Best OTP Parks
Our list of the best Parks outside of the Perimeter
Photo credit: Courtesy Roswell CVB
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Below are our recommendations for OTP Parks in Atlanta. These selections came from our past winners of Best of Atlanta, recommendations from readers who voted in the past 2 years of Best of and from our critic’s personal choices. Please leave comments below about your ideas to add to this list.
Best OTP Parks
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
CL: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a must-see destination come springtime if you are inclined to visit only one OTP spot. The mountain’s stunning geologic formations are home to five species of plant life that are listed on the state and federal endangered lists, including the bright red diamorpha plant, which lives and thrives in small pools of water. It’s an extremely rare, colorful, and very fragile ecosystem that at times feels like visiting another planet. Spiderwebbed with trails, this former quarry vividly demarcates the collision of nature and industry.
Only 20 minutes away from the city, Arabia Mountain offers both a beautiful hike and over 400 years of history. The area is home to more than 12 miles of nature trails and 30 miles of paved bike paths along wooded areas and wetlands. The rich plant life, including the vibrant diamorpha bloom and at least five endangered plants, gives the rock an outerspace feel.
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area is a must-see destination come springtime if you are inclined to visit only one OTP spot. The mountain’s stunning geologic formations are home to five species of plant life that are listed on the state and federal endangered lists, including the bright red diam...
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Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is a private non-profit, 127-acre, award-winning, interpretive center dedicated to environmental education. Visitors particularly enjoy the new Gold level LEED-certified Discovery Center Museum and Nature Exchange with hands-on/minds-on exhibits that tell the Chattaho...
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East Palisades Unit--Indian Trail
East Palisades Trail occupies an expanse of land in the region of Sandy Springs — well within the Perimeter — and the sheer diversity of the landscape is overwhelming. The park features trails of various difficulty levels through diverse terrain, but one should not miss the stunning bamboo forest fo...
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Palisades West Trail
From Atlanta Trails: Beautiful, wide river views in a blooming forest, with rocky bluffs and sandy shorelines on the banks of the Chattahoochee River: the West Palisades Trail is easily one of the most scenic in-town hikes in Atlanta. And this four-mile loop covers this park’s highlights on a serie...
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Stone Mountain Park
The world’s largest mass of exposed granite is the centerpiece of this park, which features golf courses, hiking trails, camping, swimming, dining, and attractions including the Geyser Towers, Summit Skyride, and much more. The park also hosts a spectacular 3-D laser light show nightly during the su...
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Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views o...
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More OTP Parks
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve & Heritage Center
The 46-acre preserve is a favorite for families and hiking day trips. The Heritage Village maintains the charming rural heritage of a General Store, chapel, and farmhouses. Nature enthusiasts can explore 2 miles of walking trails through the forest or dip their toes in Sal’s Creek.
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Avondale Estates Towne Green Park
No description provided
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Avondale Lake
A small lake located in the heart of Avondale Estates with a lovely landscaped walking path around its perimeter.
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Boundary Waters Park
Boundary Waters Park is a quick drive from Atlanta to Douglasville, Georgia. Just beyond the Boundary Waters Aquatic Center and frisbee golf course lies a 12-mile network of hiking, running, biking, and horseback riding trails nestled along the Chattahoochee River. The hilly terrain offers great opp...
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Brook Run Park
Dunwoody’s largest park is comprised of more than 100 acres, featuring a dog park, skate park, community garden, children’s playground, walking trails, and picnic areas.
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Brooke Street Park
Park facility near the City of Alpharetta City Hall
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Chattahoochee National Recreation Area - Johnson Ferry Unit (North)
It’s hard to go wrong with any of the ‘Hooch’s national recreation areas. For sheer versatility — and convenience — Columns Drive and Johnson Ferry Road is one of our favorite spots. Located just OTP at the bottom of the long-and-winding Riverside Drive, you’ll find a flat, wide 2.5-mile paved thoro...
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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Island Ford Unit
Island Ford Park hosts three miles of hiking trails following the grand, wide-flowing Chattahoochee River in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area north of Atlanta.
Visit Island Ford Park on atlantatrails.com to learn more.
| more...Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
The Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is a privately owned and maintained 28-acre park that connects with Hahn Woods near Lullwater Preserve. The park boasts an extensive network of boardwalks and trails that lead past features such as a pollinator garden, Raccoon Rock, and Beaver Pond, which is freque...
