A very well maintained nature preserve with short trails for a perfect hike/stroll through the woods. At first glance the trail entrance seems like you are walking through the back of a car company - the parking lot is off Roswell Rd in the Tag office parking lot. But once you enter and see the trail signs you are taken from urban business buildings into a gorgeous forest preserve. There are a handful of bridges and streams to see. I suggest sitting near the stream and taking it all in. The loop may be fairly short but it is a great stop for a solo stroll, with friends or pets on a leash. There is a water fountain and bathroom near the parking lot should you need one. I'd call the hike easy though there is a small incline slope going down into it. The trails are a mile or under and the main one loops around. We were there during winter after the Christmas holiday and saw an abundance of beautiful brown and orange leaves everywhere. There was even a tree decorated with nature friendly ornaments. This preserve is a nice little gem in the middle of an urban area to give you just enough quality nature time if you need it. read more

See all

Such a hidden treasure! Deep in the heart of Sandy Springs, you would never know it was there, but it is an entire world hidden in the forest. I love this place. read more

Neat little Park in Sandy springs. My favorite trail is the Backcountry trail, about a mile in length so do it several times to get decent mileage. Today is 5/3/20 and this Park is finally reopen! It was closed for the coronavirus pandemic. Added several pictures of the trail sign and bridge. Restroom is still closed. I hiked early morning, and saw 4 other people on the trails, which was very reasonable. Weekend afternoons can get too busy for my comfort level during the pandemic. See my original review for more details. Enjoy! read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Bridge - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

See all

Beautiful reserve, and super well kept as well! Lovely scenery and is peaceful. Highly recommend this park if you're in the area for some scenic views and a nice hike. read more

See all

This is a fun little trail that you never would expect existed until you actually get into there. When you pull into the parking lot, the trails start in the back righthand corner. There are bathrooms at the head of the trail, and there's also a little doggie-clean-up station so that you're not leaving a mess on the trails if you're taking your pups out with you. There isn't a ton of elevation on these trails, and they loop around and over each other, with a cute little creek running through. The trail is very well maintained, and even though this gem is mostly hidden, there are always a couple other people here, so it doesn't seem too deserted. You can also hear the noise of Roswell Road, but it isn't so loud or distracting to really take away from the experience. If you are a klutzy person, as I am, you may have issue with all of the roots along the trail. I've tripped many times as I'm not always watching my feet/the trail as I walk, and while the trails aren't that long, you don't want to hurt yourself from negligence. Great little loops, in the middle of everything while feeling a little bit apart from the bustle of Sandy Springs. read more

A breath of fresh air in an urban environment. I enjoyed my time in this nature preserve. I find the reviews to be an accurate description of what the experience is like. There is a comfortable seclusion to your visit, as there are some people around but not a crowd. The trails are clearly marked and there are several to keep you actively interested in the environment. There are several features to the park, where you can walk across the rocks of the creek, a flower area, and various flora and fauna to look out for depending on the season. The bathrooms were very clean and well looked after. The various bridges and boundary markers are in good condition. The paths were clearly marked. I enjoyed taking the time to hear the babbling brook. read more

See all

They have a few different options for trails, good for whatever you're in the mood for! They have some cute little rest areas with benches, perfect for picnicking. Lots of parking. We passed by a few people, but it wasn't too crowded! read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Map - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

This is the perfect park. There are trails that are so peaceful to walk. I have the opportunity to collect my though and enjoy the beautiful scenery. read more

See all

I came here on Sunday and I really didnt want to leave. It's a beautiful, well maintained trail just right off of a major road. I was excited to walk this trail since there were not many people there when I arrived. There was fresh mulch that was recently laid and I could definitely appreciate that since it had recently rained. The trail itself was a nice walk. It's a bit narrow so I wouldn't recommend jogging. The trail was pretty clear or any fallen branches and overall it was very enjoyable. The trail was pretty easy to find. As other reviews mentioned, if you see the tag office I believe then your in the right place. This was definitely a hidden gem and honestly I can't wait to return. read more

See all

This is such a beautiful space. I love, love, love it. I've gone here just to sit and listen to the birds and my husband and I have taken leisurely strolls and hard, long walks. The incline reaches 12 stories high, so it can be a decent little workout. There's lots of streams and trails and benches. The names of the trees are posted on their trunks, and a guest book that you can sign at the entrance. Another cool little feature is a rock bridge -- yep, a bridge built of rocks. It's small, so don't expect anything amazing, but it's a neat concept. You'll run into many other folks walking their dogs or relaxing with their families. No running is allowed, FYI. We went the other morning and it was so peaceful. The sun wasn't too hot yet, there was a cool breeze, all the animals were waking up and the air smelled so good. It was a fantastic way to start our day. You don't ever have to worry about the sun coming down on you because it's pretty shaded throughout. read more

