Discover Metro Atlanta ADA Accessible Outdoor Places to Visit - Visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Reynolds Nature Preserve, Shamrock Reservoir, Panola Mountain Conservation State Park, Sweetwater Creek State Park and more. Stay and Play in GA!
Gardens and Nature Preserve
Alpharetta Arboretums - Arboretums at Cogburn Road Park, Willis Park and Webb Bridge Park showcase the natural beauty of local trees. Complimentary brochures for self-guided tours availablen at the Alpharetta Welcome Center. Free admission. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessiblity for mobility-impaired and Party Facilities. Phone: 678-297-0102 - Address: 178 S. Main St., Alpharetta Georgia
Atlanta Botanical Indoor Gardens - Featuring the Tropical Rotunda, Desert House, Orangerie Houses, wildlife animals displays, Fuqua Orchid Center, High Elevation House, Display House and special exhibits. Atlanta Botanical Garden showcases 30 acres of gardens and woodland. Featuring the Tropical Rotunda, Desert House, Fuqua Conservatory, wildlife animals, Hydrangea, Dwarf and Rare Conifers, Palms, Lilies, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Water Plants and more. Call for fees. Phone: 404-876-5859 - Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta Georgia 30309
and atlanta-botanical-gardens.html - Visit the Atlanta Botanical Indoor Gardens and Visit the Atlanta Botanical Outdoor Gardens
Alcovy Conservation Center - Demonstration habitat gardens will inspire you with ecologically sound ideas for your backyard habitat. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired and party facilities. Open Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm. Phone: 770-787-7887 - Address: 11600 Hazelbrand Rd., Covington Georgia
Atlanta History Center Gardens features 33 acres of picturesque woodlands, Historic Gardens, and trails are home to native and introduced flora all representative of Georgia. Each themed garden depicts the story of a particular group of people who interacted with this land and its plants in distinctive ways. Phone: 404-814-4000 - Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd, Atlanta Georgia Visit Atlanta History Center Gardens
Clark Community Park - Park Amenities: 11.8 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 2 Picnic Pavilions, Playground Area, Grill and .75 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track. Call to rent Pavilion. Phone: 770-389-7900 - Address: 111 Davis Rd, Stockbridge Georgia 30281 - Directions: From I-75, take exit 224. Go west approximately ½ mile and turn right at light onto Flippen Road. Go approximately 3 miles to the second light, cross N. Henry Blvd./Hwy 138. Go straight approximately 1 mile and turn right onto Davis Road. Park will be approximately 1 mile on left.
Cochran Park - Park Amenities: 20 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 8 Lighted Baseball Fields, .4 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track, Batting Cages, 3 Concession Stands, 3 Pavilions, 1 Community Building and Playground.
Phone: 770-288-7300 - Address: 305 East Atlanta Rd, Stockbridge Georgia 30281
Dunaway Gardens are an unusual hidden treasure with a history dating back to the roaring 1920s. Check out the Hillside Rock Garden, Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden and Hanging Garden. Phone: 678-423-4050 - Address: Roscoe Road/Hwy. 70, Newnan, Georgia 30263 - Visit Dunaway Gardens
Dunwoody Nature Center features a wetland boardwalk, woodland and streamside trails, display gardens, a picnic meadow, a treehouse classroom pavilion and a shaded playground. Phone: 770-394-3322 - Address: 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody GA 30338 Visit Dunwoody Nature Center
Fernbank Science Center Gardens - The rose garden consists of approximately 1,300 roses from 3 sources. Fernbank Forest is a 65-acre tract of relatively undisturbed mature mixed hardwood forest. Visit the butterfly garden and the Home Composting Demonstation Site. Phone: 678-874-7102 - Address: Fernbank Science Center, 156 Heaton Park Drive, Atlanta Georgia 30307 - Visit Fernbank Science Center Gardens
Gardner Park - Park Amenities: 9.1 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 2 Picnic Pavilions, Playground Area, .3 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track and 2 Tennis Courts. Call to rent Pavilion. - Phone: 770-389-7900 - Address: 160 East Atlanta Rd, Stockbridge Georgia Directions: From I-75, take Exit 224 go west approximately ½ mile to first light. Turn right on Flippen Road. Go approximately 4 miles to second light make a right on North Henry Blvd./GA 138. Go approximately 2 miles to the first light and make a left on East Atlanta Road. Go approximately 1 mile; the park is on the left.
