The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Fulton County

Fulton County offers a diverse range of family-friendly hiking opportunities. While this guide highlights a selection of routes, the region, particularly within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, boasts over 50 miles of scenic trails suitable for families. You'll find options from easy strolls to moderate paths.

Many family-friendly trails in Fulton County follow the scenic Chattahoochee River, offering riverside views and lush forests. You might also encounter unique features like the bamboo forest on the East Palisades Trail, or historical elements such as Civil War ruins and a spillway dam waterfall along the Vickery Creek Trail. Urban green spaces like Morningside Nature Preserve also provide woodland retreats with creeks and sandy beaches.

Yes, Fulton County has several easy options perfect for families. The Nine Corner Lake Trail is an easy 4.3 km loop, and the Marina Trail is another easy 4.9 km option. These provide gentle terrain and manageable distances for younger hikers.

Fulton County's trails often combine natural beauty with historical interest. Along some routes, you can discover historical sites like the Old headquarters of the Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Railroad or explore areas like Historic Johnstown. Natural attractions include various lakes such as Nine Corner Lake and Great Sacandaga Lake, which can be enjoyed from nearby trails.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in Fulton County, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of the paths, the beautiful natural scenery, and the variety of options suitable for different family fitness levels.

Absolutely. The Fonda, Johnstown & Gloversville Rail Trail is a moderate 11.5 km route that follows a historic railway line, offering glimpses into the region's past while enjoying the outdoors. Similarly, the Vickery Creek Trail in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area passes Civil War ruins.

For leisurely walks with minimal elevation, consider the North Loop Road Trail, an easy 4.5 km path with gentle inclines. The Marina Trail is another excellent choice, offering a flat and easy 4.9 km experience perfect for a relaxed family outing.

Fulton County offers pleasant hiking conditions throughout much of the year. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are best, especially on shaded trails. Winter hiking is also possible, though some trails might be less accessible depending on weather conditions.

Many trails in Fulton County are associated with water. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area trails, such as the East Palisades Trail, run alongside the river. You can also find trails leading to or around lakes like Nine Corner Lake, or explore areas with creeks and waterfalls, such as Morningside Nature Preserve and Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.

While not all trails are stroller-friendly, many paved greenways and flatter sections of trails are suitable. The Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta and Roswell offers paved sections ideal for strollers. For unpaved options, look for trails explicitly marked as accessible or with very gentle, wide paths, such as parts of the North Loop Road Trail.