Well maintained trails that are quite busy at later hours of the day. I usually hike first thing when I wake up around 5 am and watch the sun come up as I hike. The long trail is uphill enough to wake me up and the sun shining through the trees is beautiful. There are different difficulty level trails indicated by color on the main map once you enter. Sit down and relax, listen to the sounds of nature. read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

See all

I only heard about Big Trees Forest Preserve because of Angela M's review being featured in the Weekly Yelp. Otherwise, I would never have known!! After going to Morgan Falls Overlook Park, we decided to go there. You actually pass it on the way. It is well hidden. You would've never know. I mean it's off Roswell Road too but next to like business building. It was confusing when we got there because we did not know where the trail began. We saw lots of cars in the lower parking lot but realized it's like a dealership there! There is a bathroom with water fountain but we saw the big sign farther down and a dirt road and decided to start our hike there. We hiked alongside lots of trees and saw a creek with bridge. There were many signs for trails. No maps! We were confused because it seemed like we walked forever in loops. I couldn't have done this alone! It was hard to find where we started. We saw some people from afar and just followed other ways to get there. By the time we got there, we realized that we actually started walking towards the entrance which was next to the bathroom! It was confusing for sure. I think some trails may be longer than a mile. I am not even sure how long the trails were. I wish there was a map. There are many trails there and wonder how many trails there are overall and the distance. There were lots of trees. It's nature and beautiful. Will definitely come back! read more

See all

This year, I started a hiking group with some friends to visit and explore some trails that are both local and a few hours out from Atlanta. This was one of the first local hikes I planned, because it was right across from where I once lived (for over a year, no less), and next to the office where I pick up my tag so I was familiar with the area. It's an easy afternoon trail that we looped around several times because most of us do hiking occasionally, so it was extremely simple for us. Before it started raining, we even had a bit of a picnic at the front of the trail. PROS: -Feels very secluded, despite being so close to the road. -Well-maintained footpaths and general landscape. -Plenty of parking. CONS: -Limited seating spaces, so we made due at the beginning of the trail where a few benches. TIPS: It shares a parking lot with the tag office, so if you see that sign, you're in the right place. THE VERDICT: What everyone has said about this place is pretty spot on. It's a wonderfully tree-studded place next to a multi-lane road that manages to be quiet and serene despite being so close to the road. The entire part is well-maintained, has minimal trash, and lots of lush, greenery surrounded by flowers and trees. I bet this is a really nice place to take your dog, but would also suit someone trying to break in new hiking shoes or if you want to break up your usual routine and do an easy jog on new terrain. read more

This is the most beautiful place I have ever been, and I haven't even explored it all yet (I get so enchanted that I while away over an hour in half a mile). Soft mulch trails make for comfortable, quiet walking and help you feel connected to nature. The trails themselves seem to follow the shape of the land, rather than being carved into it -- the overall feel is that the caretakers of the preserve wanted to honor the land rather than subdue it. The beautiful streams are crossed by various styles of bridges -- my favorite being one where a rock crossing was made firm by concrete without disturbing the natural shape. Walking among the very tall trees gives one the impression of walking through a natural cathedral -- sacred and ancient. I imagine those who like to jog or run would be disappointed to note that it is not permitted here. I appreciate that rule though, as it helps maintain the beautiful sense of peace. The purpose of this preserve is to allow people in the city to have a bit of true forest that they can come to to commune with nature, and oh, does it fulfill that. read more

See all

I found this place by accident when I was driving in a new area and had my dog in the car with me. Deciding we could both use a little break, I used Yelp to search out good places to take her for a walk and found out about Big Trees Forest Preserve. It turned out to be an excellent stop! Nestled in a neighborhood, the Preserve can be a little tricky to find for first-timers. There is no clear main entrance. Rather, there are several small groups of parking spaces so that you can pull up and enter the preserve at various places. took my dog on a loop around a lake. The trail was well-marked and had a variety of terrain, everything from footpaths to paved "sidewalk" type areas and a couple of wooden bridges. If you're in the mood to take a nice 2.5 mile or so walk and enjoy some peaceful, quiet nature, this is a great place for you. I did notice a lot of people (mostly families with kids) congregating around one side of the lake. Saw a couple of joggers but otherwise my dog and I were alone on the trail. Good news if you're in the mood for peace and quiet, but it might not be for you if you're not keen on being alone in the woods for very long. I would absolutely go back. read more