Henry County Wheelchair Sports - The mission is to provide sports programs for youth and adults with physical disabilities that prevent them from competitively playing in traditional sports, to promote and facilitate healthy lifestyles, and to empower people with physical disabilities to become productive members of society. Sport is the catalyst for change!
Heritage Park - Amenities: 129 Acres in size, 4 Lighted Adult Softball Fields, .9 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track, 3 Pavilions, Kidsville Playground, Ballfield Area, Covered Bridge, Veterans Wall of Honor, Concession Stand, Community Gardens, Jason T Harper Event Center and Veterans Wall of Honor.
Park contains a historic village that features the old schoolhouse and depicts McDonough’s history. A barn-shaped museum is the entrance to the historical village and will house historical items. The village contains a 100-year old corn crib, a Village Garden area, an 1827 settlers log cabin, an original two-room county school house, a cookhouse, the first library building in Henry County, Lane's country store and a 1934 steam engine locomotive and tender, similar to "Old No. 7," the engine made famous by the Camp Creek Train Wreck of 1900. Hours: 8am to 11pm. Tour available by appointment. Amenities: Parking, Public Restroom, Accessiblity for mobility-impaired, Party facilities. Phone: 770-288-7300 - Address: 101 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough, Georgia 30253
Hidden Valley Park - Park Amenities: 115 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 2 Pavilions, 2 Concession Stands Georgiazebo, Grill, 2 Playgrounds, 9 Lighted Baseball Fields, .3 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track, 4 Tennis Courts, Amphitheatre, Outside Basketball Court, Ropes Course, Senior Citizens Center and Batting Cages. Phone: 770-288-7300 - Address: 100 Spraggins Memorial Parkway, Ellenwood Georgia 30294
John Ripley Forbes Big Tree Preserve - 30-acre forest preserve that offers nature walks along 1.5 miles of walking trails. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessiblity for mobility-impaired and Party Facilities. Phone: 770-673-0111 - Address: 7645 Roswell Rd., Roswell Georgia
North Mt. Carmel Park - Park Amenities: 129 Acres in size, 2 Picnic Pavilions, handicap accessible equipment, Bark Park, .3 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track.
"Trail of Honor" and 4 Soccer Fields. Henry County’s largest public playground, complete with a fitness circuit, handicap accessible equipment, a separate play area to inspire imaginative play in little ones, and a specially designed “roadway” on which kids can ride their bikes and bigwheels while learning the “rules of the road.” Phone: 770-288-7300 - Address: 307 N Mt. Carmel Rd, Hampton GA 30228
Marietta Educational Garden Center is supported by the 24 Garden Clubs of Marietta Georgia. The Center is frequented by these groups for meetings, social gatherings and public events. Club members also assist in the beautification of the Center by donating their time and energy throughout the year. The front porch provides a grand view of the center grounds. A handicap ramp provides easy access to the porch and center for anyone who cannot use the stairs. Phone: 770-427-3494 - Address: 505 Kennesaw Avenue NW, Marietta, Georgia 30060
Pates Creek Nature Preserve Park - Park Amenities: 12 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 1 Practice Baseball Field, .7 Mile Paved Walking-Jogging Track Georgiazebo, Outside Classroom, 3 Observation Decks, Open Space, picnic pavilion and Playground Area. Phone: 770-389-7900 - Address: 1309 Jodeco Rd, Stockbridge Georgia 30281
Reynolds Memorial Nature Preserveis a 146-acre woodland dedicated to conservation and fostering an appreciation of the natural environment through educational programs. 4 miles of meandering wood chipped trails, demonstration vegetable and herb garden, compost demonstration site, handicap accessible native plants trail, and historic barn. Home to a collection of native reptiles, amphibians, observation bee hive and other educational exhibits. Pets are welcome on leashes no longer than 6 feet in length. Phone: 770-603-4188 - Address: 5665 Reynolds Rd., Morrow Georgia 30260
Warren Holder Park - Park Amenities: 40 Acres in size, Handicap Accessible, 9 Lighted Baseball-Softball Fields, 2 Lighted Tennis Courts, Free Play Tennis, 4 Football Fields, Batting Cages, Pavilion, Playground and 3 Concession Stands. Phone: 770-288-7300 - Address: 301 Club Dr, Locust Grove Georgia 30248
Willis Park Equestrian Center - Four outside rings and a covered arena, horse shows, dog agility trails, concerts and carnivals offer year-round entertainment. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food and Party facilites. Phone: 678-297-6122 Address: 11915 Willis Rd. Alpharetta Georgia
Fishing Lakes
Blalock Reservoir in Clayton County Size: 260 acres - Fish: Bass, bream, channel catfish and crappie Lake Facilities: Picnic tables, a boat ramp and restrooms. The area is handicap accessible. Fee: Daily fee or season pass - Open all year Restrictions and regulations: Boats 16 feet or less with electric motors only are allowed.
