As summer approaches, it’s a good time to get outside. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in and around Atlanta.

Outdoor Recreation Adventure Trips

Outdoor Recreation at Georgia Tech is dedicated to giving students exciting outdoor experiences. Adventure Trips are either single-day or overnight excursions designed to let students explore a variety of activities, including backpacking, caving, and kayaking. Trips start as early as May 25 and run until July 31, and are open to both beginners and those at the intermediate level. Participants must take an introductory class before any trip.  

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Tech Treks

ORGT also organizes Tech Treks, which are specifically designed for incoming first-year students as an extension of first-year orientation. With Tech Treks, students can adventure through Alaska, Montana, or the Southeast. The length of each trip varies depending on the location.

• Alaska: July 9–19
• Montana: June 25–July 3
• Southeast: Six different three-day sessions, from June 15 through July 26.

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Trails Near Atlanta

Atlanta and its surrounding areas feature plenty of places to explore, be it on foot or by bike. Some trails, such as the Beltline and Proctor Creek Greenway, are only a few miles from campus. Others are located in neighboring counties and suburbs, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the Silver Comet Trail, and Vickery Creek Trail at the Roswell Mill. To learn more about the best local hiking and biking spots, visit Atlanta Trails.

Georgia State Parks

State parks are another fantastic way to get outdoors this summer. While many state parks have their own trails, they also provide a wide variety of activities, from archery to picnicking. Some of the closest parks to the city include Sweetwater Creek State Park and Panola Mountain State Park. There’s also Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, which, while not a state park, is still only about half an hour from campus and offers many of the same activities as the other sites. For more information about Georgia’s state parks and their attractions, visit their official website.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds around Atlanta provide great spaces to get away for a few days. Several are connected to larger parks, including the local Stone Mountain Park and Sweetwater Creek campgrounds. A couple hours north of the city, the Blue Ridge area boasts camping spots with mountain views, including those at Vogel State Park in Blairsville. Most campsites tend to fill up quickly during the summer months, and many require campers to make a reservation in advance.

If you’re looking to go on your own adventure but lack the proper equipment, you can rent it from ORGT’s Wilderness Outpost. Items for rent include anything as large as a kayak or tent and as small as the proper gloves for caving.