Outdoors in Roswell
This Atlanta suburb is the natural fit for a fun getaway
Roswell, Georgia, may just be a few miles outside of a major metro area, but this small southern town feels miles away with its many outdoor offerings.
With a nine-mile stretch along the Chattahoochee River, outdoor activities abound. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area boasts miles of forested trails that wind along Vickery Creek and connect over to the River—there’s even a trail to a beautiful waterfall.
The 127-acre Chattahoochee Nature Center features all of the natural flora and fauna Roswell has to offer. Its grounds are home to a variety of native Georgia plants and wildlife, including two bald eagles. True adventure seekers will enjoy the center’s Screaming Eagle Zipline, the only zipline in the metro Atlanta area that goes over a body of water.
A hidden gem in Roswell is Azalea Park. Located along Azalea Drive, the riverfront park offers space to launch canoes and kayaks, a playground, picnic area, and even access to the Roswell Riverwalk, a multipurpose greenway that runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River and is the ideal stretch to stroll, take photos, and watch the incredible sunset.
Roswell isn’t only for hikers. The bike-friendly community is home to Big Creek Park, which features a greenway and many miles of mountain bike trails. No bike? No problem. There are numerous local bike shops that allow visitors to borrow bikes for local trips on the Big Creek Greenway or other local spots.
Looking to enjoy all of the beauty of the outdoors but hiking or cycling just isn’t your thing? Check out Roswell Pedicabs, which allow for the same scenic beauty but someone else is doing all of the pedaling for you.
For those looking for more of a guided adventure, there are plenty of guided tours of the area. Visit Roswell offers a self-guided tour brochure of the city’s historic district, which includes more than 640 acres of vintage homes, historic sites, museums, monuments, cemeteries, and more, including 122 acres of area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most unique tours is the Roswell Ghost Tour, which runs each weekend year-round and every night in October.
Regardless of how you choose to check out Roswell—whether it’s on the water, hiking, cycling, or walking—the opportunities to get out and enjoy this sweet Southern city are endless.