A very well maintained nature preserve with short trails for a perfect hike/stroll through the…read morewoods. 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.

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

Small park with some unpaved trails. The one paved trail was really short but it goes along a…read morecreek. There is a small playground for kids. It's a good place for some quick photoshoots. We saw some maternity and family photoshoots while we were there. The parking area is also unpaved.

I really enjoyed going to this park with my clients and co-worker recently. Tucked right at the…read morecorners of Roswell, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek is this spacious park with access to the Chattahoochee River, a bunch of little trails, and even a little bit of history. I read some of the info posted along the paths near the fountains and learned that Roswell actually used to be part of Cobb County. I had no idea and found that really interesting having just moved here to Georgia earlier in the year. They had some other facts about the area and history on that part of the river too. What was great about this park was that it was pretty dead on a weekday morning. A lot of other parks are usually busy at this time, since we are still going thru the pandemic of course. I think we only saw one other person on the trail (with plenty of room to distance) and one other person parked in a car off to the side of the trail. We enjoyed the seclusion. I liked everything about the park - the gazebo and fountain area, the view of the river down the trail, the historical value, etc. Just a nice place to exercise or go to relax. I hope to be back soon.

One of the best parks in Atlanta metro as it offers something for everybody. On this Labor Day,…read more"everyone" was here! Most were beating the hot humid heat dipping in the water and a few were hiking. ++ Covered bridge & wooden bridges ++ Water falls ++ Many well groomed trails of easy and moderate difficulty. Some parts of trails are root bound and care is needed. + Lots of parking - Too many people - very popular on weekends = Poorly marked trails ( "you are here" is now marked but people constantly ask what's ahead and navigation questions). +++ Photo ops Easy access and picturesque covered bridge, canopied trails make this park very popular. Though the parking usually is manageable, today it was a mess! But it was good to see everyone out and enjoying nature.

I really enjoyed myself on this trail. I love outdoor walks and this is a great place to do so. It…read morehas signage to help guide you through the park. I will say the group I went with got slightly lost a few times though they have experience hiking so not sure how clear the signs and directions are due to that. However the trail feels safe and accessible. The people there are very friendly with many greeting us along our way. The waterfall we got to was absolutely beautiful. It's kind of amazing that we even have a real waterfall so close to the city of Atlanta. Parking was kind of limited but we were able to make it work. So overall I have no complaints and enjoyed my time here.

This park is deceptively huge. It spans 135 acres and dates back to 1954. There is a decent amount…read moreof parking available for visitors. The park is actually two sections, separated by a lake. The park is a nature park has has many picnic tables and shelters, with picnic tables under them scattered on both sides of the park. Some of the picnic tables and shelters are located along the river and provide some panoramic views. The park also features a nice nature trail that is in the wood and pretty well shaded. On one side of the park you will find a small, but newer playground area with percussion instruments, saucer swings, and a couple of slides. It is pretty basic. The other side has a much larger playground. It has a huge play structure that looks like a fort and has a rock climbing wall, slides, and bridges. There is also a pyramid net climber, saucer swings, and toddler swings. The equipment is pretty spread out and in pretty good shape. There is a smaller play structure for little ones which has tunnels, slides, and bridges. You will find rocking animals in that area as well. This side of the park also has a restroom facility. This park is certified as a wildlife habitat and you will see water fowl, geese, beavers and squirrels up close and personal to name just a few animals. Someone was fishing while I was there, but I do not know how good the fishing is, or even if it is allowed. I do not know if it is part of the park, but across the street you will find a huge and amazing baseball complex that looks like it is home to a junior college. It is nice and very well maintained. All in all, this park is decent. It is well maintained and the lake and views are awesome . I will admit that There is not much to offer outside of the trails, shelter, lake, and picnic tables. I like the park, but I was not wow'ed or overwhelmed. The playgrounds are somewhat basic and probably would not holds a kids attention too long. This park would be great for those looking for a nature park.

While strolling along the park's loop, we noticed the drained lake. I got the wild idea to venture…read moreonto the seemingly solid lake bed, which turned out to be a massive blunder. Although the mud appeared dry on the surface, it was deceptively soft underneath, causing me to sink deep into it up to my knee.

Wide busy trails along the waterside with quite a few little foot paths to the water edge. The rest…read morerooms were less than ideal in cleanliness and function unfortunately.

I really enjoyed this park. It had great trails, lovely views, and super easy parking--definitely…read moreworth checking out!

It was a beautiful fall day in Atlanta. Instead of heading to a fluorescent light lit gym, I…read moredecided to catch some natural sun rays on the Greenway. I don't mind driving out into the burb's on weekends as much as weekdays. No traffic! There are so many trails along the Greenway in Big Creek Park to choose from, from beginner to intermediate, to the trails that aren't for the faint of heart. Most of the trails are very biker friendly, so if you've got a road bike or a mountain bike, c'mon down. There are two parking lots: if you're planning on hiking/walking on foot or taking a road bike, I advise you park in the second parking lot, which is closer to the Greenway entrance. You'll pass the first one at the entrance of the park, but drive past to the second entrance on your right (once inside the park, that is)! We did a forest trail (intermediate 1.4 miles) and we also walked along the Greenway. Both have great forest shrubbery and views. The maps seemed to have been stolen or taken down on the Greenway, so make sure to memorize the map at the entrance. Overall I had a magnificent time strolling through Big Creek Park. Stumbled upon two curious deer on the Greenway, who didn't seem startled by the sight of people. What a treat!