A user fee is charged. Boats 16 feet or less with electric motors are allowed. There is no swimming or camping. The lake is open from dawn to dusk from Wednesday through Sunday. No alcoholic beverages allowed.
Contact Information Owner: Clayton County Water Authority - Phone: 770-603-5605 Address: 2755 Freeman Road Hampton Georgia 30228 Directions: South of Jonesboro on Shamrock Lake Road off Freeman Road and U.S. Hwy 19-41
Shamrock Reservoir in Clayton County Size: 68 acres - Fish: Bass, bream, catfish and crappie Lake Facilities: Boat ramp, restrooms and picnic tables, and area is handicap accessible. Fee: Daily fee or season pass is charged. - Open March thru October from dawn to dusk from Wednesday through Sunday. Restrictions: Electric motors only. This lake is designed as "a fishing hole for kids." An adult must be accompanied by at least on child 12 years old or younger to fish in the lake. Boats 16 feet or less with electric motors are allowed. There is no swimming or camping. No alcoholic beverages allowed.
Contact Information Owner: Clayton County Water Authority - Phone: 770- 603-5605 Address: 2755 Freeman Road Hampton Georgia 30228 Directions: South of Jonesboro on Shamrock Lake Road off Freeman Road and U.S. Hwy 19-41
State Parks
Panola Mountain Conservation State Park - ADA Accessable Ammenities: Museum and restroom. Days and Hours Open - Mid-Sep to mid-April at 7 am - 6 pm or dark, and mid-April to mid-Sep 14 at 7 am - 9 pm or dark. Phone: 770-389-7801 at Tues-Fri at 9 am - 5 pm - Address: 2600 Hwy 155 SW, Stockbridge Georgia 30281
Sweetwater Creek State Park- ADA Access Ammenities: Museum and restroom. Park Hours - 7 am - 10 pm. Park Hours - 7 am - 10 pm. Phone: 770-732-5871 at 8 am - 5 pm - Address: 1750 Mt. Vernon Road, Lithia Springs Georgia 30122
More Outdoor Places to Visit
Acworth Beach/ Cauble Park - Boating, Fishing, swimming, picnicking and concerts. Pavillions and beach houses available for rent. Walk-in Free. Parking for a fee. Amenities: Parking, Public Restroom, Accessiblity for mobility-impaired and Party facilities. There is no lifeguard on duty at the beach and the swimming area opens at sun up and closes at sun down. Parking is free Monday through Friday. If you are not a City of Acworth Resident then a weekend fee of $10 (cash only) will be charged per vehicle during the hours of 8:30 am to 6 pm. No pets are allowed on the beach areas. Amenities: Parking, Public Restroom, Accessiblity for mobility-impaired, Party facilities. Park open year round, beach open Memorial - Labor Day. Hours: 7a.m. - 11p.m.
