The Atlanta Metro Area’s Food, Film, Hiking and History Trails
From Roswell to Atlanta to McDonough, and East and West, There’s a Trail for Every Interest
ATLANTA, GEORGIA–APRIL 2018—Hit the Trail! The Atlanta Metro area has a hiking, biking and sightseeing adventure—even a food, film and history trail—for every interest. Grab your gear and get moving to a new adventure with friends and family. Here are just a few ideas:
Foxhall is a resort estate on 1,100 acres of Georgia countryside with luxury lodging, farm-to-table cuisine and year-round outdoor activities (8000 Capps Ferry Road Douglasville, GA 30135). It’s home to premiere sporting clay courses, as well as 16 freshwater lakes for trophy bass fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and miles of grounds spilling across hardwood forests and rolling hillsides. The setting offers endless opportunities to enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape and the local flora and fauna. Stroll alongside the Chattahoochee River, whose historic banks were home to the Creek Indians centuries ago. Approximately 10 miles of hiking trails, many which can also be traversed on bikes or horseback, offer varying degrees of difficulty.
Foxhall Resort is also part of the Douglas County Film Trail. With its spectacular landscape and immaculate venues, it’s no surprise that Foxhall Resort was recently chosen to be the set of a major motion picture. Foxhall’s reputation as an illustrious wedding venue was well-suited for “Table 19’s” wedding-centric plot. The majority of the 2017 movie, “Table 19,” starring Anna Kendrick, Lisa Kudrow and Craig Robinson was filmed in Foxhall Resort’s Legacy Lookout Venue. With the Atlanta area growing in popularity for filming, Foxhall Resort will likely see more movie shoots. 770-489-4380; FoxhallResort.com
Douglas County Film Trail
More than 700 movie and television productions have been filmed in Douglas County and Douglasville. Stop by the Douglasville Convention and Visitors Bureau (6694 East Broad Street, Douglasville, GA 30134) to pick up a hard copy map. Explore where Katniss & Gale walked in Sweetwater Creek State Park for the filming of “The Hunger Games” and where Jim Hopper investigated the paranormal of “Stranger Things” in Downtown Douglasville (cast as Hawkins, Indiana). Notable locations throughout Douglasville and Douglas County have been marked with ‘DC Film Trail’ signs to designate them as official film locations. The website gives details on each production and location; navigate to the movie reel to explore all of the possible stops along the trail. 770-947-5920; www.DouglasCountyFilmTrail.com
Reynolds Nature Preserve
Walk under towering pines and oaks on this 146-acre preserve filled with rolling hills, spring-fed ponds and towering trees in the heart of Clayton County (5665 Reynolds Road, Morrow, Ga 30260). Enjoy the peaceful three miles of trails so quiet, you wouldn’t know you’re so close to the world’s busiest airport. 770-603-4188; www.ReynoldsNaturePreserve.org/Reynolds_Nature_Preserve.php
Newman Wetlands Center
Explore the paths through the wetlands and learn the important role they play for humans, animals and the local eco-system (2755 Freeman Rd, Hampton, GA 30228). Bring the kids to see what animals can be spotted on a jaunt around the boardwalk. 770-603-5603; www.ccwa.us/newman-wetlands-center
Gone With the Wind Trail
Weave your way through history in Marietta, Atlanta and Jonesboro. Discover the history and legacy behind one of the world’s most renowned stories through sites linked to the iconic “Gone With the Wind,” including the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta’s Margaret Mitchell House, The Road to Tara Museum, Stately Oaks Plantation and much more. www.GWTWTrail.com
Gone With the Girls Trail
Gone With the Girls/Guys/Gang provides itinerary ideas to help plan the next girlfriend getaway, guys retreat or a fun multi-generational trip to Clayton County, Henry County and the city of McDonough. The variety of things to do cover every age and diverse interests, ranging from a brewery, spa retreat, The Road to Tara Museum and Stately Oaks Plantation, auto and racing enthusiast attractions, to a place where a tiger and bear are best friends–plenty to keep any group entertained. www.GoneWithTheGirls.net
Atlanta Movie Tours Downtown Big Zombie Trail
Through this guided tour company, fans of “The Walking Dead” can check out all of the great filming locations throughout metro Atlanta. Currently included on the Big Zombie 1 Tour, this trail is soon to be provided as a handout in the retail shop to aid with self-guided tours (327 Nelson Street, Atlanta, GA 30313). At their own pace, guests can visit downtown Atlanta locations where “The Walking Dead” Season 1 was filmed. An easy walk with great hidden gems make it a fun trail for those looking to check out their favorite scenes from their favorite show.
