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Day Trips from Marietta

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Day Trips from Marietta: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Marietta, GA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near Marietta

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area

Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571

Just 1 hr 56 min from Marietta, rated 4.9 stars by 1,955 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 56 min4.9 (1,955)NatureFree - $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 1 hr 42 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 2,420 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 42 min4.8 (2,420)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Stonecrest, GA 30038

Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve

Stonecrest, GA 30038

Just 46 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 195 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

46 min4.8 (195)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Just 27 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 1,338 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

27 min4.8 (1,338)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 1 hr 9 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 14,203 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 9 min4.8 (14,203)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Table Rock State Park, Pickens, SC 29671

Table Rock State Park

Pickens, SC 29671

Just 2 hrs 38 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 2,181 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 38 min4.8 (2,181)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 36 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 8,623 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

2 hrs 36 min4.8 (8,623)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Just 26 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 759 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

26 min4.8 (759)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Just 1 hr 50 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 7,225 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 50 min4.8 (7,225)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Lithia Springs, GA 30122

Just 37 min from Marietta, rated 4.8 stars by 7,537 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

37 min4.8 (7,537)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 46 min from Marietta, rated 4.7 stars by 1,765 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

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

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

Big Trees Forest Preserve, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Big Trees Forest Preserve

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Just 27 min from Marietta, rated 4.7 stars by 575 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

27 min4.7 (575)NatureAdventureFree - $20

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

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Marietta

What are the best state parks near Marietta, GA?

The best state parks near Marietta offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near Marietta?

Most state parks near Marietta charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near Marietta are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of Marietta offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near Marietta?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Marietta. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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