The Great Outdoors in Atlanta

If you don't mind sweating a bit, you can enjoy the outdoors in Atlanta all year round, even in the dog days of summer. There are many ways to enjoy one of Atlanta's most prized possessions-the abundance of lush greenery and trees. It's something travellers and new residents usually remark upon when they first visit Atlanta.

Appalachian Trail Hiking in Georgia: The famous Appalachian Trail cuts through Georgia, providing 75 miles of moderately difficult hiking, with the elevation range between 2500-4400 feet.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Covering almost a 50 mile area along the Chattahoochee River, there are a plethora of activities to choose from. One can hike, boat, fish, raft, swim, bird watch, and even explore Native American archeological sites on the land. Those looking for extra excitement can go white water rafting and kayaking.

Callaway Gardens: With all of the usual outdoor attractions such as golfing, fishing, and tennis, along with numerous gardens, and exotic collections, Callaway Gardens is truly a unique way to enjoy the outdoors in the Atlanta area.

Lake Lanier: One of the most popular resorts in the Atlanta area, one can enjoy the man-made beach, a variety of water sports, hiking trails with gorgeous scenery, and there's even an equestrian center for horse lovers.

Stone Mountain Park Hiking Trails: Stone Mountain, one of the Atlanta area's main tourist attractions, offers 3 separate hiking trails that vary in difficulty.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: You don't have to venture outside the city limits to enjoy the lush landscape of Atlanta. Several different themed gardens are on exhibit, there are showcases for rare flowers, and special events throughout the year. A wonderful place to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon.

Chattahoochee Nature Center: Offer a wide variety of programs for the entire family including guided canoe trips and walks.

Skydiving: Skydive Atlanta is the metro area's premier skydiving facility. They offer classes for beginners and experts, and certification programs for skydivers.

Hiking Groups/Organizations

Atlanta Day Hiking: Offers professionally-guided hikes in North Georgia with three transportation options to hikers: pickup service, a pre-arranged meeting spot or at the trail-head. Specialty and seasonal Hikes include a full-moon night hike, a sunrise hike, kid-friendly hikes, wildflower and blueberry hikes, and artist hikes.

Hotlanta Adventures: A diverse organization that provides a chance to make new acquaintances and build friendships while experiencing the adventures of the outdoors and other similar shared interests. Excursions include hiking, urban/mountain biking/cycling, whitewater rafting, camping, cabining, canoeing, kayaking, caving/spelunking, horseback riding, rappelling, geocashing, and other outdoor activities. Besides outdoor activities, social functions may involve pool parties, mixers, dinners, cookouts, potlucks, movie nights, Braves games, or trips to the zoo or to the new Georgia Aquarium. The group welcomes men and women regardless of race or sexual orientation who are reasonably fit/in-shape and are between the ages of 18 up to youthful 40s.

Women's Outdoor Network: Non profit organization that plan hikes, biking and kayaking excursions, and other social events for women in the metro Atlanta area.

Trailbaby: Hiking group for mothers and their infants, who ride the trail in either a front or back carrier.

Atlanta Outdoor Club: This outdoor enthusiast group was founded in 2000 and now boasts of over 500 members in the Atlanta area. Up to 50 events are planned throughout the area. No annual dues required; just pay for the events you participate in.

FUN Hikes: This casual hiking organization has approximately 2000 members in the metro Atlanta area. Designed for the casual hiker, the monthly hikes are not overly strenuous but still provide a good workout and time to interact with other members. One does not need to make a reservation to join a particular hike, just show up and have fun!

Georgia Canoeing Association: This Atlanta area canoe and kayak club has members of all skill levels, and both single and family memberships area available for a nominal annual fee.

Atlanta Whitewater Club: Sponsor events and educational services for kayakers and canoers of all skill levels in the metro Atlanta area. Must be a member to participate.

Atlanta Kayakers: Primarily focused on sea kayaking, this Atlanta based group has made a trip to Cumberland Island, as well as moonlight excursions to Atlanta area lakes.

Atlanta Single Hikers: A group of individuals (18 years and older) of various backgrounds who share common interests - a love of the outdoors in general, and hiking in particular. ASH was started in 1995 and welcomes anyone 18 or older and unmarried who wants to enjoy the thrill of the outdoors! Most of the people in the group are in their 40’s and 50's. They have lots of day hikes, socials, backpacking and camping trips, dinners, canoeing trips, and other events. They have at least one event every weekend and average two or three events a week (mostly on the weekend). There is no membership fee; members just pay for costs we incur, such as gas, parking fees, etc.

Outdoor Gear Retail Stores in Atlanta

Up the River Outfitters: A locally owned business that aims to provide the ultimate in natural water recreation on Georgia's beautiful Chattahoochee River. They offer full float services