Southern hospitality meets urban streets in the busy city of Atlanta, Georgia. Home to the headquarters of CNN, city slickers escape this southern metropolis through outdoor recreation. From hiking and biking to playing tennis, outdoor enthusiasts can spend their free time in city and national parks. Atlanta features family-friendly as well as adventurous activities that welcome all skill levels. Outdoor recreation occurs year round with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
Walking
From strolling city streets to nature paths, Atlanta offers several walking options. City walkers can view historic sites including Martin Luther King National Historic Site, Ebenezer Baptist Church and historic homes. For a serene nature stroll, walkers use the pathways located in the Atlanta History Center. With 32 acres of land, visitors can self-guide the walk among nature paths and five gardens. These paths feature native plants and flowers that are a photographic delight.
Tennis
The City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department provides tennis courts located throughout the city for everything from rallying to competitive play. Visitors are required to pay a small fee for court use. Piedmont Park features 12 outdoor hard courts that are all usable for night play. Bitsy Grant Tennis Center provides 13 clay and 10 hard courts that are on a first come, first served basis. Courts operate daily, and questions can be answered through the city's Office of Recreation.
Day Trips
Adventure-seeking enthusiasts can experience North Georgia's Chattooga River in North Georgia . From easy to challenging, the Nantahala Outdoor Center leads outdoor rafting trips on Class 2 to 5 rapids. Located approximately two hours north of Atlanta, these rafting trips create a memorable and thrill-seeking adventure. Children must be at least 10 years of age for easy rapids and 12 years for more challenging trips.
Self-kayak and canoe trips are possible through the 48 miles of river located at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This lazy river can contain up to Class 2 rapids and is available for use year round. Visitors should pack warm clothing since the river temperate stays at a consistent 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Biking
Biking the streets of Atlanta is a popular mode of transportation and recreational activity. Families or individuals can rent bikes as well as conventional and traditional skates from Skate Escape located on Piedmont Avenue. Hourly or daily rentals are available with the option to purchase skateboards.
In-depth trail maps or bike services are found at the Intown Bicycles located on Monroe Drive. From biking neighborhoods to park trails, cyclers can find routes up to 75 miles in length.
Hiking
Serious hikers that want a challenge can trek the trails at Stone Mountain Park. Located 16 miles east of downtown Atlanta, this park features picturesque views of wildflowers, lakes, woods and moss-covered mountains. With a total of 15 miles of hiking trails, the Top of the Mountain hike and the Cherokee Trail are recommended for the scenery and challenge.
More extensive hiking is located at the Kennesaw Mountain/National Battlefield Park. With 16 miles of dog-friendly trails, hikers can view Cheatham Hill, the original battlefields from the Civil War. This area is also perfect for spotting birds and native wildlife.
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