As much as I love the city, sometimes I need to step away. One of my favorite ways to recharge is to go hiking with friends! Read on for my recommendations for great hikes under two hours from Atlanta – the perfect day trip!

Sweetwater Creek State Park (~30 min away)
Located close to the city in Lithia Springs, Sweetwater Creek State Park doesn’t feel like it’s just west of the city. It’s forest is filled with creek-side trails, waterfalls, historic ruins and numerous trails to explore. Try the orange trail (4.75 miles roundtrip) for a walk through nature that leads to views of the Atlanta skyline!Photo on Instagram here

East Palisades Trail (~30 min away)
This 4 mile round trip trail loop is not too far from the city. It’s well-shaded so a perfect hike in the summer or to bring your dog! Here you’ll find city views, riverside trails and a Insta-worthy bamboo forest. Photo from Instagram here

Raven Cliff Falls (~1 hr 45 min away)
One of my favorite places to go is the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Raven Cliff Falls Trail (4.9 miles round trip) leads through the forest to a 40-foot-tall waterfall – no wonder it’s one of the most popular trails in the CHF. If you want to make a weekend trip out of it, consider staying in nearby Helen, GA – the north Georgia town that looks like Germany. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl1cdp1gYQX/

Tallulah Falls-Hurricane Falls Trail (~1 hr 45 min away)
Another gorgeous hike (2.25 miles round trip) that ends in a breathtaking waterfall. The overall hike is short BUT there are over 1,000 steps that will sure to make the hike more strenuous that it may seem. Bring lots of water and for cooler temps and colorful leaves, wait until the fall for this hike.Photo from Instagram here

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqKWDnBFUvE/

Let me know if you visit any of these locations, I’d love to see your pictures. Lastly, please remember to Leave No Trace by bringing anything you take with you on these hikes out when you leave.

-Sacha
Atlanta For The Young Intern

Header photo from http://www.appalachian-realty.com/blog/5-best-places-to-live-in-north-georgia/