“Anybody who completes a well-planned adventure that is bigger than themselves walks away better than they would have been,” said avid hiker and Campus Recreation (CRC) assistant director of outdoor recreation, David Knobbe, and he knows what he’s talking about. 30 years ago, Knobbe hiked the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia- a journey of 2,139.8 miles in 160 days! “Every day since,” he says, “has been better than it would have been.” March 30th is National Take a Walk in the Park Day, and while completing the Appalachian Trail might be a bit out of your reach by then, it’s still a great time to treat yourself to the experience of a scenic, satisfying hike! We asked Dr. Knobbe what his favorite hiking spots were in Atlanta, and here’s what he said.

Sweetwater Creek: Just minutes from downtown Atlanta, Sweetwater Creek is over 14 miles long and includes a gentle wooded trail that guides you along a stream to the ruins of a Civil War textile mill. Other trails take you through a forest, which shows off its impressive natural sights such as magnolias, ferns, and wild azaleas. The George Sparks Reservoir is a great spot for fishing, feeding ducks, and having picnics. It rents out fishing supplies, and during the spring and summer, boats and canoes. It also includes a fascinating exhibit-filled visitor center!

Arabia Mountain: An extension of Stone Mountain, this hike is a granite monadnock covered in shallow lakes. These lakes are home to many exotic, and even endangered, plants, such as the gorgeous bright-red diamorpha. Its trails take you through over 30 miles of fields, forests, and wetlands, all with stunning 360-panoramic views. All of these make Arabia Mountain both a workout for the body and a feast for the senses.

Kennesaw Mountain: This mountain serves to preserve a piece of Atlanta’s history. It is a nearly 3,000-acre battleground on which a fight between the Union and Confederate soldiers took place during the Civil War’s Atlanta campaign. Today, the park has many reminders of this history, such as cannons, trenches, and monuments. Apart from its history, it also has over 20 miles of trails through forest and along creeks, with many pretty summit views along the way.

Red Top Mountain: Red Top Mountain, which is named for its soil’s rich, red color, takes its visitors along Lake Allatoona. Knobbe described it as a “nice lake that you can spend the weekend camping and fishing at.” If you prefer to keep yourself moving, you’ll enjoy its 15+ miles of trails and forest, including the 4-mile Iron Hill Trail. This park, too, also displays a part of Atlanta’s history with its Allatoona Pass Battlefield preserve.

East Palisades: This trail situates itself along the banks of the Palisades section of the Chattahoochee River, which is one of its most scenic- complete with historic ruins, high-elevation outlooks, and a small bamboo forest to walk through. This trail is characterized by angular rocks that jut out of the river and interrupt its flow, creating whitewater rapids frequented by kayakers and a lovely sight for hikers. Its trail provides over four miles of winding trails to walk or run, and Knobbe calls it an “easy hike.”

Make the most out of National Take a Walk in the Park Day this year! Grab a friend, (or your dog!), pack a lunch, and go get a taste of the many excellent parks and trails Atlanta has to offer. If you are in need of additional gear, be sure to stop by the CRC Wilderness Outpost, where you can rent supplies for backpacking, camping, mountain biking, and other outdoor adventures!