Atlanta is a perfect spot for hiking, biking, camping, and what-have-you. Its reasonable climate, lush greenery, and extensive trail system make this urban environment an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise! Read on for more ideas on how to maximize the sunny days in Georgia’s largest city!

Couple hiking on trail1. Hiking

Atlanta is a great spot for this timeless activity. You can hop on the Appalachian Trail or scout out a Civil War heritage trail, the choice is yours; there is a wealth of hiking trails in Atlanta! Additionally, check out Piedmont Park and its miles of hiking trails or Stone Mountain Park’s 15 miles of wooded trails. To learn more about hiking in Atlanta go to: www.Trails.com.

2. Camping

Atlanta offers a moderate climate which is perfect for camping! Travel to Stone Mountain Park campground, Lake Sinclair Beach campground, or Oconee River campground. To mix it up try camping at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in their Trackside Terrace Camping or Infield Camping! So pack your tent, your family, and your flashlight and get away from the city – for a little while. To learn more about Atlanta camping go to: www.Trails.com.


3. Flight

Contact Balloons over Georgia or Air Atlanta Helicopter for an outdoor activity that has all the others beat! Take to the air and view Atlanta’s skyline from on high. Air Atlanta Helicopter – in addition to giving tours – is a helicopter training facility. Through this company and their Discovery Flight you can even try flying a helicopter! Air Atlanta offers specialized tours of Atlanta hotspots like Stone Mountain, the Chattahoochee River, Downtown, and Buckhead. To learn more about these adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities in Atlanta go to: www.AirAtlantaHelicopters.com.

Balloons over Georgia launches approximately 30-40 miles outside of Atlanta, but from your hot air balloon you will see the Atlanta skyline like never before! Your hot air balloon tour will include views of the Appalachian Mountains, Kennesaw Mountain, Stone Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Mountain chain. To learn more about this exciting opportunity visit: www.BalloonsOverGeorgia.com.

4. Whitewater Kayaking

Georgia’s rivers are perfect for river running and Eskimo rolling! If you are a beginner, get in touch with The Whitewater Learning Center of Georgia for classes, instruction on technique, and guided tours of the rapids. The Center includes runs of the Chattahoochee as well as trips outside Atlanta and the state. Contact the Atlanta Whitewater Club for events if you are a dedicated whitewater enthusiast. Or, take to the rapids yourself if you are an expert! You can find a number of routes right in the city of Atlanta! To learn more about these outdoor activities in Atlanta visit: www.Trails.com.

5. Biking

Looking for outdoor activities in Atlanta? Whether you are road biking or mountain biking, Atlanta has got you covered! Check out the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition for information about in-city routes and trails: www.AtlantaBike.org. Rely on the PATH Foundation for trail maps and information: www.PathFoundation.org. Cruise through Buckhead or cycle along the banks of the serene Chattahoochee. Atlanta’s substantial miles of trails will promise that your ride will never get dull!

6. Atlanta Motorsports Speedway

For a change of pace, check out the race track “where the fast go faster.” You can just pop in for a Friday Night Drag or land tickets for a major event like the Atlanta 200. Cheer for your NASCAR favorites, check out the pit, and camp on the infield! Atlanta Motorsports Speedway is a fast-paced environment for outdoor fun and bonding. To learn more about Atlanta’s speedway and outdoor activities in Atlanta go to: www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

7. Rock Climbing

Georgia has many difficult cliffs and crags to challenge even the most experienced rock climbing enthusiast! Contact Atlanta Rocks! for information about area climbs, gear, and guided tours. For the best variety, you may have to travel outside the city. However, there are a number of climbs guaranteed to test your skills: Allenbrook, Boat Rock, Long Island, Little Kennesaw Mountain, The Zipper, and the Palisades are a great start! To learn more about these exhilarating outdoor activities in Atlanta go to: www.AtlantaRocks.com.

8. Fishing

Check out Atlanta’s rivers and lakes for that perfect fishing hole. Allatoona Lake and the Bull Sluice Lake are a great start for fishermen young and old. Pack your rod and reel and head over to Stone Mountain Park Lakes for some laid-back, outdoor fun where you can catch catfish, carp, bass, and bream. If you are a little rusty with your casting, check out the Atlanta Fly Fishing School – which can teach you the fundamentals of baiting, casting, and angling as well as help you perfect your already acquired skills. To learn more about the Atlanta Fly Fishing School’s outdoor activities in Atlanta go to: www.AtlantaFlyFishingSchool.com.

9. Sightseeing

Atlanta is an historic city with hundreds of tourist attractions. Even if you have lived in Atlanta for a long time, there is probably something you have missed and it is always good to refresh your connection with your city. Take a trolley tour through historic Marietta or a segway tour of Atlanta. Stop by the Atlanta History Center and tour the historic gardens. Or, hit the streets on your own and take in the fresh air while walking past historic homes in Buckhead, or the Fountain of Rings in Centennial Olympic Park. Discover your city today! For information about these outdoor activities in Atlanta go to the homepage of Atlanta Tours: www.AtlantaTours.us.

10. Swimming

Atlanta has tons of little swimming holes, streams, lakes, rivers, and outdoor pools which make swimming under the stars or cooling off after a hot day easy for you. Pack your suit, sunscreen, and towel and head down to the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center. This new addition to the park includes chlorine swimming pools as well as beach access. Or, take advantage of free “dive-in” movies at W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel. Splash through your favorite films projected on large screens and purchase delectable cocktails and sip them under the stars. For information about the W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and outdoor activities in Atlanta go to: www.StarwoodHotels.com.