With the warm weather upon us, it’s time to get active and enjoy the fresh Georgia air! Luckily for us, North Atlanta is known for having an abundance of gorgeous bucolic spaces that seamlessly blend with the surrounding amenities such as restaurants and shopping. We are able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of “normal life” and enjoy scenic greenspaces that are merely at our fingertips. From trails, to parks, to playgrounds for kids, there are plenty of nearby opportunities to keep you and your family busy year round. Below you will find a list of some of our favorite local spots that are worth exploring.
Milton
Bell Memorial Park is one of the most popular parks in Milton. It is an explansive, 80 acre park featuring multiple soccer fields, baseball fields, and tennis courts, along with a large playground and trail that loops around the park. As a bonus, the park is located adjacent to the incredible Bloom Roadside cafe which features amazing donuts, burgers, and specialty coffee drinks!
Located near 7 Acre BarNGrill, yet set off the beaten path, are the Birmingham Park trails. This park features nine multi-use, natural surface trails that will take you on a beautiful tour of rural Milton. Birmingham Park is a gorgeous, picturesque spot where you will often see photographers snapping family photos or residents riding their horses.
If you are looking for a relaxing and easy hike, this 1.5-mile wooded trail is the perfect spot. This space was purchased by the City of Milton in 2018 as part of the Greenspace Bond. This picturesque property (formerly the Wolff property) is set off a rural gravel road and features creeks, pastures, and forests where you can enjoy gorgeous views from tranquil ponds to cows grazing nearby. Plenty of parking is available, making it an easy and convenient trip!
Providence Park is a nature-lover’s haven set in the heart of Milton. Every day, runners, walkers, dogs and even fishermen enjoy its 42 heavily wooded acres, parts of which overlook the beautiful Providence Lake. There are three trails at the park, including a .5 mile loop trail that is paved and ADA accessible making Providence Park a convenient spot for the whole family to enjoy. What I love most about this particular spot is the fishing pier that is available for public use.
Located just down the road from Cogburn Elementary School, this well-maintained and family-friendly park is the perfect spot to bring your little ones (or pups!) to burn off some energy. The .2-mile park features a playground with climbing equipment and swings, a pavilion, as well as a large green space and paved path for riding your bike, walking the dog, or riding your scooter. You will also find an arboretum, piano, and well maintained restroom facilities. This park is very easily accessible and there is always ample parking throughout the year. The downside, it’s not shaded, so remember to bring your sunscreen and bug spray!
Roswell
Enjoy over 2.5 miles of great hiking trails across this 127-acre property perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike. All trails feature an abundance of wildlife, year-round birding, and blossoming plants. Enjoy trails such as the Wildlife Walk, where you can see nature up close such as birds of prey chattering in their aviaries and a lovely butterfly garden. For the more adventurous, you can take part in canoeing and a variety of ropes courses. View more extensive trail info here.
A popular spot for budding photographers, Old Mill Park is the perfect location to enjoy history and nature's beauty. Here you can explore the Roswell Manufacturing Company (an old cotton mill dating back to the Civil War) and a gorgeous waterfall and dam. A covered pedestrian bridge over the creek connects the walking trail that begins in Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River trail system- you will feel like you have taken a step back in time. Make sure to bring a solid pair of shoes and your camera as it’s beautiful, but can get very messy!
Roswell Area Park is a great place to walk your dog or bring children to blow off steam at the playground. The trails are well maintained and the playground is perfect for children of all ages. In addition, this park is full of incredible amenities such as a public pool which includes a 50-meter Olympic-size pool with eight lap lanes, diving boards, and a children's wading pool with a mushroom waterfall. If you’re looking for an ideal spot for kids, this is it!
Alpharetta
- Wills Park: 11925 Wills Road. Alpharetta, GA 30009
Explore this popular recreational destination offering a range of amenities and activities. The park spans for over 119 acres and provides a beautiful, natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The main attraction is the equestrian facility which hosts a variety of equestrian events throughout the year including the most recent Celebrate Freedom Rodeo. The massive park also features sports fields, walking trails, a fitness area, disc golf and a large playground area. The enormous pavilion is the perfect spot to host an event or picnic with friends and family. Whether you’re a sports lover, equestrian enthusiast, or simply just looking to relax, Wills Park is the perfect place for you!
You will love this spacious, well-maintained, family-friendly park situated on approximately 50 acres of land. It offers numerous options for outdoor activities including multiple sports fields, a large picnic pavilion, and an expansive playground designed to entertain kids of all ages. The trails provide opportunities for walking, running, and fishing and its ample parking and well-marked pathways make it extremely convenient and easy to navigate.
This scenic and predominantly flat trail stretches for approximately 9.8 miles, providing a picturesque route for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. The Greeneway runs parallel to the Big Creek where you can enjoy lush greenery, mature trees, and peaceful surroundings– so much that you almost forget you’re near all the hustle and bustle of Alpharetta! There are several trailheads and parking lots for accessing the trails, making it very convenient for people living or visiting Alpharetta. My favorite aspect of this trail is that you'll find bathrooms, water fountains, and benches located throughout your journey providing ample opportunities for breaks or to take in the natural beauty of Alpharetta.
Cumming
This is my family's favorite park, as it is a one-stop-shop for outdoor recreation. It spans over 85 acres and offers a wide range of amenities and attractions that make it a popular spot for outdoor sports and community gatherings. Some of its key features include: numerous sports facilities, Adventure Playground, a skate park, walking/biking trails, a community garden, fishing pond, and an event pavilion.
Here you can enjoy a scenic nature preserve encompassing approx 963 acres of protected land. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. At its highest point, Sawnee Mountain reaches an elevation of 1953 feet, providing beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. The most popular trail is the Indian Seats Trail, which is a moderately challenging trail that leads to the Indian Seats rock formation. This unique geological feature offers gorgeous views, as well as, a great spot for picnicking or mediating. If you’re looking for a scenic and tranquil retreat, this spot is for you!
With so much natural beauty and outdoor adventure to explore, it's easy to see why North Atlanta is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a place to play sports, hike, or relax with your family, there is something nearby to please everyone. So get out there and explore the beautiful green spaces that North Atlanta has to offer!
