15 Best Parks in Atlanta

Piedmont Park brings more than 200 acres of green space to the heart of Atlanta, with open lawns, shaded paths and scenic views across Lake Clara Meer toward the Midtown skyline. Its size allows for both relaxed wandering and active outings, including walking, running and cycling.

Just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek State Park brings together wooded trails, creekside scenery and the historic ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company textile mill. Several routes are clearly marked, with options ranging from easy walks beside the water to rockier climbs overlooking the rapids.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park brings together Atlanta-area hiking, sweeping summit views, and Civil War history. Its trails range from mostly level stretches to short rocky inclines, with the climb becoming more demanding near the top. Hiking shoes are a sensible choice, especially on the unpaved sections.

Brook Run Park gives Atlanta families and active visitors plenty to do in one expansive setting: a paved walking and cycling loop of roughly two miles, playgrounds, picnic tables, baseball and soccer fields, tennis courts, and a skateboarding area. The trails are wide, clean, and easy to follow, with benches and gentle hills along the route.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area brings a broad river-valley setting to Atlanta, with several sections that give each outing a different character. Visitors can take a solitary walk, follow easy trails, admire calm river views, or spend time on the water through rafting, fishing, or paddleboarding.

Historic Fourth Ward Park brings open green space, a central lake and easy walking paths to Atlanta’s BeltLine corridor. Its layout works equally well for a relaxed stroll, light exercise or a bench break with views across the water.

Freedom Park is Atlanta’s largest linear park, stretching across more than 130 acres with over eight miles of multi-use paths. Its routes connect historic neighborhoods, cultural landmarks and the Atlanta BeltLine, creating room for walking, cycling, roller skating and relaxed urban exploration.

Murphey Candler Park brings a broad mix of outdoor activities to Atlanta, with a lake, wooded paths and open areas that make a short walk feel like a quick escape from the city. Wildlife watching is a notable part of the setting, with opportunities to spot waterfowl, herons, turtles and other animals along the way.

Paces Mill is a riverside park in Atlanta with a mix of paved paths, walking trails, cycling lanes, and connections to the wider Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The setting pairs abundant greenery with peaceful river views, rocky shallows, and occasional wildlife, while a challenging hill adds a more demanding element for walkers and cyclists.

Abernathy Greenway Park North brings together a linear walking path, landscaped scenery, and playful public art that turns the route into more than a simple stroll. Its playable sculptures and well-spaced activity areas are especially appealing for families with young children, while picnic tables and seating create room to pause along the way.

Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark brings a free, energetic skating destination to Atlanta’s BeltLine corridor, with a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes beginners and experienced skaters alike. Its transition and bowl elements are the main draw, while the surrounding playground and multi-use athletic field give families and active groups more reasons to stay awhile.

Centennial Olympic Park brings history, open space, and a calm outdoor setting to the heart of downtown Atlanta. Created in tribute to the 1996 Olympics, it is an inviting place for a relaxed walk, a pause among landscaped grounds, or an evening visit when the surrounding skyline and illuminated features add atmosphere.

Grant Park is a spacious city park in Atlanta, with shaded trees, open lawns, meandering paths and paved routes that suit a relaxed walk, jog or casual bike ride. Its central setting creates an appealing green break from the surrounding city.

Tanyard Creek Park brings together a compact green setting, a creekside atmosphere, and easy routes for walking or casual biking in Atlanta. Its paved paths, bridges, and connecting dirt trails create more variety than the park’s modest size might suggest, with several routes to explore and views toward the golf course.

Rodney Cook Sr. Park in Historic Vine City brings together landscaped walking paths, wetlands with bridges and broad skyline views in the heart of Atlanta. Picnic tables, covered benches and open green space support relaxed afternoons, while barbecue grills add flexibility for casual outdoor meals.