Atlanta Movie Tours Castleberry Hill Backlot Trail
Downtown Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill Historic District, where the retail shop is located, is filled with more film and TV locations than just about any neighborhood. This trail will send you on your way to walk in the footsteps of Liam Neeson, Tyler Perry and other stars. Guests can currently take the tour with a guide, but soon a handout will be available for a self-guided tour any day. 855-255-3456; www.AtlantaMovieTours.com
Gwinnett County’s Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tour
For authentic Korean cuisine and culture, there’s no need to get a passport and hop a 16-hour flight. In Gwinnett County, a genuine Korean cultural experience is within reach with an expert guide (Explore Gwinnett office, 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097). From traditional restaurants and markets to spas and karaoke, there’s not much you can experience in Korea that you can’t also do in Gwinnett. Through our immersive Seoul of the South™ Korean restaurant tour, you’ll learn all about the rise of this unique and delicious culture. Guests ride throughout Gwinnett on a trolley, dining and tasting at four locations while seeing points of interest and learning about the history of Korean culture in Gwinnett from our host, native Korean Sarah Park, a Gwinnett resident and active leader in the community. 770-623-3600; www.SeouloftheSouthTour.com
Roswell’s Old Mill Park
Throughout Roswell you will find numerous trails that allow you to enjoy the history and the natural beauty of the area. More than thirty miles of trails wind through the city. One of the most beautiful areas in Roswell is Old Mill Park. (95 Mill View Avenue,
Roswell, GA 30075) On the banks of Vickery Creek, ruins of the Roswell Manufacturing Co. mills can be found. Constructed in 1839 and 1853, these mills were burned by Union forces on July 7, 1864. The original machine shop and the waterfall created when the creek was dammed to provide water power can be viewed from the interpretive trail. A covered pedestrian bridge over the creek connects the walking trail that begins in Old Mill Park to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trail system. 770-640-3253; www.VisitRoswellGA.com/what-to-do/nature/chattahoochee-river-attractions-and-trails
Arabia Mountain PATH
Just 20 minutes outside of I-285 on Atlanta’s east side, The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area spans DeKalb, Henry and Rockdale counties, with more than 2,000 acres, three lakes and many historic sites. There are 15 trailhead locations throughout the area. With more than 33 miles of endless adventure, the Arabia Mountain PATH connects walkers, cyclists and joggers to an open landscape of breathtaking beauty, peace and wonder. Dominated by two massive granite outcrops, it offers visitors picturesque historic landmarks and stunning natural vistas. www.ArabiaAlliance.org
Following are some of the highlights of the Arabia Mountain PATH:
With its iconic and intriguing lunar-like landscape, the Arabia Mountain Top Trail to the peak of Arabia Mountain will reward you with 360-degree panoramic views of granite outcrops and rare plant-life for an out-of-this-world experience. (Parking available at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Center, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038.) 770-484-3060; http://arabiaalliance.org/trails/davidson-arabia-nature-preserve-walking-trails
The Vaughters’ Farm Meadow Loop is an easy unpaved trail perfect for a quick getaway, offering unbeatable views of the historic Vaughters’ Barn, rolling hills and open grassy meadows. The 1.25-mile trail offers a picturesque loop through a field filled with an agricultural past. (Parking available at the Vaughters’ Farm Trailhead, 3366 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038.) 404-998-8384 http://arabiaalliance.org/uncategorized/vaughters-farm-meadow-loop
A bubbling creek, mountain laurel and farming terraces surround you on Laurel Creek Trail. This 1.8-mile loops along a quiet, forested ridge. Accessed from the paved AMP trail or from the Murphey Candler School parking lot (weekends only), 6775 S Goddard Rd, Lithonia, GA 30038. http://arabiaalliance.org
Hunt for treasure on the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area Geo-PATH, a special program of geocaches spread along the 33-mile Arabia Mountain PATH trail. Find one of 60 geocaches using a handheld GPS or smartphone app and discover the small treasures hidden inside. You’ll explore sites rich in history and natural landscapes while earning trackable prizes. http://arabiaalliance.org/explore/geocaching-adventures
Panola Mountain State Park
Panola Mountain State Park is the crown jewel of The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Just south of Atlanta in Henry County, Panola Mountain offers a variety of biking, hiking and walking trails (2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, GA 30281). Designated a National Natural Landmark, Panola Mountain is a 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain, but smaller and much more pristine. Rent a bike and explore the more than 30 miles of connected PATH Foundation trails. Sign up for a guided “Moonlight Mountain Hike” through the conservation area to the top of the mountain or strike out on your own on the many other fitness trails. 770-389-7801; http://gastateparks.org/PanolaMountain
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
When you want more from your nature walk than just exercise and fresh air, consider the trails through the animal habitats at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary (712 LG Griffin Road, Locust Grove, GA 30248). The approximately one-mile paved trail takes you past bears, lions, tigers, foxes and monkeys who are enjoying their forever home. Noah’s Ark is a sanctuary for animals who have been abandoned, abused, seized or whose previous owners had to surrender them. Bring the kids, bring a stroller, bring a picnic. Noah’s Ark is free to visit. 770-957-0888; www.Noahs-Ark.org
Henry County History Trail
History lovers can make a day of it in Henry County. For a multi-century immersion, start off at Nash Farm Battlefield, the site of the largest cavalry battle in Georgia (100 Babbs Mill Rd, Hampton, GA 30228; 770-288-7300). Walk the trails and learn about the site’s history from historic markers. Move from battles fought on horseback to the revolution of helicopter air support. Visit the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum (506 Speedway Blvd., Hampton, GA 30228; 770-897-0444) which preserves and presents the legacy of Army aviation through its collection of Vietnam-era Cobra and Huey helicopters. Take the free hangar tour or purchase a ride in one of the aircraft. The next stop on Henry County’s history trail is the Heritage Park Veterans Museum (101 Lake Dow Road, McDonough, GA 30252; 770-288-7300). With more than 20,000 pieces and the veterans who volunteer their time to share the personal stories of the soldiers represented in the museum, it is a moving final stop. 770-692-7954; www.VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com
From Roswell to Atlanta to McDonough, and east and west, there’s a trail for every age, fitness level and inclination. Visit the Websites and map out a custom itinerary for your tribe.