Top 9 Outdoor Activities In Atlanta, Georgia - Updated 2024

Catherine
Catherine 
Updated
| 4 min read

Atlanta offers a rich history that includes a pivotal role in two central events in United States history: the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. This capital city of Georgia is replete with a vibrant culture, mouthwatering homestyle cuisine, and genuine Southern hospitality. Thirty-six percent of this town is comprised of magnificent trees, making it one of the most heavily wooded cities in the United States. With all this grand leafy terrain, the impulse to be outside is overwhelming. So if you’re ready to explore Atlanta’s outdoorsy splendor, then you must read on to see the top outdoor activities in Atlanta, Georgia.

1. Go hiking, camping and off-road driving through picturesque Georgia mountains (from USD 360.0)

If you’re looking for a combination of scenic hiking, fun camping, and adrenaline-fuelled off-road exploration, then this non-stop adventure is for you. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the North Georgia Mountains, this tour is ideal for those who are adventurous at heart. Participants experience an invigorating 5-mile (8-kilometer) hike, two glorious nights of backwood camping, fast-action 4x4 off-road driving, and captivating views of Georgia’s tranquil Hiawassee lakes from the top of majestic Bell Mountain. Supplies of food and necessary equipment are provided.

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Jeep 4x4 Camping Hiking GA Mountains

Duration: 1 day

20 reviews

2. Come face-to-face with Llamas and Alpacas (from USD 50.0)

Llama and alpaca fanatics will swoon over this intimate encounter with these whimsical-looking animals. Situated on a splendid farm and eye-catching bamboo forest, this unique excursion offers participants the chance to interact with these friendly and smart beasts. You’ll learn about their individual personalities and how the herd communicates with each other. The host provides animal snacks like carrots so you can feed the adorable creatures and take souvenir snapshots. If you want to spend an afternoon doing something out of the ordinary, this is the ideal activity.

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Atlanta Llama Alpaca Experience

Duration: 1 hour

223 reviews

3. Enjoy a hearty picnic at Atlanta park (from USD 60.0)

Indulge in a pleasant picnic in a lush green setting when you partake in this favored afternoon activity. Savor delicious charcuterie and listen to mood-enhancing music as you unwind in a relaxed picturesque environment. Picnickers can opt for an elevated menu, if they desire. A completely stocked picnic basket ensures you won’t come away hungry. You’ll also pop the cork on a bottle of robust red or light white wine - whichever you prefer. The delights don’t stop when the picnic ends because the host offers free entry tickets to every participant to one of the city’s most inviting rooftop venues.

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Elevated Picnic in Scenic Atlanta Gem

Duration: 2 hours

4. Explore Atlanta by bike (from USD 70.0)

Get to know Atlanta closeup with this leisurely bike tour through dazzling neighborhoods and pass interesting historical landmarks. The city is bustling, but this bike adventure leads you down serene backroads and tranquil paths. You even meet friendly locals and artistic types along the way. This six-stop tour includes sights of a Victorian garden-inspired cemetery, alluring Inman Park, a colorful graffiti scene, and a pause at Jackson Street Bridge, where you can take snapshots of the lovely Atlanta skyline.

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Guided Bike Tour in Atlanta with Snacks

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

280 reviews

5. Enchanting tour of the city's best parks (from USD 158.0)

Boasting an abundance of outstanding greenery, Atlanta ranks high when it comes to city-park venues. Possessing one of the largest collection of beautiful parks in the United States, this guided tour by a local takes you to most of the parks, if not all of them. Explore high-profile areas like popular Piedmont Park, fanciful Olmsted Linear Park, and the exquisite Atlanta Botanical Garden and learn their compelling history. A mix of casual strolling and riding in private transportation, this excursion is the perfect activity for nature lovers who want to cover a lot of the city’s territory.

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Private Atlanta Nature Tour

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

6. Wild scavenger hunt via smartphone (from USD 12.0)

Play an old-fashioned game from a new angle, with this delightful small-group event that’s a great bonding opportunity. Using your smartphone, play an interactive version of a scavenger hunt. Whether your a long-time local or a first-time visitor to the city, this is a great way to get to know Atlanta. Be prepared to snap photos, test your navigation skills, and compete against the clock in this fun-filled activity. Stand-out stops include the Fountain of Rings at Centennial Park, College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

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Atlanta Scavenger Hunt: Centennial Olympic Park

Duration: 2 hours

Nearby outdoor activities

7. Go kayaking across pretty Stone Mountain Lake (from USD 100.0)

Even if you’ve never kayaked before, don’t let that stop you from diving into this fun guided tour. Located at peaceful Stone Mountain Lake, this easygoing adventure begins with a relaxed two-to-three-hour exploration around the rippling waters of the lake. Witness wonderful wildlife, marvel at picture-perfect scenery, and become familiar with Stone Mountain’s past. Then, the group heads to the lake, where you can paddle at your own pace and take in the quiet beauty of the shimmering lake. The guide provides light snacks and bottled water for your comfort.

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Guided tour on Stone Mountain Lake

Duration: 2.5 hours

14 reviews

8. Enjoy a kayaking trip along the Chattahoochee River (from USD 99.0)

If you need an escape from the bustle of city life, then spend this extraordinary four-hour guided tour on the Chattahoochee River. Awash in tranquility, this setting is for anyone wanting adventure but with a good dose of peacefulness. The professional guide knows the river intimately and leads participants to less-crowded areas, so you can enjoy the best that this mighty body of water has to offer - serene scenery and a fantastic array of nature’s creatures from deer to turtles. Numerous sandy beaches and flat rocks along the riverbank afford great opportunities to pause for picture taking, munching on snacks, and even a refreshing swim.

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Guided tour down the Chattahoochee

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

9. Hike up the gorgeous Stone Mountain (from USD 30.0)

Get your heart pumping with a hike up prominent Stone Mountain. Located in Stone Mountain Park - the guide pays the entrance fee - this tour’s main focus is hiking the lovely Summit Trail. The guide takes professional pictures of participants against the background of some of the most beautiful displays of Mother Nature and the hike shows off some of the nicest sights of Georgia’s landscape. Be aware that beyond the pavilion area, the hike gets arduous, so individuals can choose whether they want to continue to the summit of the mountain. Along the hike, participants are treated to the guide’s passionate enthusiasm for Stone Mountain’s interesting geological and historical significance.

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Historical Hike up Stone Mountain

Duration: 1 hour

3 reviews

Enjoy the great outdoors in Atlanta

Whether you want a laid-back picnic with tasty culinary bites or an unusual playdate with a herd of llamas, Atlanta is a city filled with diverse outside activities. A compelling mix of easygoing charm and one-of-a-kind natural beauty, this city has the right ingredients for outdoor fun. So, don’t hesitate to visit Atlanta if you’re eager to experience this Georgia jewel’s tantalizing terrain.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more

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