Backpacker Magazine – September 2010

Local Hikes: Atlanta, GA

The best hikes near Atlanta, GA.

by: Andrew Matranga

Tags:
• Georgia
|
• Adventures
|

---

Your Guide
Benton MacKaye Trail Association (bmta.org)

Your Hikes
» Double Loop, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Lying just outside the Perimeter, this 15.8-mile hike combines gentle hills and violent history. Climb over hickory-shaded knolls and traverse lush meadows with glimpses of the city’s skyline. Then get a dose of the area’s Civil War past at preserved rifle and cannon pits. Miles from city center 23; Trip ID 399079

» Raven Cliff Falls Trail, Raven Cliff Wilderness Area At five easy miles, this is the perfect family outing. Pack a picnic and chill at trail’s end, where Dodd Creek splits in two and tumbles between a jagged, 80-foot cliff face. Miles from city center 86; Trip ID 264888

» Coosa Backcountry Loop, Vogel State Park For a challenging trek, hike this 13.5-miler with 3,000 feet of climbing along Duncan Ridge. “You’ll want hiking poles for the slog up Wildcat Knob,” says club webmaster Scott Sanders. Camping? Pitch a tent beside Long Branch Creek at mile 7.1. Miles from city center 89; Trip ID 330167

» Jacks River Trail, Cohutta Wilderness Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes for this 15.8-mile point-to-point. The route descends from cliffs to valley with no fewer than 44 river crossings en route. Avoid spring runoff. Jacks River Falls, an 80-foot cascade at mile 8.5, has swimming holes and trout pools. Miles from city center 110; Trip ID 59973


Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter