As someone who has spent years exploring Atlanta’s green spaces, I’ve developed a strong preference for parks that offer a true escape from the urban environment. This guide focuses on parks where nature takes center stage - places where you can forget you’re in a major city, where concrete gives way to dirt paths, and where the sounds of birds override the hum of traffic. While I’ll note which parks have playgrounds (as a parent, I know how crucial this information is), this guide emphasizes the more naturalistic aspects of each space.

I tend to gravitate toward parks that feel wild and untamed - where the trails are dirt rather than concrete, where you might have to watch your step on tree roots, and where the landscaping feels more natural than manicured. The following parks are my favorites for escaping the city while staying within reach of it.

If I got any details wrong, or if you have any suggestions, please let me know via my socials here.

Quick Reference

The Parks

Standing Peachtree Park

Address: End of Standing Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA Website: Atlanta Parks & Recreation Playground: No

One of Atlanta’s most historically significant yet lesser-known parks, Standing Peachtree sits at the confluence of Peachtree Creek and the Chattahoochee River. This site marks one of the earliest settlements in what would become Atlanta, originally home to a Creek Indian village and later Fort Peachtree (built in 1814). Today, it offers a peaceful retreat with walking trails and river access. The park’s somewhat hidden location helps maintain its secluded feel, making it perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.

Wildcard: it’s so weird. The Chattahooche Riverlands project is working on fixing this, but it’s across from a water treatment plant that smell less than great sometimes. Sometimes there’s trash everywhere. It’s a historically significant place, and has every reason to be a first class Atlanta park, but felt totally abandoned until recently when the projects began. Now theres a new boat put in, and things seem to be heading in the right direction.

Cochran Shoals

Address: 5450 Interstate N Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Website: National Park Service Playground: No

Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Cochran Shoals offers some of the most natural-feeling trails in the metro area. The main trail is a flat, wide gravel path popular with runners and cyclists, but the real gems are the dirt hiking and mountain biking trails that branch off into the woods. These trails wind through dense forest and along the river, offering frequent wildlife sightings and beautiful river views. The park is particularly stunning in early morning when fog rises from the river and deer are often visible in the meadows.

Southside Park

Address: 3460 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30354 Website: City of Atlanta Parks Playground: Yes

While known to mountain bikers for its trail system, Southside Park is a hidden gem for anyone seeking a natural escape in south Atlanta. The park features a network of dirt trails winding through mature forest, offering surprisingly varied terrain for being in the city. The trails are well-maintained while still feeling natural, and the park’s location means it’s usually less crowded than other ITP options. There’s a modern playground for families, but the real draw is the extensive network of hiking trails that make you forget you’re in the city.

Tanyard Creek Park

Address: 460 Collier Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Website: Atlanta BeltLine Playground: Yes

Despite being connected to the BeltLine, Tanyard Creek Park maintains several secluded areas that feel removed from the city. The creek-side trails offer a more natural experience than the paved BeltLine path for a short section. The wooded areas provide good bird watching opportunities, especially in the early morning. While the playground area can get busy they’re large and nice, and the natural areas of the park often remain peaceful.

Whittier Mill Village Park

Address: 55 Whittier Mill Village, Atlanta, GA 30318 Website: Atlanta Parks & Recreation Playground: Yes

This historic park preserves the remnants of the Whittier Textile Mill, but its appeal goes beyond the industrial ruins. The park features winding trails through mature hardwood forest, with the mill’s old tower creating an atmospheric backdrop. The natural areas feel surprisingly remote, with dirt paths leading through dense vegetation. The playground is well-designed and fits naturally into the landscape rather than dominating it.

Memorial Park

Address: 384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 Website: Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy Playground: Yes

A significant greenspace in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood, this park is actively managed by the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy with a focus on restoration and preservation. The park features natural areas that are being enhanced through regular tree plantings in partnership with Trees Atlanta. Monthly forest restoration events help maintain the park’s natural character. While there are recreational facilities, the Conservancy’s focus on watershed protection and greenspace preservation ensures the park maintains its natural elements.

Paces Mill

Address: 3444 Cobb Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 Website: National Park Service Playground: No

Another gem in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Paces Mill offers some of the most scenic river access in the metro area. The park features both paved and natural surface trails, but the highlight is the network of dirt paths that follow the river and climb the bluffs above it. The riverside trails offer excellent wildlife viewing, especially for water birds, while the higher trails provide beautiful overlooks of the river below. The park is particularly peaceful in early morning and late evening.

Westside Reservoir Park (Bellwood Quarry)

Address: 1610 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Website: Atlanta BeltLine Playground: Yes

Atlanta’s largest park transforms an old quarry into a stunning natural space. While parts of the park are deliberately designed, the quarry walls and surrounding forest create a uniquely wild atmosphere. There are a good amount of paved paths, including the very nice proctor creek trail which is bisected by the park. Soon they will begin adding mountain biking trails, and the park will be a great place to ride. For now its huge and nice, but still feels new, many of the trees are still young. As they grow I think it will get much nicer.

Legacy Park

Address: 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030 Website: Legacy Park Playground: Yes

This 77-acre green space in Decatur preserves a remarkable amount of natural area within the city. The park features extensive woodlands with dirt trails winding through mature forest. The meadow areas are being restored to native plants, attracting diverse wildlife. While there are community gardens and recreational areas, the natural areas feel surprisingly remote, especially along the creek and in the deeper woods.

Heritage Park

Address: 60 Fontaine Road, Mableton, GA 30126 Website: Cobb County Parks Playground: No

A nature-focused park that emphasizes outdoor education and natural exploration. The park features unpaved hiking trails that wind through the property, connected by sections of boardwalk that help protect sensitive areas. The historic elements, including an old cemetery and mill building, add character to the natural setting. The park’s nature education building serves as a base for outdoor programs, but the real draw is the network of natural surface trails. Open from sunrise to sunset, this park is perfect for those seeking a quiet nature walk.

Medlock Park

Address: 874 Gaylemont Cir, Decatur, GA 30033 Website: DeKalb County Parks Playground: Yes

While known for its sports facilities, Medlock Park’s hidden treasure is its natural areas along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. The creek-side trails offer a surprising escape, with dirt paths winding through mature hardwoods and along the water. The wooded areas provide excellent bird watching, and the creek adds a peaceful soundtrack to your walk. Morning visits often reward you with wildlife sightings.

Chastain Park

Address: 4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30342 Website: Chastain Park Conservancy Playground: Yes

Though Chastain is one of Atlanta’s most popular parks, it still offers pockets of natural escape if you know where to look. The North Woods Trail in particular offers a peaceful retreat, with a dirt surface and mature tree canopy.

Spink Collins Park

Address: 2001 Collins Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 Website: Atlanta Area Parks Playground: Yes

A quiet wooded park on Atlanta’s westside, Spink Collins Park offers a natural escape with shaded trails and hidden ruins. The 0.25-mile fitness trail winds through dense woods, connecting five workout stations, but the real charm lies in the network of off-shoot trails that feel wonderfully untamed. These natural paths can be challenging at times, with steep and narrow sections that add to the adventure. The trails lead to fascinating ruins of old stone buildings with benches, perfect spots for quiet contemplation. While there is a playground, it’s the wooded areas that make this park special. Note that the trails can get muddy after rain, and the heavy tree cover means you’ll want bug spray in warmer months. Street parking only at the dead-end of Collins Drive.

Riverwalk Atlanta

Address: Paul Avenue (between Riverside and Bolton neighborhoods), Atlanta, GA Website: Chattahoochee RiverLands Playground: No

A hidden network of trails on Atlanta’s westside, Riverwalk Atlanta runs roughly parallel to both railroad tracks and the Chattahoochee River. The trails, maintained by dedicated local volunteers, exist on a Georgia Power easement brokered by the Trust for Public Land. While the trailhead begins in an industrial area at the end of Paul Avenue, the paths quickly immerse you in nature as they fork and meander through the landscape. At least one branch provides excellent river access with scenic views of the Chattahoochee. The trails have an adventurous feel, with multiple path options to explore, though it’s wise to pay attention to your route as the network can be a bit maze-like. This is truly a hidden gem for those seeking a more rugged, less manicured outdoor experience. Part of the broader Chattahoochee RiverLands project, which aims to create a 100-mile network of parks and trails along the river.