One of my very favorite authors, Atlanta native Pat Conroy, describes Atlanta as the place “where they built a city and left the forest”. Atlanta easily disguises our sprawling metropolis of 5.6 million people behind a swaying curtain of southern pine, magnolia, dogwood and oak trees. And for those who like to do more than just enjoy the view of Atlanta’s flora and fauna, here are just a few neighborhoods that provide residents with parks and trails that beckon to nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts.

Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain is one of the most obvious choices for this since it boasts the tallest exposed piece of granite on earth. And you can hike right to the top of the granite mountain for a fantastic view of the city and the surrounding areas. At the base of the mountain are paved 5 and 7 mile loops perfect for challenging walkers, joggers and cyclists. Off the paved trail are numerous unpaved hiking trails through thick forest vegetation and creek crossings.

Not far from Stone Mountain Park is Yellow River Park Trail where you can jog a 1 mile path along the banks of the Yellow River.

Kennesaw

Kennesaw Mountain is at the center of a 3,000 acre National Battlefield Park that includes more than 20 miles of trails that take you through forest, mountain sides and grassy fields steeped in Civil War history and remnants. There is also a kid friendly loop that includes information markers about what should be explored as you walk along.

Midtown Atlanta

You wouldn’t think smack dab in the heart of the city would make the top nature neighborhoods list until you remember that Atlanta is “where they built the city and left the forest”! Piedmont park is a place for city dwellers to enjoy picnics on grassy meadows, naps under ancient trees, feeding the ducks or fishing in lake Clara Meer, and rollerblading around several popular park loops.

In addition to Piedmont Park, the ongoing Beltline project has breathed new life into Atlanta’s nature scene. The former railway corridor that curves through Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods, is becoming a revolutionary multi-use trail that, once completed, will offer 22 paved miles of running, cycling and walking trails throughout Atlanta. Midtown is already one of the jumping on points for the Beltline.

Suwannee

If you live in Suwannee you have the chance to enjoy natural wetlands and wildlife on the Suwannee Greenway Trail. There are choices for paved or unpaved trails than span up to 6 miles. If you really want to test your endurance you can leave the Greenway and go to the adjoining Ivy Creek Greenway for additional 10 miles of natural scenic trail.

Smyrna

One of the longest nature trails around, the Silver Comet Trail trailhead in Smyrna offers 61.5 miles of paved trail through mostly shaded, wooded surroundings. Perfect for joggers, bikers, hikers, or horse back riders. If you want to just keep going the trail ends at the Georgia/Alabama state line where it continues for another 33 miles as the Chief Ladiga Trail.

Dunwoody

Dunwoody offers residents multiple ways to combine nature with having fun. The 105 acre Brookrun Park is one of the largest parks in the region. Brookrun has fantastic playgrounds with a man made creek flowing through it for children to play in the water. The playground is surrounded by a 2 mile nature trail loop perfect for jogging in the shade. For those who want even more adventure within the park you can take advantage of Treetop Quest tree canopy obstacle course and zip-line adventure. Nestled within 5 acres of the established canopy, the obstacle course is one of the newest nature adventures in the city.

Dunwoody Nature Center is another nature lover retreat that offers nature classes to children, monarch butterfly conservation efforts, nature trails and gardens.