Enjoy Atlanta in the Great Outdoors

Enjoy Atlanta in the Great Outdoors
Kathryn Lively

Locals know that Atlanta is a bold, metropolitan city, filled with many fun things to see and enjoy. Upscale dining and shopping, and great companies like CNN, Coca-Cola, and Turner Broadcasting have helped build this state capital into one of the nation's most important business and entertainment hubs. Yet Atlanta also has a softer, more rural side that attracts thousands of visitors annually. If you prefer the solitude of a weekend in the mountains, or yearn to get back to nature, don't write off Atlanta as a possible destination. You will be amazed by the majestic beauty of the outer limits of this great region.

Where Nature Calls

Lace up your hiking boots, grab the old tackle box, and don't forget the sunscreen. The majesty of Georgia's mountains and lakes are a must-see for any outdoors enthusiast planning an extended vacation. Here are just a few suggestions for an active outdoor itinerary you'll always remember.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, free to all visitors, offers miles of hiking and horseback trails with spectacular scenic views. Kennesaw is a great place for animal watching - you just might happen upon a few deer or other wildlife, so bring a camera. Civil War buffs will love the area's rich history and are welcome to explore the on-site museum chronicling the site's turbulent past.

Families, scout troops, and other large groups will enjoy Stone Mountain Park, one of the states most popular attractions. Over 3200 acres of unspoiled forest, lakes and mountains provide a natural playground for visitors. Rent a pedal boat and explore the expansive waterways, and stay up late for the lively laser show and fireworks held on select weekends during the summer. Stone Mountain offers an extended menu of festivals and events, golf and spa treatments, yet those who prefer to rough it can claim a spot at the area's campground.

Sleeping Under the Stars

Summer nights in the Georgia mountains can cool to the 60s, so if you chill easy it's best to keep a good blanket with your tent. Campers will find the Marietta Campground a great place to spend a few days - between paddling and fishing on the nearby Chattahoochee and hiking at Red Top Mountain State Park, you are certain to always be active.

Seeking to mix a few modern conveniences into your vacation? The Atlanta-Marietta RV Resort is a good alternative for those in need of electrical hook-ups and Internet access. Proximity to the fresh open air of Kennesaw and Acworth parks as well as the more populated Buckhead and Midtown areas make this a good base for an Atlanta vacation.

Fishing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming...the outdoor activities available in outdoor Atlanta are endless. Get back to nature with a weekend or longer stay in the beautiful Georgia mountains of Cobb County.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Atlanta vacations and St. Augustine vacations.

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