I love the county and city parks in the Atlanta metro area and usually rate them pretty highly…read more Here, I'm torn. As a local hiking park, Big Creek suffers in comparison to some others,such as the Gwinnett county parks. There really is only one hiking trail and it's an easy, not very interesting 1.4 mile loop that unfortunately spends too much time close to busy Old Alabama Rd. There are many more trails in the park dedicated to trail bikes and they seem much more interesting. but I really prefer not to hike on bike trails, both forms sake and for the bikers'. That said, the northern section of Big Creek benefits enormously from the presence of the Big Creek Greenway. Ordinarily, I'd be dissing this too because it's a concrete path and I like dirt. But it's a great concrete path. Plus, there's a good bit of wooden boardwalk that traverses the wetlands. It's a nice walk. Parking is not a problem during non-peak times, with a lot on the south end and one further down the road towards the middle of the park. That middle lot also has restroom facilities.

This is a nice hiking area along the Chattahoochee River. We use this area primarily for hiking,…read morebut there are other activities on the CNRA website. This area is federal land with parking pass fee or use your annual/lifetime pass. First, the confusing part. Getting there! There is small sign or Akers Mill (see my picture) and it does not refer to it as West Palisades, even though all the markers inside the park say that. The intersections in the park on the trails are indicated as WP1, WP2, WP3, ... So to navigate go from one junction to another. There is handy wooden trail map at every junction. Trail names are non existent. Parking lot off Akers Mill is large and paved, but no bathrooms (WP12). Another large parking lot off Cobb Parkway has bathrooms (WP1). Also the park connects to county parks along Rottenwood Creek, which gives additional options. These are paved and more oriented towards bicycles. We did an 8 mile hike here. Starting at WP12. Hiking trails through the woods and along the river, back and forth with some decent elevation. When we got to WP1 we hiked along the Rottenwood Creek trail back to Akers Mill. At that point we walked along the road back to the parking area. Very nice combo of woods, paved paths, sidewalks. This was after Hurricane Zeta, so a lot of blow down on the trails but we were able to get around it. (See pics). A good workout! This was during covid and midweek, busy but not too bad. Have been here on the weekend and lots of folks, but plenty of parking and with the large size of the area plenty of space between groups hiking. Great area near the metropolitan area.

West Palisades and Palisades Cobb Natural Resource Area, Bob Callan Trail and Rotten Creek are all…read moreconnected and this review is for all 4. These natural parklands are a good place for walking, running, biking, kayaking and fly fishing! Ambiance is a natural park in the edge of a bustling city flanked by urban infrastructures...not manicured, full of bushes, trees, streams and the river with huge concrete overpasses. It's a good location to visit nature ITP. Here's the DL. About 1/3 of the paved trails and 3/4 of the unpaved trails are canopied with rolling elevation (~900 feet). Here, you could stroll a peaceful couple of miles and trail run moderate 5 - 8 miles. The paved trails are well marked and easy to navigate. But, the undeveloped trails are NOT with limited signs /blazes. Most unpaved trails are in the forest and have limited views of the river. Some parts are ridden with roots, loose rocks and boulders so wear proper shoes. When you do go on undeveloped trails, please "leave NO trace". There's a small ruin in the middle of the parklands but is unmarked, very steep with heavy over-growth. Biking is allowed ONLY on paved trails. Fly-fishing, I see when the water level is lower with slower currents. Encounters with trail blocking gumps occur here on weekends. Sunday strollers with NO self-awareness, blocking both sides, leisurewear selfie posers blocking trails and some parking themselves in the middle of an unpaved trail... :-/ Dogs on leash. There is No Maid service here to picks up your duty bag(s). There's a trash bin specifically for pets at the parking lot so pack out your 4 legged kids' mess paw-leash! Self-service...there are a few picnic tables, benches, animal proof trash bins, bathrooms, water fountains at the trail head and a boat ramp adjacent to the parking lot (off Cobb PKY / 41) for boats and kayaks. Next to the bathrooms there's a leveled grass area for Frisbees or other group games. Occasionally, I've seen CCP riding bicycles or electric motorcycles here as 2PDs are nearby. Parking is $3/day or $35/year and has about 60+ spots. Drive slowly...it's not the smoothest lot. Pay at the trailhead next to the boat ramp and the bathrooms. Be sure to display the perforated paper on your dash as rangers regularly check and ticket. These 4 nature areas are great if you are looking to workout with elevation changes in varying terrains...wood, boulders, concrete, mud, loose rocks, dirt...with views of the forest, streams and river at a nearby location. Enjoy!

Blue Heron Nature Preserve offers a quiet and restorative escape tucked into the heart of Atlanta…read more Parking was easy and close to the trailhead, making it a stress-free start. The walk begins on a boardwalk that winds through shaded greenery and invites you to slow down and settle into the rhythm of the space. What stood out was how quickly the city disappeared. Though the preserve sits near a major road and is surrounded by urban development, it feels far removed. Birdsong replaces traffic noise and the dense foliage wraps around you like a soft barrier. The air feels cooler and calmer, and the sounds of the city fade into the background. It is not a long hike but it is enough to reset your senses and remind you that nature still thrives in unexpected places. If you are looking for a short walk that delivers peace without a long drive, Blue Heron is worth it. It feels more remote than it is and that illusion makes the experience even better. You leave feeling refreshed and a little more connected to the quieter parts of the world. [Review 1256 of 2025 - 826 in Georgia - 24808 overall]

Stopped by here for a bit, early on a Sunday morning. Trail was very quiet and very well…read moremaintained. Easy and short. Lots to look at.