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Cochran Shoals Trail at the Chattahoochee River
Cochran Shoals Trail at the Chattahoochee River is great for running, hiking, and mountain biking. Stroll along the wide riverside path, or explore the vast network of paths comprising the adjoining Sope Creek Trail that lead to an old family cemetery, Sibley Pond, and the Marietta Paper Mill. Wheth...
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Costley Mill Park
Picturesque Park in Conyers with 1 mile walking trail.
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Glen Emerald Park
Park in Dekalb County, GA contains 27 acres of woodland, lake, parkland, and an unusual rock garden.
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Kennesaw Mountain Loop Trails
A series of trails within the Kennesaw National Park. From 11 mile to
Battlefield Trail 11 Mile Loop
Cheatham Hill and Kolb Farm Loop Trail 5.8 Mile Loop
Environmental Trail 1.35 Miles
Kennesaw Mountain Trail 2.1 Miles
Newtown Dream Dog Park
Newtown Dream Dog Park, one of the top dog parks in the country, is located inside Newtown Park toward the front entrance. It is a fenced one-acre area featuring artificial turf, sprinklers for dogs to play in, obstacles to play on, plus water fountains for people and pets. It offers separate areas ...
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Newtown Park
Newtown Park offers athletic and recreational options for people of all ages and abilities including walking trails, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts and picnic pavilions, bocce and more.
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O’Neal Plaza
Outdoor park and event venue located near the Douglasville Administration building and the Douglasville Convention Center.
Oakhurst Dog Park
Website: The Oakhurst Dog Park is one of three dog parks in the city of Decatur and is 100% community-maintained. The city provides resources, but it’s the park-goers who keep the grounds clean and welcoming. We are proud to be first dog park to be named a wildlife sanctuary by the Atlanta Audubon S...
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Panola Mountain State Park
Just 15 minutes from Atlanta is a recreational haven for all ages and interests. Visitors can picnic while children work off energy on the playground. The park offers archery, geocaching, orienteering, birding and tree-climbing programs. A paved trail is open for biking, roller blading, jogging and ...
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Powers Island Trail
Powers Island Trail is a part of Powers Island is one of the most serene sections of the recreation area and less traffic than its popular neighbor, Interstate North, just across the Chattahoochee River. A narrow trail makes a 2.5-mile loop as it follows the riverbank, offers broad views of the Chat...
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Richard D. Zupp Park
Located directly behind College Park Cemetery
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Sawnee Mountain Indian Seats Trail
The Indian Seats Trail is located within the Sawnee Mountain Preserve in Cumming. The preserve is rich with hiking trails and has a visitor center. The Indian Seats are a natural rock formation with expansive views of the Blue Ridge mountains.
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Sope Creek Trail
The Sope Creek Trails at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area are some of the most popular trails in Metro Atlanta for mountain biking, trail running and hiking. These trails were built and maintained by volunteers.
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Vickery Creek Trail at Roswell Mill
The Vickery Creek trail at Roswell Mill has some of the most picturesque views you can find on an intown hike. Nice waterfall, a covered bridge and access to other trails and hikes in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
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Yellow River Park
The Yellow River Park is tucked between Stone Mountain and Snellville in Gwinnett County. The park features a 3.2 mile hike next to Yellow River in a beautiful escape just outside of Atlanta.
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Alcovy Conservation Center,
(770) 787-7887
Azalea Park,
(770) 641-3705
Barrett Park,
404-669-3776
Betty Mauldin Park,
(706) 206-2629
Big Trees Forest Preserve Inc,
(770) 730-5600
Boling Park,
(770) 720-7674
Brumby Hall,
(770) 794-5576
Burger Park,
(770) 431-2842
Camp C.O.R.E.,
(678) 400-2591
Cato Environmental Education Center,
(770) 528-8840
Chapel Hill Park,
(404) 371-2902
Chattahoochee NRA--Powers Island Unit,
(678) 538-1200
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area,
(678) 538-1273
Chattapoochee Dog Park,
(770) 476-3434
Clark Community Park,
(770) 389-7900
Clayton County International Park,
(770) 477-3766
Cobb Park and Kidscape Village I & II,
(770) 431-2842