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Contents
About Hike Atlanta
Hike Atlanta, a modern, growing city. A city, but you can still hike in Atlanta! Enjoy hiking trails in and close to the city with a LOT of fun things to do.
The city has several nicknames. Atlanta goes by:
- Dogwood City
- City Too Busy To Hate (much of the time)
- Phoenix (rising from the ashes of the Civil War)
- City of Trees (despite local developers and government)
- Cradle of the Civil Rights Movement
- Modern Atlanta often goes by Black Hollywood
- Or simply, ATL
Atlanta Trails
Do you want a fun intown hike? Hike Atlanta then. When I hiked Atlanta recently, I hiked parts of the following trails:
- Atlanta BeltLine – A 22 mile loop that connects 45 intown neighborhoods. The BeltLine maps former railroad tracks that circled modern day Atlanta. The loop includes:
- Multi-use trails
- Modern streetcar
- Parks
- ATL Freedom Trail – The Atlanta Freedom Trail Project helps people explore historic landmarks. The landmarks celebrate FREEDOM. The project includes:
- Educational (multi-media) website
- Interactive map
- Series of walking tours.
- The landmarks include:
- Atlanta University Center Historic District
- Freedom Park
- Georgia State Capitol
- Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum
- Liberty Plaza
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park
- National Center for Civil & Human Rights
- Rodney Cook, Sr. Park
- Sweet Auburn Historic District
- For each landmark you can find the following:
- Historical information
- Photos & videos
- Additional points of interest
- Learning resources
- Tips on how to get there
- Path Foundation – Stone Mountain Trail – The Stone Mountain Trail begins at Centennial Olympic Park. The trail ends at the loop around Stone Mountain. The nineteen mile long trail requires on street travel for almost four miles. It has on street travel in Candler Park and through Clarkston.
- Kirkwood Urban Forest – The forest lets you forget about being in an urban setting. The forest feels like an oasis in the city. The Kirkwood Urban Forest has 7.5 acres of land. The Audubon Society certified it as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The forest includes:
- Butterfly meadow with native Georgia grasses
- Fruit and nut orchard
- Lush pond
- Community garden.
This hidden preserve resulted from thousands of volunteer work hours.
History
Atlanta has an interesting history. Enjoy the history as you hike Atlanta.
Atlanta’s was founded in 1836. Georgia decided to build a railroad to the U.S. Midwest. The site of modern Atlanta was chosen as the railroad line’s end point.
In 1839, homes and a store were built. Atlanta began to grow. Soon, the rapidly growing town became the rail center for the entire Southern U.S.
During the Civil War most of Atlanta was burned. The city rebuilt after the war. As a result, much of the city feels and looks new.
Atlanta has a prominent place in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. The city is home to Ebenezer Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached. Until recently, John Lewis represented the city’s 5th congressional district.
Education, Culture, and Business
Atlanta has a strong education, cultural, and business base.
Education
Several Historic Black Colleges and Universities call Atlanta home. You can see many of them as you hike Atlanta.
- Spelman
- Morehouse
- Clark Atlanta University
Other Atlanta education institutions:
- Agnes Scott College
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Georgia State University
- University of Georgia (nearby in Athens, Ga.)
Culture
Among the many cultural activities offered, you can enjoy:
- High Museum of Art
- Atlanta Symphony
- Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse
- Alliance Theatre
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Georgia Aquarium
- Fox Theatre
- Fernbank Science Center
Business
Most major companies have offices in the city. Many businesses call Atlanta home. Some include:
- The Coca Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- NCR Corporation
- The Home Depot
- UPS
Hike Atlanta – Gear
For my early spring Atlanta Hike, I used this gear:
- Outdoor Research – Transit Sun Hat, updated as the Bugout Brim Hat. I like the mesh around the top of the hat that helps keeps your head cool.
- Osprey Talon 33 Backpack – If you want a well made day pack or overnight pack, buy an Osprey Talon 33. The pack easily carries all you need when you hike Atlanta.
- Black Diamond Trail Back Hiking Poles – Diamondback makes great hiking poles. Even though it is pretty easy hiking Atlanta, the poles make a welcome addition to your city hiking gear. Current colors include Azurite, Dark Crimson, and Tundra.
- Hoka One One Stinson Mid GTX Hiking Boots – ***Even though Hoka does not make or sell the Stinson hiking boots, choose a great pair of Hoka hiking boots.***
- The Stinson’s have a lot of cushion! When you hike Atlanta, and the miles add up, your feet still feel great.
Hike Atlanta – Summary
Stay close to home, but get out and hike Atlanta! Even though it is a modern, fast city, you can relax and feel like you are not in an urban setting. Atlanta city hikes have a lot to offer in addition to your exercise. The hikes above list just a few of the outdoor hikes right in the city of Atlanta.
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