Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Hot air balloon rides |
2868A Lenora Road Atlanta, GA 30039 United States +1 770 972 1741 |
Offering panoramic views of the city and the rolling hills of north Georgia, this outfit allows visitors an uncommon perspective. Personal balloon rides are offered daily from the Lenora Aerodrome just 20 miles east of Atlanta, and can be booked for corporate events and advertising promotions as well. Gift certificates and surprise romantic packages are also available. Interested parties should call in advance for reservations, as this popular attraction has a tendency to book up quickly during fair weather. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Autry Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center |
9770 Autrey Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30022 United States +1 678 366 3511 http://www.autreymill.org/ |
Offering many educational nature programs, this site is also home to a number of historic buildings. Wooded trails lead visitors past such relics as the deBray Chapel and a farmhouse that dates to the 1880s. Stop at the welcome center for wildlife and historic information, and to inquire about such regularly-scheduled activities as owl prowls and animal track identification demonstrations. Take Highway 400 north to East Holcomb Bridge Road and turn right. Turn left at Old Alabama Road, then left again on Autry Mill Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
14,000-acre resort |
GA Highway 18/354 Atlanta, GA 31822 United States +1 706 663 2281 / +1 800 2255 2929 (Toll Free) http://www.callawaygardens.com/ |
An hour south of Atlanta near the sleepy village of Pine Mountain, this 14,000-acre resort features gardens, a lake with a beach, a premier golf course, butterfly gardens, shops and restaurants. Canoe and bicycle rentals are available, or if you would like, you can also take a driving tour through the gardens. With facilities for meetings and plenty of diverse activities, Callaway Gardens is a great choice for families. The resort features three facilities for overnight accommodations as well as six restaurants. See the Web site for rates and information. Entrance fees vary by season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Revanta Banerji |
 Photo: Revanta Banerji |
 Photo: Jorge Garcia |
 Photo: Hunter Chorey |
|
Hands on for Kids |
9135 Willeo Road Atlanta, GA 30075 United States +1 770 992 2055 http://www.chattnaturecenter.com/ |
This nature center offers access to one of Atlanta's most splendid natural attractions. The visitors center offers maps of hiking trails as well as other resources to help you enjoy your day along the Chattahoochee River. The grounds include several ponds, a butterfly garden, and hundreds of acres of wetlands and forestland along the banks of the river. Special demonstrations teach guests how the center rehabilitates injured hawks, owls, and other wildlife, and canoe rentals are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas L. Strickland |
 Photo: Thomas L. Strickland |
|
Serene scene |
203 Azalea Drive Atlanta, GA 30076 United States +1 770 641 3705 |
Surrounded by the residential neighborhoods of Roswell, this popular spot is the site of many family picnics, quiet strolls, and dog outings. Trails are marked out throughout the park for hiking, running, and biking. Picnic sites are arranged along the banks of the slow-rolling Chattahoochee, the longest river in Georgia. Canoes and rafts are available for rent, and make for great summertime adventures. Take the Roswell Road off I-285, go north to Azalea Drive and turn left. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bearden  |
 Photo: Mark Nathans |
 Photo: Mark Nathans |
 Photo: Bearden |
 Photo: Toni Brophy |
 Photo: Chris Rabig |
 Photo: Chris Rabig |
 Photo: Toni Brophy |
|
Waterfalls in the City |
Cochran Mill Road Atlanta, GA 30347 United States +1 770 463 3604 |
Waterfalls abound at this beautiful Atlanta park, where a variety of trails lead to many wonderful remote destinations. Trails range in length from one-third of a mile to a full mile, and none are strenuous. Some treks involve crossing creeks, however, so come prepared to get wet if you misstep. The Cochran Shoals Nature Center houses a number of wild animals, including a mountain lion. Take Highway 20 to Fairburn Road (exit 92) and turn left. Turn right at Cochran Mill Road (Highway 70). The road leads into the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Wetlands walk |
McIntosh Trail Atlanta, GA 30212 United States +1 770 631 2542 |
This protected wetlands habitat is home to many species of birds (especially herons and ducks) as well as numerous rare floral species. The nature path is only a half-mile long, but there are plans to expand the boardwalk five miles and add an observation tower. Three miles of paved paths trace through the surrounding woods, as well. Picnic facilities, a playground, and a senior center are also provided. Take Highway 74 to Kelly Drive and turn left. Turn right at the park on McIntosh Trail. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Natural Spring Water |
