The Can’t-Miss Georgia Hike for Every Nature Lover’s Bucket List

A bucket list of Georgia hikes can feel practically endless. We've got so many epic trails here that are worth a visit, from the flatter trails in the Coastal Empire to our mountainous treks in the northern portions of the state. The one thing all these trails have in common is the magnificent Peach State scenery. If you're looking for a few particularly beautiful trails to add to your to-do list, one great place to head is Marietta. This suburb of Atlanta is renowned for its many historical sites, but it's also got some wonderful opportunities to get out into nature. I love the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park's trails, but another nearby hiking spot is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a little east of the city towards Sandy Springs. It's there that you'll find the Cochran Shoals Trail, a six-mile loop offering waterfront views and lots of chances to spot wildlife.

This is a trail that takes most hikers about two hours to explore in total. One of my favorite things about it is the views you'll get of the Chattahoochee River. The parking lot is right off the interstate, and as soon as you make your way to the trailhead, you'll follow along the mighty "Hooch" for the early parts of the hike.

River ecosystems are perfect habitats for wildlife, and you're likely to spot a number of bird species here. Herons, geese, and more are common residents of the area, and many visitors also report seeing deer and beavers along the route. The portion of the trail along the river has a tendency to get crowded, especially on weekends, but once you make it to the wooded part of the trail, you'll enjoy a bit more serenity.

The trail's elevation changes frequently. The marshy boardwalk areas are nearly entirely flat, but some of the later sections are quite rocky and will pose a bit more of a challenge, even for experienced hikers.

This is a well-maintained trail that's pretty easy to follow, and it's one of my favorite hikes in the Atlanta area. There's plenty of shade in the wooded parts, and the variety of scenery and topography means you don't have to worry about getting bored as you follow along the trail.

It's a popular area for mountain biking, so if you're on foot, make sure to keep an eye out for those traveling on two wheels. Since most of the trail is pretty wide, there's space to yield. Bikes and hikers are supposed to head in opposite directions along the trail, so you'll want to make note of the signs at the trailhead indicating what way you should travel. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must remain leashed at all times.

Some areas can get pretty muddy, particularly after heavy rains, so you'll want to wear waterproof boots if the weather's been wet recently.

There are some unique rock formations along the trail - keep your eyes peeled because you never know what kind of sights Mother Nature might provide you with along this pretty route!

For more information about this great trail near Marietta, Georgia, visit AllTrails.

If you're a big fan of hiking in Georgia, you might want to consider a free trial of AllTrails+. The trail guides, turn-by-turn directions, and printable maps are all invaluable resources for those who love exploring the outdoors.