Parks & Green Spaces

If you only visit one nature attraction in North Atlanta, make it this one. The Chattahoochee Nature Center sits on 127 acres along the river in Roswell and combines woodland trails, a river boardwalk, butterfly gardens, and live wildlife exhibits — including two bald eagles. Kids love the hands-on Discovery Center, and the canoe tours are a hit in warmer months. Admission is $20 for adults and $14 for kids (ages 3–12); members get in free. Open Monday–Saturday 10am–5pm and Sunday noon–5pm. Free on-site parking with handicap and bus spaces available. Pro tip: pack a picnic — there are beautiful spots to eat overlooking the water.   Best for: Families, nature lovers, weekend outings Parking: Free on-site lot at 9135 Willeo Rd, Roswell

Jones Bridge Park traces the Chattahoochee River's banks through a gorgeous forest in Johns Creek, and it's one of our favorite spots for a morning hike or trail run. The roughly 4-mile loop takes you through wildflower-filled woods with river views at almost every turn. The park also has soccer fields, a playground, picnic pavilions with grills, sand volleyball, and direct river access for fishing or just wading. It's a solid pick for families who want to combine a hike with a cookout. Open sunrise to sunset. Heads up: there's a $5/day parking fee per car at the NPS trailhead on Barnwell Road (annual passes available), and the lot can fill up on weekends — arrive early.   Best for: Hikers, trail runners, families with older kids Parking: Two lots off Barnwell Rd; $5/day NPS fee

The Big Creek Greenway is the go-to paved trail in North Atlanta. This 12-foot-wide multi-use path runs about 8.5 miles from Big Creek Park in Roswell up to Marconi Drive in Alpharetta, winding along the creek through shaded wetlands and boardwalk sections. It's perfect for biking, jogging, walking the dog, or pushing a stroller. Keep an eye out for herons, wild turkeys, and deer along the way. Restrooms are available at Rock Mill Park and the YMCA access points. Multiple parking lots along the route make it easy to pick your distance. Note: the boardwalk sections in Roswell can get slippery when wet, so watch your footing.   Best for: Bikers, joggers, families with strollers, dog walkers Parking: Multiple free lots — Big Creek Park (south), Rock Mill Park, YMCA, Webb Bridge

Newtown Park is the heart of Johns Creek's park system — 46 acres packed with something for literally everyone. There are two miles of walking and jogging trails, a lake, baseball and softball fields, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce ball, playgrounds, and an amphitheater that hosts the city's popular Summer Concert Series. Dog owners rave about the Newtown Dream Dog Park, a one-acre fenced area with artificial turf, sprinklers, obstacle courses, and separate zones for large and small dogs. The Veterans Memorial Walk is also here and worth a visit. Open 6am to midnight with plenty of free parking. The park sits right next to Autrey Mill Nature Preserve, so you can easily do both in one trip.   Best for: Families, dog owners, sports enthusiasts, community events Parking: Free lot at 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek

Garrard Landing is one of Roswell's best-kept secrets — about 40 acres of riverfront land with a mix of paved and unpaved trails, direct Chattahoochee River access, and a seriously peaceful vibe. It's a great spot for kayaking and canoeing (there's a launch right in the park), fishing, or just finding a picnic table with a river view. The park also has a playground, restrooms, and open meadows perfect for spreading out. History buffs will appreciate the story behind it — the Garrard and Ellard families refused to sell this land for development, and it became a park thanks to their commitment. Parking is limited, so come during the week if you can.   Best for: Kayakers, anglers, anyone wanting a quiet riverside escape Parking: Small free lot at 8000 Holcomb Bridge Rd (limited spaces)

