Excursions

Text : For a Half Day

Chattahoochee River Recreation Area: Forested hiking trails link nine waterside recreation areas in the north of the city. Canoes and rafts are available for hire as well as picnic facilities. Fishing is permitted with a Georgia licence and a trout stamp. The National Parks Service Visitor Contact Center, 1978 Island Ford Parkway (tel: (770) 399 8070 or (678) 538 1200; website: www.nps.gov/chat) can provide further information. The park is open only during daylight and is free. Public transport unavailable; take the GA400 north to Exit 6 (Northbridge).

For a Whole Day

Dahlonega: This historic old mining town with charming shops, water wheels and a Gold Museum is the site of the first gold rush and Georgia's entry to the Appalachians. A long-distance walking trail starts above the town. Dahlonega is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Atlanta via GA400 (a toll road). Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce (tel: (706) 864 3771 or (800) 231 5543; website: www.dahlonega.org) can provide further information.

Six Flags Over Georgia: This large amusement park (tel: (770) 948 9290; website: www.sixflags.com) has nine rollercoasters, including an ageing wooden monster; plus a wooden carousel and a diving spectacular. The nightly fireworks display and laser show are an exciting end to a fun day. From central Atlanta, take the I-20/GA402 west across the river, turning left at Six Flags Parkway.

Pine Mountains: Pine Mountains is a scenic area of hilly woodlands, hiking paths and mountain-bike trails. President Franklin D Roosevelt's Little White House is nearby at Warm Springs (tel: (706) 655 5870; website: www.fdr-littlewhitehouse.org) as are the lovely Callaway Gardens with their butterfly centre and azalea gardens (tel: (800) 225 5292; website: www.callawaygardens.com). Callaway is about 1 hour and 15 minutes' drive south of the city via I-85 and US Hwy-27.

Stone Mountain: Carved within the world's largest granite monolith is a huge bas relief Confederate Memorial featuring Confederate President Jefferson Davis, Generals Robert E Lee and General 'Stonewall' Jackson. Located 26km (16 miles) east of Downtown, Stone Mountain Park has become more than just the monolith. The 1,280 hectares (3,200 acres) park also contains a resort hotel and spa, plus attractions like a skyride to the mountain top, the nightly laser show, scenic railroad, antebellum plantation and an antique auto and music museum. Its newest attraction, Crossroads, is a recreation of a 130-year-old town with craftsman, town characters and live shows. Though its unique Treehouse Challenge and Great Barn are geared for children, it is fun for everyone. The park (tel: (800) 317 2006; website: www.stonemountainpark.com) is located off Hwy-78. The park is open all year round 0600-2400, although individual attraction opening times may vary. 

    

      

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