2910 Veterans Memorial Highway (PO Box 713) Atlanta, GA 30122 United States +1 770 944 3880 http://www.lithiaspringswater.... |
Long ago, the water from Lithia Springs was touted to have healing properties and was sold as a love potion. Today, it's still bottled and sold under three different labels. The lithium bicarbonate found in the water is purportedly recommended by area veterinarians to help pets with urinary infections. A small museum displays the history of the spring, which once boasted a hotel and spa. Also on display are many Indian artifacts found nearby. Make sure to venture to Frog Rock next door, a large outcropping that closely resembles a giant frog. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Robbins |
 Photo: Tom Robbins |
 Adventure Biking |
Little River Shoreline Atlanta, GA 30188 United States Altoona Lake: +1 770 386 0549 |
This scenic trail provides Atlanta bikers with a great challenge. Over 15 miles of single-track trails run along river banks, railroad tracks, and scenic overlooks. Over 200 miles of shoreline were created when Georgia Power dammed Allatoona Lake in 1950, and the densely-forested area supports a wide range of wildlife, often visible from the trails. A wide range of topography is offered for advanced riders, including a trek that skirts a 30-foot-wide waterfall where Blankets Creek empties into the lake. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 The Great Outdoors |
Tilson Road (Avondale Estates) Atlanta, GA 30317 United States +1 404 244 4938 |
This urban recreation center brings outdoor fun to the southeast side neighborhood of Little Five Points. In addition to a swimming pool (open during summer months only), the park features tennis courts, basketball courts, softball and soccer fields, a children's playground and a large picnic pavilion. The 48-acre expanse has extensive paved pathways for biking and in-line skating, plus public restrooms and a specially designated pet area. Take the Flat Shoals Road exit off Interstate 20 and head north. Turn right on 2nd Avenue, then right again on Tilson Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Just for kids nature preserve |
1442 Richland Avenue Atlanta, GA 30310 United States +1 404 752 5385 |
This 26-acre facility is designed with kids in mind. Located just a few miles from downtown, the center provides a hands-on natural learning experience for kids from pre-school age on up. Among the learning facilities are a tree house classroom, a 650-gallon freshwater aquarium, and an interactive ecological playground called Naturescape. Nature tours, educational programs, and a wide range of special events are offered throughout the year. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Hiking Outside of Town |
2600 Highway 155 Southwest Atlanta, GA 30281 United States http://gastateparks.org/info/p... |
Just 17 miles southeast of Atlanta, this 617-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Explore the natural splendor on any of the park's trails, or stop by on the weekend for a three-mile guided hike to the top of Panola Mountain. Hikers will enjoy the many species of flora and fauna that abound here, as well as the rock formations along the face of the 940-foot mountain itself. An interpretive center is located at the head of the trails, where regular nature hikes are organized by park rangers. See website for maps, calendar of park events, and reservation details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Smooth sailing for all |
2655 Cobb Parkway Atlanta, GA 30152 United States http://www.sailswsc.org/ |
This active sailing club welcomes advanced sailors and novices alike to the beautiful shores of Lake Allatoona just northwest of Atlanta. In addition to lessons and sailing excursions, the club sponsors races, rafting dinners, parties, cookouts and many other social events. The club is based at Allatoona's Haror Town Marina, which features docks, a boat ramp, and the full complement of marine services. Dinner meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Membership in the Thousands |
1285 Willeo Creek Drive Atlanta, GA 30075 United States +1 770 594 8350 http://www.bikesbl.org |
With membership topping 2,400 adults, the Bicycle League is one of the largest cycling clubs in America, as well as one of the oldest. Founded in the late 1970s, the club sponsors regularly-scheduled bike rides throughout the metro area. Non-members are always welcome to join in the cycling fun. The organization's monthly magazine, Freewheelin' is available in local bike shops, and contains details of upcoming events, information about the best local trails, and general cycling tips. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Family Fun |
