Trail Running Atlanta

Sometimes the hardest part about taking up a new hobby or activity is knowing where to go to do it. I figured that I'd point out a few places in and around Atlanta that are good for trail running.

Chattahoochee National Recreation Area: This series of parks stretching from Buford Dam to Cobb Parkway winding from the northeastern suburbs of Atlanta to northwest Atlanta. If you're fortunate enough to live near the Chattahoochee River, take advantage of these parks. Some of our favorites for trail running are Gold Branch, Whitewater, and Sope Creek.

Fort Yargo State Park: For the northeast side of Atlanta (Duluth, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Snellville), this park provides 18 miles of trails.

Kennesaw Mountain: This is for the northwest side of Atlanta (Marietta, Roswell, Smyrna, Sandy Springs). Kennesaw Mountain is most popular for day hiking the mountain with it's vistas, but there are more trails to be had. Parking can get a bit rough at times.

Sweetwater State Park: For southwest Atlantans (Mableton, Powder Springs, East Point, Douglasville). This is one of my favorites. Sure it can be crowded at times, but once you get more than a mile from a parking lot, you pretty much have it all to yourself.

Yellow River Park: Dead east of Atlanta (past Stone Mountain, most convenient for Decatur, Clarkston, Lithonia, Snellville), you can get either your trail running or mountain biking fix here.

Don't forget the city and county parks right in your neighborhoods. While these usually don't provide the miles of trails these bigger parks do, they're often overlooked and can make for a breath of fresh air on your daily runs.

The Bare Minimalist blog is a good resource for trails and trail maps. Definitely check it out.

Have some more Atlanta trail running spots that you'd like to share? Post them in the comments.