Georgia, boasting diverse natural beauty from the majestic Appalachian Mountains to the serene Atlantic coast, is an ideal destination for trail running enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a beginner seeking routes immersed in nature, Georgia offers fantastic options. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World) to explore the best running trails in Georgia, where you can enjoy fresh air, stunning landscapes, and challenge yourself with every stride.
Arabia Mountain Trail: Run Amidst Untamed Nature
If you want to escape the city bustle and find a peaceful running space, the Arabia Mountain Trail is a perfect choice. Located within the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, this trail offers a unique running experience amidst untamed nature. Especially at sunset, the scenery here becomes incredibly breathtaking.
You’ll immerse yourself in nature as you run through dense forests, along small streams, and admire impressive granite mountain views. On your run, you might encounter herds of cows and other farm animals as you cross dry grasslands and old farms. The Arabia Mountain Trail is 12.4 miles long (approximately 20 km) in total and connects to two other trails, the Silver Comet and Rockdale River Trail, to the south, opening up opportunities for challenging long runs.
Arabia Mountain Trail offers a unique running experience amidst Georgia's untamed nature.
Big Creek Greenway: A Peaceful Streamside Running Route
Located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta, stretching through Alpharetta, Roswell, and Cumming, Big Creek Greenway is an ideal trail for gentle morning or late afternoon runs. This route passes through numerous parks and residential areas, making it easy to find rest stops.
You’ll run along a smooth paved path, alongside the peaceful Big Creek, enjoying beautifully preserved natural space. Most of the route is shaded, making it perfect for summer runs. In colder months, you might need to bring a light jacket. Big Creek Greenway is an excellent choice for both beginner runners and athletes looking for a relaxing, nature-close route.
Camp Creek Greenway: Spacious and Quiet Running Trail
Similar to Big Creek Greenway, Camp Creek Greenway offers the tranquility of the suburbs. This trail connects Lions Club Park and Lilburn City Park in Gwinnett County. A special feature of Camp Creek Greenway is its spaciousness. With two wide lanes for both pedestrians and cyclists, combined with a fixed sidewalk, you’ll have a smooth and comfortable run.
Additionally, the trail features a beautiful boardwalk, well worth exploring. Many people also say that rabbits frequently appear on this trail, so be ready with your camera to capture these adorable moments while running. Camp Creek Greenway is an ideal choice for those seeking a quiet, pleasant, and nature-connected running route.
Chastain Park Memorial Trail: Hill Challenges in an Urban Park
If you work or live in the Buckhead area, Chastain Park Memorial Trail is a great option for an after-work run. Circling the expansive Chastain Park, this 3-mile (approximately 4.8 km) trail passes a golf course, tennis center, equestrian park, and playground.
The highlight of Chastain Trail is its significant elevation changes. If you want to add extra challenge to your short run, this is the perfect route. However, Chastain Trail is quite popular with walkers, especially at midday or on weekends. If you want to avoid crowds, choose to run in the early morning or late afternoon. Nevertheless, Chastain Park remains a green oasis in the heart of the city, offering an ideal running space for Atlanta residents.
Chastain Park Memorial Trail offers exciting hill challenges for runners.
Noonday Creek Trail: Explore Diverse Nature
Want to explore a creek, a mountain, and a forest in one run? Noonday Creek Trail makes it possible. This route runs from downtown historic Woodstock to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, crossing a bridge over the creek and interspersed with street sections.
Noonday Creek Trail also features a dog park called “Woofstock” and quiet stops where you can overlook the creek. Take time to stop, get off your bike (if you’re cycling), or walk down to the creek bank to admire the scenery up close. Noonday Creek Trail is a journey of diverse nature exploration, offering an enjoyable and memorable running experience.
Atlanta Beltline: City-Connecting Trail Network
The Atlanta Beltline project is a developing urban trail network, which when completed will span 33 miles (approximately 53 km) and connect 45 neighborhoods in metro Atlanta. With the Beltline, you can easily find access points everywhere in the city.
From the Eastside Trail in Old Fourth Ward to the West End Trail near Cascade, the Northside Trail at Collier Road, and many other paved and unpaved sections, running and exploring the city on foot has never been easier. If you want to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and admire urban landscapes, choose the Beltline Eastside and Northside sections. However, on weekends, these sections can be quite crowded. If you want to find peace and relaxation, try running on the Eastside or West End sections away from downtown, where you can admire local street art and enjoy more open space.
Atlanta Beltline is a vibrant urban trail network, ideal for running and city exploration.
Piedmont Park: Running in a Green Oasis in Downtown Atlanta
Step into Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s miniature “Central Park.” It’s hard not to spend a whole day in this picturesque park. With countless places to stop and refuel, you won’t want to leave. Around the park are many attractive restaurants and food trucks.
Piedmont Park is a favorite destination for walkers, runners, skaters, and dog walkers alike. Though it can be crowded, the park still offers a natural oasis in the heart of the city. The park is easily accessible with many paved entrances from Midtown to Buckhead and is even walkable from the Beltline’s Eastside Trail. Piedmont Park is an ideal destination for relaxing runs combined with other leisure activities.
Peachtree City Multi-Use Path: Explore the City by Multi-Use Trails
Like the Atlanta Beltline, Peachtree City Multi-Use Path is a multi-use trail network connecting every corner of Peachtree City. This network makes it easy to get around and explore the distinctive scenery of an old Southern town.
Peachtree City is also known as “Golf Cart Town,” where most things are accessible by golf cart, and of course, by running. On the trail, you’ll often encounter locals commuting to shops, restaurants, or enjoying fun weekend activities. Peachtree City Multi-Use Path offers a unique running experience, helping you explore the city in a whole new way.
Peachtree City Multi-Use Path is a multi-use trail network connecting every corner of the city.
Rockdale River Trail: Running Through Pine Forests and Lakes
Connecting to the Arabia Mountain Trail, the Rockdale River Trail also offers a nature-close running experience. This route winds through charming pine forests and crosses Alexander Lake on a wooden bridge.
You’ll run along small streams, immersing yourself in the wildlife. However, be prepared as the Rockdale River Trail has hilly terrain. This is a great option for trail runners looking for a challenge and to explore Georgia’s wild natural beauty.
Silver Comet Trail: Endless Long-Distance Running Journey
If you want to challenge yourself with long-distance running routes, the Silver Comet Trail is a must-try. This smooth paved route stretches 61 miles (approximately 98 km), following the old Georgia rail line from Smyrna to the Alabama border.
Running on the Silver Comet Trail will take you through Georgia’s historic countryside, admiring old railway relics and passing through shady pine-tree tunnels. With its impressive length and stunning natural scenery, the Silver Comet Trail is an ideal location for weekend running trips with friends. Dedicate a whole day to conquer this route and enjoy unforgettable experiences.
Silver Comet Trail is an ideal long-distance running journey to explore rural Georgia.
Georgia is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a paradise for trail running enthusiasts. With the above suggestions from “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel the World), we hope you’ll find suitable running routes and have wonderful experiences in Georgia. Lace up your shoes and start your journey to explore the best trails in Georgia now!