As already stated many times in these reviews, this is simply a wonderful place to "get away", yet you aren't really away, but only a few hundred feet from Gretchen O's favorite Roswell Rd. I lived so close to here a few years back and never even knew it was here. That is how well it was hidden. They have since put up a large sign last year. You park in the parking lot of the North Annex....I cannot believe they don't have parking meters there....yet. When we first got on it and it was paved, I was expecting it to be much like Big Creek Greenway, but that quickly changed. The pavement is only a couple hundred feet long and then you are into the mulched, more natural pathway. The path is only about 5 feet wide, enough for people to pass one another, yet not so wide that so many trees had to be removed, leaving plenty of shade to save my balding head :-) It is also better exercise than Big Creeek Greenway because this is up n' down, up n' down pathway rather than mostly flat. I look forward to getting back here and learning the paths because as Craig G. stated, it is a maze. But it is one worth learning and you will enjoy doing so! read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

This is my spot. A quiet space when I wish to lose myself in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. A hidden gem surrounded on different sides by asphalt, sheetrock, and concrete. Yet, the preserve itself is largely uncompromised by mankind's hand. There is an edifice of some sort off to the right of the entrance; I have no idea if someone lives there or not, although for some time there has been an older model Ford Explorer in the nearby parking lot. There is a restroom available for binary genders. The doors have not been locked in all the random times I have needed a restroom break while running in the area. Also, they have been clean. People, let's do our part to ensure they remain that way. A quick stroll down any of the trails will reveal the names of trees and plants within the reserve. There are wooden benches available at varying points throughout the area and they work well for an impromptu picnic. Water flows through the preserve, but the bridges make it a non-issue. I do not know if the preserve is "open" 24/7, but I have walked there at all hours of the day (and night) and have never had any issues, even with law enforcement present*. People frequently bring their pets, but because people typically clean up after themselves, stepping in poo has not been a concern. For those of you that play Pokemon Go, there are four Pokestops available: two are at the entrance to the Preserve, one near the bus stop, and the other is at the red statue. *totally knocking on wood here read more

Big Trees is an understatement. This forest preserve is beautiful. Once you step inside, all the sounds of the city are lulled away by the dense tree trunks, lush greenery, and animal chatter. The trees here are huge. Most of the trees are striking because of their immense height. Fallen trees lined the trails that are covered in mulch for a soft natural walking surface. Pat and Pat were our resident experts, one heading up a large team of volunteers and the other a wealth of knowledge on the plant and animal life native to the area. Both were extremely friendly and appreciative of our presence (especially since it was raining pretty hard and we were shoveling wet mulch...HEAVY!) On weekends when volunteers aren't working on maintaining trails, Big Trees forest preserve is open to the public. It's located just off the busy Roswell Rd just outside of the perimeter (285). What a welcome oasis. And yes, it's pup friendly so bring your dog! Seriously, this is one of those undiscovered gems that is so close to the city that it's a shame it's not used more. Once in the preserve, you might just think you traveled back in time to an era when things were untouched, unspoiled by human presence. read more

A medium size track of land right off Roswell rd in the middle of an urban area. It provides a quick getaway to escape if you need some nature in your life. Have half a dozen trails that weave around. Has a bathroom, water fountain and dog water fountain at the main entry. The main entry is on south side of the Fulton county tax office building. They also have a dog poop bag dispenser. A great place to take your dog on a hike too. Has a nice creek that runs through the middle of it. read more

See all

It's a very quite place. I guess not many people know it. They have a nice forest Trail which is good for a walk. We took our ShihTzu and it was a lovely family walking. We met some other people and most of them were walking their dogs like us. It's a simple place which I recommend for a walk, some peace and fresh air... read more

See all

I feel like Peter Parker. I just returned from Big Trees Forest Reserve and am still picking spider webs out of my hair. I took my two dogs there for an early morning walk and although Big Trees Forest Preserve is a beautiful natural site, I will never go there again. Restrooms were recently built at the trailhead and they placed a doggie doo-doo bag dispenser there as well which is normally a good thing. One of my dogs weighs 80 lbs. He is a regular fellow so I grabbed a couple of bags. Good thing I did. The bad thing is that there are no trash containers anywhere on the trail to dispose of this waste. I had to carry my souvenir around for an hour which I acknowledge is my responsibility as a dog owner. The major problem at Big Trees Forest Preserve is that other dog owners felt it was all right to throw the bag in the woods, leave it next to the trail, dump it on a closed bridge and other gross places. Plastic doesn't break down for a long time meaning that at the present rate, Big Trees Forest Preserve will be Big Dump Preserve in the not too distant future. And shame on all you other lazy bastards for throwing your soda cans and candy wrappers in the woods. It is poison ivy season too and there is too much of it encroaching the trail. The trails are also not clearly marked because the signage is old and some of it is falling down. Several bridges are closed for repair as well. It is a beautiful place and it is great to save the trees but people are ruining all the natural beauty. read more

This place is a little slice of heaven hiding amidst the the fast food joints and strip-malls that otherwise line the path of Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs. My favorite part is that it's free, local (whilst feeling remote), and not crowded. It is more of a hiking, not jogging, type place since the paths are not paved but I like that it makes you slow down and enjoy where you are. It is also dog friendly, especially for the dog that enjoys playing in a creek. And it is one of the few places that maintains it's beauty no matter the season. I just can't wait till spring to see it all in full bloom. =) read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

