March 30, 2025
Lifestyle, Guides,
We’ve rounded up the best parks in and around Atlanta so you can enjoy scenic views, picturesque waterfalls and sprawling canyons on your next weekend excursion.
Cascade Nature Preserve
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This nature preserve is known for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails and waterfalls, including Cascade Springs Cascade, a serene spot for park visitors. The park also features guided nature walks and educational programs for guests to learn more about local biodiversity and sustainability approaches. 2852 Cascade Road
Chattahoochee Nature Center
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Nestled between Marietta and Alpharetta, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is a scenic, educational destination with flora, fauna and wildlife. Spend an afternoon exploring the wilderness with immersive experiences like ziplining, canoeing and other outdoor activities. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell
Historic Fourth Ward Park
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Fourth Ward Park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, with a premier downtown location. The park features aquatic activities, a skate park an amphitheater-style venue for performances and events. 680 Dallas St. NE
Freedom Park
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This 200-acre park, named in honor of renowned civil rights leaders, is home to Dr. Martin Luther King’s home and the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he preached. Freedom Park offers trails for walking, jogging and bike riding, along with playgrounds, picnic areas and sports fields. The park is an epicenter for events, art installations, historic sites and recreational activities and serves as a meeting place for members of Downtown’s flourishing community. Moreland Ave. NE & North Ave. NE
Atlanta History Center
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Located just outside of Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center brings immersive, specially curated experiences to Atlanta, with over 33 acres, four historic houses and ever-changing exhibits. Explore all nine Goizueta Gardens, filled with flowers, architectural features and native plants. 130 W. Paces Ferry Road NW
Piedmont Park
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This iconic local staple is the ideal destination for gardening, fishing, summer camps and concerts. With approximately 200 acres of land and multiple food and beverage vendors throughout, Piedmont Park is an ideal addition to any weekend itinerary. 1320 Monroe Drive NE
Stone Mountain Park
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With more than 3,200 acres of natural beauty, this scenic park features several attractions, including a SkyHike adventure course, Geyser Towers, a picturesque railroad and Stone Mountain, a granite dome that soars 825 feet above the landscape. Guests can hike, fish, picnic, bike, golf, or take in panoramic views from the Summit Skyride, the spot’s high-speed Swiss cable car ride. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain
Sweetwater Creek Park
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With historic sites, hiking trails, campsites and an array of educational programs and guided tours, Sweetwater Creek State Park is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Guests can discover the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company textile mill or explore the park's scenic Sweetwater Creek, perfect for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. 1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs
Tallulah Gorge State Park
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This state park’s focal point is Tallulah Gorge, a canyon that dives more than 1,000 feet deep with waterfalls, cliffs, plants and flowers. Guests can also embark on whitewater rafting excursions, visit the park’s overlooks and take in panoramic views from the gorge’s suspension bridge. 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Road, Tallulah Falls
Westside Reservoir Park
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Located along the Atlanta Beltline’s Western Trail, this park is considered one of the city’s largest greenspaces, with a playground, a reservoir, an event pavilion and a grand overlook that offers stunning skyline views. The 280-acre destination is ideal for walking, hiking, biking and various other outdoor activities. 1660 Johnson Road NW
See also: The 10 Most Beautiful Gardens In Atlanta
Photography by: Photography courtesy of Getty Images