This is hands-down one of the best hikes inside the Perimeter — and it's right here in Roswell. The Vickery Creek Trail network offers about 7 miles of paths through rolling forest, past Civil War-era mill ruins, over a scenic covered bridge, and to an impressive spillway waterfall. The popular loop is about 3.8 miles with moderate elevation changes, and every intersection is marked with trail maps so it's easy to navigate. Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the trail connects to Old Mill Park in historic downtown Roswell. Dogs are welcome on leash. The small parking lot off Riverside Road fills up fast on weekends, so arrive early or start from Old Mill Park instead. Note: direct water access at the falls is currently suspended for safety and preservation.   Best for: Hikers, history buffs, trail runners, photographers Parking: Small lot off Riverside Rd (free, fills early); also accessible from Old Mill Park

Wills Park is Alpharetta's flagship community park — 110 acres with a 1.7-mile paved walking loop, tennis courts, a disc golf course, baseball fields, and the beloved Wacky World Playground (kids absolutely love it). What makes Wills Park unique is the equestrian center — yes, a horse facility right in the middle of Alpharetta. The Wills Park Equestrian Foundation runs programs there, and you'll often see horses while you walk the loop. There's also a community garden, a dog park, and picnic pavilions scattered throughout. The trail is smooth asphalt and mostly gentle grades, making it stroller and wheelchair accessible. Large paved parking lot off Wills Road.   Best for: Families with young kids, walkers, equestrian fans Parking: Large free lot off Wills Rd, Alpharetta

Providence Park is a quiet gem tucked away in the heart of Milton — 42 wooded acres with a lake, a fishing pier, and three trails ranging from easy to moderate. The 0.5-mile paved loop is ADA accessible and stroller-friendly, while the Blue trail on the east side offers stream crossings and views of an old quarry. The Red trail takes you along Providence Lake where the reflections are gorgeous in the fall. It's not as well-known as some of the bigger parks, which means fewer crowds and a real sense of escape. You'll see runners, dog walkers, and the occasional angler enjoying the pier most days. Free parking on-site.   Best for: Nature lovers, anyone seeking a quieter park, easy family walks Parking: Free lot at 13440 Providence Park Dr, Milton

Webb Bridge Park is one of Alpharetta's most versatile parks — 109 acres with sports fields, a 1.5-mile shaded walking trail, a lake, and the Webb Zone Playground (opened in 2024 and it's fantastic). The arboretum features over 20 native tree species along the walking paths, and it doubles as an outdoor classroom. Newer additions include six pickleball courts, a dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs, and a memorial rainbow bridge for dogs that have passed. The park connects to the Big Creek Greenway, so you can extend your walk or ride as far as you want. Great for a Saturday morning where the kids hit the playground while you get some steps in.   Best for: Active families, pickleball players, dog owners Parking: Free lot at 4780 Webb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta

Birmingham Park is Milton's spot for trail lovers who want to get off the pavement. The park features nine natural-surface trails winding through shaded forest — perfect for hiking and trail running, and you'll often share the path with horseback riders (Milton's equestrian roots run deep). The trails aren't always well-marked, so downloading a trail map beforehand is a good idea. It's a more rugged experience than the paved greenways, which is exactly the appeal. The park also has a rentable facility for events. If you're looking for that "deep in the woods" feeling without driving to the North Georgia mountains, Birmingham Park delivers.   Best for: Hikers, trail runners, horseback riders, nature seekers Parking: Free lot at 12785 Birmingham Hwy, Milton

Autrey Mill is a 46-acre nature preserve and heritage center right in the middle of Johns Creek — and it's completely free to visit. The preserve has over two miles of walking trails through ravine forest, past a creek with rocky shoals, spring seeps, and native wildflowers. But what sets it apart is the Heritage Village: historic buildings from the 1800s that tell the story of the farm families who once lived here. Kids love the farm animals (goats, bunnies, chickens, ducks), the butterfly garden, and the interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center. Grounds are open daily 8am–9pm; the Visitor Center is open Tuesday–Saturday 10am–4pm and Sunday noon–4pm. Small parking lot, but it rarely fills up during the week.   Best for: Families, history lovers, nature walks, school-age kids Parking: Small free lot at 9770 Autrey Mill Rd, Johns Creek