A truly hidden gem right in the middle of suburbia. You can see busy Roswell Road from the first section of the main path, but hardly hear the cars. One might as well be miles from civilization when they come here... My friends and I decided to take the longest path around. Dogwoods in bloom everywhere, tall trees soaring up to the sky, tons of great spots to sit for a spell or have a picnic, and everyone you meet on the trail is incredibly friendly. Thank goodness this spot wasn't turned into a yet another failed venture in auto sales because it's absolutely beautiful. A highly, highly recommended walk if you want to hike close to the city but not through the likes of Piedmont Park. Less people + more trees = happiness! read more

I love this beautiful preserve! After having moved nearby, one day I decided to check out the park. They made an amazing use of space. The only thing that will remind you that you're just off busy Roswell Road is the sound of traffic. There are benches scattered throughout, numerous bridges and streams, uphill/downhill stretches. It's a great workout. I've seen photographers come here to do portraits. Lovely suburban getaway not to be missed! read more

Big Trees Forest Preserve - Parks Near Me - Atlanta, Georgia

See all

Despite being so close to so much civilization, Big Trees Forest Preserve has a variety of scenic spots to get away from it. There are several well-marked trails that meander through the space - some high, some low, some by the creek, some over the creek. There are benches above and below the cliffs so you can appreciate both perspectives. I love that the trails are diverse, well-marked, and mostly root and rock-free for the little guys. There are clean public bathrooms and a water fountain at the entrance from the parking lot. read more

I love this place. Definitely a great escape without having to travel too far out of the city.

A great little park at a great location with convenient parking. A variety of terrain with hills, creeks, and foot bridges with plenty of trees for a woodland feel. The paths can get a bit muddy when there's been a recent rain, but are mostly well maintained. It's dog friendly and just enough trails to make it interesting without being a maze. read more

The photos make this park look much larger than it actually is. It's about 1.2 miles long and took a friend and I about an hour to work through (that's including photo ops and getting occasional trail turnarounds). Very pretty in some areas, kind of overrun. You sort of feel that the place doesn't get serviced by maintenance regularly. There's the occasional pizza box and litter plus an overturned bridge. The ones that are still up are somewhat rickety. All in all, the area near the water and rocks is pretty and 75% of the trails are an easy walk. read more

Nice and out of the way. Definitely an easy hike for seasoned hikers, however great for kids and dogs. Trails are easy to follow. Backcountry loop is roughly 0.8 mi, but if taking other trails also, can be up to 2.5mi. Excellent tree coverage and makes you feel like you truly are out in the country, even if you are in downtown Sandy Springs. read more

Perfect place to take your dog for a short nature walk. Has a lovely stream alongside the trail and tons of trees that keep the trail shaded. Loved this little trail! read more

I like be coming here to walk my dogs. 3 short trails and a couple creeks. There is a dog park and recreation area around the corner also.

Beautiful secluded park in the city! We love to go walking here. Easy trails including a stream.

I mean if you live around this trail you should definitely check it out. I came from Woodstock with my dog looking to try something new. The trails are well maintained and easy to walk. It's a fairly small system but I knew that going in. If you're in the area looking for a quick hike/walk you have nothing to lose by going in. I don't suggest you travel here from any significant distance. read more

This park is gorgeous and a great managable quick walk if you take the outside loop it takes about 15 minutes. It's not very busy usually and this is sad because it's really one of the best places to take dogs in Atlanta. The trails are beautiful and maintained It could be a romantic place to walk with a loved one or take a picnic also. read more

The Mrs and I love this place! It's gorgeous and so quiet back there, even though it's right off of Roswell Rd! We take the puppy here to walk all the time, luckily it's so close to home too! Their putting in bathrooms now too, always nice! Check it out, it's worth it! read more

Very beautiful and peaceful retreat right on busy Roswell Rd. There are plenty of short trails, perfect for families, walking dogs, and those looking for a relaxing walk. The trails are not difficult, but they are well built, with several bridges over the "river". Thoroughly enjoyable, thank you Sandy Springs! read more

Nice get away spot for a few hours. Nice area and beautiful scenery. The trails are good for low-key stroll and are well kept. There is plenty of free parking. Dog friendly. The only thing bad about this place is there is not much ground to cover. This is a great spot for a pleasant and peaceful nature walk! read more

This was such a beautiful and relaxing walk. A nice getaway super close to the city. And it's free!!! read more

Came here a few times after my father in law discovered it on a run. It's such a nice gem to be hidden in a busy area! Took my pup hiking and she loved it. read more

Cool place for short easy hikes and/or picnic! Not crowded at all on a Saturday and free parking. Definitely recommended!