Phone: 770-917-1234 - Address: 2293 Beach St., Acworth, Georgia 30101 - Directions: From I-75: South Bound: Take exit 278 - Glade Road. Turn right onto Glade Rd. North Bound: Take exit 278 - Glade Road. Turn left onto Glade Rd. Once you are on Glade Rd. go to the second stop light (Bojangle’s will be on your left), turn right onto Lake Acworth Drive (Hwy 92). Turn left at the caution light (West Lakeshore Drive). Go to the second stop sign and turn right onto Academy Street. Follow Academy Street until you see a sign on your left that reads “Cauble Park”. You will see the parking lot and the beach house.Address: 2293 Beach St., Acworth Georgia
Alpharetta’s Big Creek Greenwayoffers a wide range of outdoor adventures, including a 6-mile path for walkers, joggers, skaters and bike riders. Total length of the Big Creek Greenway, from Webb Bridge Road to Mansell Road, is approximately 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). Greenway can be accessed at several areas. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 678-297-6100 - Address: North Point Pkwy., Alpharetta Georgia 30022
Alpharetta Historic Walk - Explore 19 markers on the self-guided tour that tells the story of Apharetta's earlier days. Pick up walikng guides at the Welcome Center. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired - Free admission.Phone: 768-297-0102 Address: 178 S. Main St. Alpharetta, GA
Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center offers scenic creeks, picturesque cliffs, animals life and farmhouses from the 1800s and ongoing special children’s programs. Open: Daily 8 am until dusk. Visitor Center Mon - Sat at 10 am - 4 pm. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities - Phone: 678-366-3511 - Address: 9770 Autrey Mill Rd., Alpharetta Georgia
Centennial Olympic Park features the Olympic Rings Fountain, playgrounds, a visitors center, water gardens, the Quilt Plaza and Centennial Plaza. This park is 21 acres. Open: Daily 7a.m.-11p.m. Free admission.Amenities: Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Food, Party Facilities - Phone: 404-223-4412 and 404-222-7275 - Address: 265 W. Park Ave., Atlanta Georgia 30313
Chamblee's Antique Row District - with more than 350 dealers and more than 500,000 square feet of merchandise, Chamblee's Antique Row District is the largest antiques destination on the Southeast. Amenities: Parking, Public Restroom and Accessiblity for mobility-impaired. Free admission.Hours: Mon - Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 1 to 5:30pm. Phone: 770-458-6316 - Directions from Atlanta: Drive north on I-85 to I-285 W (Perimeter); exit west and proceed to Peachtree Industrial Blvd. South exit #31A; go 1.5 miles to Broad St; turn left and proceed to Chamblee’s Antique Row.
Chattahoochee River National Parks Recreation Area has hiking trails and picnics areas along a 48-miles stretch of the Chattahoochee River. Open: Daily at 9 am - 5 pm. Free admission. Small parking fee. Amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities - Phone: 678-538-1200 - Address: 1978 Island Ford Pkwy., Atlanta Georgia 30350
Heritage Green - See historic buildings, natural springs, old-fashioned gardens, the Sandy Springs Society entertainment lawn and the William-Payne House, location of the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum. Park Hours: Daily Dawn - Dusk. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, and Food and Party facilites. Phone: 404-851-9111 - Address: 6075 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs Georgia
Historic Oakland Cemetery is the final resting place for 6,900 Confederate Soldiers, author Margaret Mitchell, and golfer Bobby Joners. Open Daily Dusk-dawn. Free admission to tour on your own. Group tours by appt. Free for guided group tours. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 404-688-2107 - Address: 248 Oakland Ave., Atlanta Georgia 30312
John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve - 30-acre forest preservation that offers nature walks along 1.5 miles of walking trails. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired and Party facilites. Phone: 770-673-0111 - Address: 7645 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs Georgia
Marietta City-Confederate Cemetery - Buried in the Confederate Cemetery are more than 3,000 people from the Civil War era. The City Cemetery dates back further, to the 1830s. Open: Daily dawn-dusk for free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-429-1115 - Address: 395 Powder Springs St., Marietta Georgia 30060
Marietta National Military Cemetery is where more than 10,000 Civil War soldiers are buried here. Daily. Call for tours. Free. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-428-5631 or toll-free at 1-866-236-8159 – Address: 500 Washington Ave., Marietta Georgia 30060
Newman Wetlands Center - Come learn about wetlands, see educational exhibits, have a picnic and take a scenic stroll. Come learn about wetlands, see educational exhibits, have a picnic and take a scenic stroll. The Center is a 32-acre site that includes a wetlands trail and
a 4,800 square-foot building complex. It is comprised of an exhibit-learning area, a 50-seat auditorium, offices and a conference facility.Open: Trail open daily 7 am - 7 pm. Call for center hours. Free admission. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Phone: 770-603-5603 – Address: 2755 Freeman Rd., Hampton Georgia 30228
Noah's Ark Animal Rehabilitation Center - Houses rehabilited exotic animals such as bears, lions, tigers and monkeys. Picnic while viewing the animals. Free admission, and donations accepted. Open Tues-Sat from noon to 3 pm. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities - Phone: 770-957-0888 - Address: 712 L. G. Griffin Rd., Locust Grove, Georgia
Oakhill Cemetery is the final resting place of soldiers who did not survive the Civil War. It includes a section dedicated to 269 Confederate soldiers.
The Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan, Georgia was established in 1833 and is the final resting place for some of Coweta County’s most prominent citizens. