Take a Hike!
- cherryblossomtravels
- Mar 9, 2019
- 6 min read
Places You Have to Hike near Atlanta:
The weather is about to get warm again, and that means it’s time for my favorite weekend activity—hiking! Getting out of the house and into nature has always been something special to me. My favorite family memories are those where my parents dragged my brother and me out camping and hiking. It’s something I always make an effort to do whenever I can, and there are so many great places here in North Georgia and the Carolina’s.
I have compiled a list of all of my favorite hiking destinations near the area and I am so happy to share it with you! I’m always here for the full experience, so not only am I supplying you with great hiking destinations, but also fun things to do around the areas. Enjoy!
Below is a list of all the best hiking within a four-hour drive of Atlanta. Each trial will be rated on scale of 1-10 on: how easy it is to get to, intensity of the trail, views, and “little extras”.
1. Kennesaw Mountain
900 Kennesaw Mountain Dr NW
Marietta, GA 30064
United States
I frequent this trail the most by far, considering it is right in my backyard! Kennesaw Mountain is such an amazing place with so much history while being so accessible located in the middle of suburbia.
Until recently, I opted for the trail that started right behind the visitor center. I started to dislike Kennesaw Mountain because it was always so crowded. The trail seemed very simple and always had a view of the road winding up the mountain.
LISTEN HERE! If you are going to hike Kennesaw Mountain, walk along the back entrance called “Little Kennesaw Mountain. It is a million times better and it makes Kennesaw Mountain one of the “best hikes” on my list.
The Little Kennesaw Mountain trail has so much more to offer than the main trail! It is WAY less crowded. It also has more scenic views, longer trails, and large boulders that you can climb on (just be safe). The best part—there is an alpaca farm across the street from where you park. The alpacas love to be petted, so when you walk up to the fence they’ll come running towards you.
*Pro tip: Bring some carrots to make the alpacas extra happy.
SCORES:
How easy it is to get to: 10/10
It’s located right in the middle of Kennesaw with designated parking spots and is very easy to get to.
Intensity: 5/10.
The beginning of “Little Kennesaw Mountain” trail is fairly steep, but overall the trail is pretty easy to ascend.
Views: 6/10
It is a really neat juxtaposition being up on a mountain, surrounded by nature looking at the skyline of Atlanta and Buckhead. You can also see Stone Mountain from the top!
Little Extras: 10/10
I mentioned the Alpaca farm next door. Does this need any more explanation?
2. Yonah Mountain
Georgia 75
Cleveland, GA 30528
United States
Located about an hour and a half from Kennesaw, GA is Yonah Mountain, one of the highest peaks in North Georgia. Surrounded by wine vineyards, farms, and cute little country cafes, Yonah has a lot to offer.
Yonah Mountain has a decent length trail, about 4.5 miles round trip. I love this trail because it is always a challenge for me—the trail is unforgiving as it continues upward the entirety of the trail. The hike traverses a rocky, mossy, boulder-filled forest that blossoms in springtime with abundant wildflowers, and passes multiple campsites along the way.
Not only is this a good trail to hike, it’s also a fun destination to backpack overnight and camp! I used this trail as a practice for my three-night backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon—just load your pack and go up and down this trail a few times and you’re set!
By far, the most impressive part of Yonah is, “potato chip rock”. It’s a sliver of rock that juts out over the horizon and is the perfect place to snap a pic!
On your way out after a beautiful day of hiking, be sure to check out Yonah Mountain Vineyards and pick up some delicious local wine.
SCORES:
How easy it is to get to: 9/10
The trailhead is a little tucked away, but overall easy to find.
Intensity: 9/10
This is one of the harder hikes in North Georgia but very well worth it! You’ll find that the trail offers many rest spots with nice views along the way up.
Views: 10/10
There’s nothing more beautiful that the rolling Appalachian Mountains disappearing into the horizon. Since the surrounding area is mostly farmland, there’s not too many buildings to break up the view.
Little Extras: 10/10
Wine. Wine. Wine. Very tasty wine!
3. MaxPatch
Pisgah National Forest
Appalachian National Scenic Trl
Hot Springs, NC 28743
United States
Max Patch has been on my list to visit for such a long time, and I finally got to visit in January! It's truly one of the most spectacular settings you'll experience in Blue Ridge. Located in the middle of the Pisgah National Forest, is a bald rising high in the air with uninterrupted 360 degree views of the Appalachian Mountains.
The hike to the top is short and sweet at about 1.5 miles. Once at the top, you are in the middle of a field with the most spectacular sight. I visited during winter, and the views were still amazing. In the spring time, the field blooms with wildflowers and is supposed to be SO beautiful.
Max Patch is also a great place for camping—the grounds are flat and dry and fire spots are already created. Keep in mind though, since this is bald, there are no trees to protect you from the wind! Max Patch is best for camping during warm summer months. But still, always be sure to bring warm clothes.
About an hour drive away is my beloved city of Asheville. It’s fun and quirky. It is the perfect place to stay for a weekend trip—people say it’s the Portland of the south. Stay here the night before and leave early in the morning to Max Patch to catch the sunrise. You won’t regret it!
If you love beer as much as I do, then you will LOVE Asheville. My favorite breweries in Asheville are New Belgium, Wicked Weed and Brahmari.
SCORES:
How easy it is to get to: 6/10
The trailhead is a little tucked away in the middle of the forest and is a little hard to find.
Intensity:3/10
Super easy hike up to the tip. You come here for the views, baby.
Views: 10/10!!
Untouched. Uninterrupted. 360 degrees. All to yourself! Honestly, one of the most breath-taking views.
Little Extras: 10/10
Asheville is my favorite city full of personality, beer, and good people. Definitely recommend staying here.
1750 Mt Vernon Rd
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
United Stated
Another place I frequently visit is Sweet Water Creek. It’s only about a half hour drive from Kennesaw and more than worth the visit. There are numerous trail options here—along the creek, up in the forest, crossing a historic railroad track suspended above the river, you name it.
I wouldn’t consider this hiking necessarily, more of a “nature” walk, but it is definitely a great place to visit. The creek itself is pretty sweet (sorry, I had to!). It features beautiful water rushing between smooth rocks that is so fun to play in during the warmer months! My friends and I go here often to enjoy the cool water during the hot Atlanta summer.
You can spend hours here exploring all this state park has to offer. I have been here numerous times and always have a different experience because of all the trails. .
Bonus: Along the trails are plenty of places to set up a hammock, so if you have an Eno you have found your new destination. I always pack mine and a good book and set up along the river. There’s nothing better than the calming sound of moving water while your basking in the sun enjoying a good read.
SCORES:
How easy it is to get to: 10/10
Right off the highway and located in a State Park, Sweet Water is very easy to access.
Intensity: 3/10
More of a nature walk, but some of the trails in the forest offer a challenge as they ascend the landscape.
Views: 10/10
There is a beautiful rushing creek that you can also play in! The views keep me coming back
Little Extras: 10/10
Set up a hammock along the river and enjoy the vitamin D.
Thank you for reading! I hope at least one of these destinations make it on your list of places to hike and visit. If you have been to one of these places before, or visited because of my blog, please let me know in the comments below!
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