Spending time out on trails is our family's peaceful escape. The boys enjoy playing old school style in nature - climbing trees, throwing rocks, playing in creeks, fishing, hiking and getting dirty. Below are some of the favorite spots we have explored.
Leita Thompson Memorial Park (Roswell): Wide trails that led us down to a small pond. It was a catch and release fishing pond.
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Caney Creek Preserve (Cumming): A few subscribers told me about this spot. I had never heard of it. There are a couple of wide open green space areas where our boys enjoyed throwing a football. Nice trails that led to a creek for playing. It was beautiful. We will be back and it is not far!
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Dunwoody Nature Center (Dunwoody): This one is by my parents house, so we have been several times before. Easy trails and a small creek. Our kids created an obstacle course in the woods. This is a great spot for even little kids, as it is not too overwhelming. And when "normal" comes back -- Dunwoody Nature Center has a great playground.
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Autrey Mill Nature Preserve (Johns Creek): We went to Autrey Mill Nature Preserve for the first time last summer and it is a truly a gem! I wondered why we hadn't been sooner. There are animals, trails, creek, teepee and other outdoor experiences. A really wonderful place at anytime.
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Big Creek Greenway (Alpharetta): We've lived in Milton for seven years and can honestly say we have only been on the Big Creek Greenway a couple of times because, well -- we are always "too busy." But, the boys got new bikes and the Greenway is a perfect spot for bike riding. It is flat, scenic and peaceful.
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Charleston Park (Cumming): This is on Lake Lanier. There are some picnic and green space areas. It felt calm here. We watched boats coming and going. Boys caught a fish.
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Providence Park (Milton): This is an easy trail that leads to a small lake. We tried to fish here (it is catch and release), but didn't catch anything. It is a nice and easy hike. This is our go-to spot when we need to escape somewhere quick, but haven't planned anything specific.
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Birmingham Park (Milton): Trail in Milton area. A nice spot for walking. We took the dogs and they loved it.
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Vickery Creek Falls Old Mill (Roswell): This is a popular trail/waterfall in the historic Roswell area. Many people have professional photos taken here. At the spot by the waterfall many people play/swim in the water area. The waterfall is a gorgeous scene and not a far walk off the trail. I have heard this area got too crowded and is now closed. Please research or wait until Roswell parks open back up to venture here.
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Big Trees Forest (Sandy Springs): This one was our fifth grader's favorite trail. Or, more importantly his favorite creek to fall in. The trail area is right off of busy Roswell Road, but you would never know it as you are nestled under a canopy of large trees. There is a big creek and access areas to wade into the water to play. The trails are all in a wooded area -- it is a short loop.
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Haw Creek (Cumming): This is a trail used by a lot by mountain bikers. We walked and enjoyed it. There is a bike/skateboard activity area.
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Little Ridge Park Trail (Cumming): This trail is in the woods with views and access points to Lake Lanier. There are several spots where you can access small beach type areas on Lake Lanier. We saw some people fishing. It could also be a good picnic spot on one of the beach access spots.
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Morgan Falls Overlook Park (Sandy Springs): These trails were in a forest with scenic views of Bull Sluice Lake along the Chattahoochee River. The boys loved that these trails were a little more adventurous. We had to duck under trees and cross over logs along this narrow and hilly trail. There were many fishers on the dock and when things open back up, a spot to rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. There is a also a big playground (closed right now) and patio swings overlooking the water.
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Webb Bridge Park (Alpharetta): We have been to this park many times for baseball, but we had never been on the trails. There is a great wide gravel trail through the woods. We found a creek and even a small pond with turtles, fish and a couple ducks! Now... the next time I am here for baseball, I may sneak off to go walking.
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Garrad Landing Park (Roswell): This gravel wide open trail has views of the Chattahoochee River. There are also nice big green areas perfect for throwing a ball or having a picnic. There is also a large pond. The trails are flat and easy for any age hiker.
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Indian Seats Trail at Sawnee Mountain Preserve (Cumming): This is a moderate hike up Sawnee Mountain to a panoramic scenic view. We have done this trail many times; it is an ideal spot for an afternoon hike and the view never gets old. For a more detailed review of this trail, click HERE.
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