Highway 78 East (Exit 8) Atlanta, GA 30087 United States +1 770 498 5790 http://www.stonemountainpark.com/ |
Just 16 miles east of Atlanta, this beautiful park's campground offers more than 431 wooded lakeside camping sites and a well-stocked supply store. The campground features complete RV hookups as well as rustic tent sites that start from moderate prices. You must be 18 years or older to rent a campsite. Besides camping fees, you'll pay a certain amount too per car to enter the park. Georgia's Stone Mountain Park offers a multitude of attractions and activities. Call first for availability during the busy summer months. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Guillaume Sébire |
 Photo: Masaaki Tsuyuguchi |
 Photo: Diana Hardeman |
 Photo: mre770 |
 Photo: Michael Friedman |
 Photo: Clint L |
 Photo: David Creasy |
 Photo: Mike DePetro |
 Photo: fabien_w |
 Photo: Suryanarayan Ganesh |
 Photo: chippenziedeutch |
 Photo: Jeb Stuart Photograp |
 Photo: Nick Shipes |
 Photo: Rice and Danielle |
 Photo: RJ Cox |
 Photo: Kristina Ackerman |
 Photo: Michael Baumann |
 Photo: Jeff Hoxworth |
 Photo: steegar |
|
Third Largest Park in Georgia |
Mount Vernon Road Atlanta, GA 30122 United States +1 770 732 5871 http://gastateparks.org/info/s... |
This 2,000-acre park is particularly noted for its populations of birds, butterflies and wildflowers. Hiking trails are laid throughout, and pass such interesting spots as the George H. Sparks Reservoir and the ruins of a cotton factory destroyed during the Civil War. Canoe and fishing boat rentals are available, as well as a bait shack, restrooms, and historical information. A day pass costs $2. From Interstate 20 West, take the Lee Road exit and turn left. Turn left at Cedar Terrace and head straight to Mount Vernon Road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lynda Giddens |
 Photo: Lynda Giddens |
 Photo: Lynda Giddens |
 Photo: Lynda Giddens |
 Photo: Lynda Giddens |
 Photo: Carole Scott |
 Photo: John Barner |
 Photo: Greg Henry |
|
Up You Go! |
P.O. Box 5588 Atlanta, GA 31107 United States +1 404 377 3150 http://www.treeclimbing.com |
This group is dedicated to educating enthusiasts and spreading the word of a somewhat unusual hobby. If you like climbing trees, this is the place for you. Staff members here can outfit novices with safety ropes and harnesses, as well as detailed coaching and tips on the best routes and methods for climbing. Tree climbing equipment is also available. In addition to recreational climbing, these folks provide valuable service to the community and are often called upon to rescue cats and help clean up. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Climb the caboose |
Pleasant Hill Road Atlanta, GA 30136 United States |
This park was the site of a train depot in the 1840s, and an old caboose still sits on the property for you to explore. There is a one-mile trail that winds through 17 wooded acres, up to a flowing creek and back to the entrance. The park also features tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a playground and a picnic site. Leashed pets are welcome. Take I-85 north to Pleasant Hill Road, turn left (west) and continue for about two miles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Outdoor Fun for Everyone |
11925 Wills Road Atlanta, GA 30004 United States +1 678 297 6130 http://www.alpharetta.ga.us/in... |
This beautiful suburban park is so popular that the city of Alpharetta has had to revise the infrastructure several times to combat the effects of erosion due to overuse. The park has large open fields, and its wooded areas are laced with trails that wind past picnic areas, a creek, and a swimming pool. Weekends are particularly busy, when the softball, football and soccer fields are put to thorough use, and horse shows and dog competitions are regularly scheduled. Tennis and basketball courts are also provided. Leashed pets are permitted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Georgia wildlife up close |
4525 Highway 78 Atlanta, GA 30047 United States +1 770 972 6643 http://www.yellowrivergameranc... |
Located just off the highway, this ranch is a convenient treasure trove for animal lovers. More than 600 animals call the ranch home, including many species indigenous to the area, such as white-tailed deer, buffalo, black bears, prairie dogs and goats. In all, more than 25 species are represented, although the number changes from year to year. A mile-long trail winds through the children's petting zoo, and special events like Sheep Shearing Saturdays usually draw crowds. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Melanie |
 Photo: Jennifer Tidmore |
 Photo: Melanie |
 Photo: Amanda Nelson |
 Photo: Jessica Willis |
 Photo: Jessica Willis |
 Photo: Erin Tyner |
 Photo: Amanda Nelson |
 Photo: Jennifer Tidmore |