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Day Trips from Alpharetta

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Day Trips from Alpharetta: Hiking Trails & Nature

Find the best hiking trails and nature destinations within driving distance of Alpharetta, GA. From easy lakeside walks to challenging ridge hikes, these day trip trails deliver real scenery without the plane ticket. Drive times, ratings, and trail info included.

12 hiking trails near Alpharetta

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area

Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Just 1 hr 31 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.9 stars by 1,955 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 31 min4.9 (1,955)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer, TN 38585

Fall Creek Falls State Park

Spencer, TN 38585

Just 2 hrs 59 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 8,623 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 59 min4.8 (8,623)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Raven Cliffs Trailhead, Cleveland, GA 30528

Raven Cliffs Trailhead

Cleveland, GA 30528

Just 1 hr 21 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 1,234 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

1 hr 21 min4.8 (1,234)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Just 2 hrs 12 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 7,225 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 12 min4.8 (7,225)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Amicalola Falls State Park

Dawsonville, GA 30534

Just 59 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 14,203 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

59 min4.8 (14,203)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Little River Canyon National Preserve, Fort Payne, AL 35967

Little River Canyon National Preserve

Fort Payne, AL 35967

Just 2 hrs 5 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 2,420 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 5 min4.8 (2,420)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area, Sunset, SC 29685

Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area

Sunset, SC 29685

Just 2 hrs 34 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.8 stars by 217 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 34 min4.8 (217)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth, GA 30102

Red Top Mountain State Park

Acworth, GA 30102

Just 48 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.7 stars by 6,331 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

48 min4.7 (6,331)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, Stonecrest, GA 30038

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Stonecrest, GA 30038

Just 47 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.7 stars by 1,765 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

47 min4.7 (1,765)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Arabia Mountain Trailhead, Stonecrest, GA 30038

Arabia Mountain Trailhead

Stonecrest, GA 30038

Just 46 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.7 stars by 720 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

46 min4.7 (720)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins, Marietta, GA 30067

Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins

Marietta, GA 30067

Just 28 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.7 stars by 892 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.

28 min4.7 (892)Adventure$15 - $50

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.

Prentice Cooper State Forest Trailhead parking, Chattanooga, TN 37405

Prentice Cooper State Forest Trailhead parking

Chattanooga, TN 37405

Just 2 hrs 22 min from Alpharetta, rated 4.6 stars by 890 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 22 min4.6 (890)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Trails Day Trips from Alpharetta

What are the best hiking trails near Alpharetta, GA?

The best hikes near Alpharetta range from easy nature preserve loops to challenging state park trails with waterfalls, overlooks, and canyon scenery. Check the cards above for top-rated options with real drive times.

Are there easy hikes near Alpharetta?

Yes. Many state parks and nature preserves near Alpharetta offer well-maintained, beginner-friendly trails under 3 miles. Look for "Nature" tagged destinations above for the most accessible options.

What should I bring on a day hike from Alpharetta?

Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers. Most trails near Alpharetta are well-marked but cell service can be spotty in state parks. Download trail maps before you leave and wear sturdy shoes.

When is the best time to hike near Alpharetta?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the best hiking weather and scenery near Alpharetta. Fall foliage is spectacular at most destinations. Summer works but can be hot and buggy. Winter hiking is possible at many parks with proper gear.

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