which is roughly a 45 minute drive from downtown Atlanta. This lovely trail explores Power's Branch, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River and a ridge above the river. It includes scenic streamside views and some with large granite boulders. The trail is adjacent to busy Roswell Road and actually includes a portion of the original road as well as part of the grade for the Bull Sluice Railroad. The forest is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, and developed trails allow hikers access to almost all of the forest. A ban on mountain bikes and motorized vehicles is strictly enforced. There are three major trails in the park and they are Big Trees Loop, Powers Branch Trail, Backcountry Loop.

The third fall hiking trial in metro Atlanta is Panola Mountain. This unique park is about a 45 minute drive from downtown Atlanta. Panola Mountain was created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) and is often compared to Stone Mountain and Arabia Mountain. With less development, Panola Mountain shelters rare plants of the Piedmont region. Hikers may explore the park's watershed and granite outcrop by themselves or with a park staff for guided hikes onto the restricted-access mountain. Panola Mountain has an interpretive center with animal exhibits, which children would love. Due to its delicate ecological features, Panola Mountain was designated a National Natural Landmark, and pets are not allowed on most trails. Bicycles are allowed only on the paved Path trail.

These are the top three great fall escapes for families that are located within the metro Atlanta area. Fall is an excellent times to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Isn't it time for you go out and enjoy nature?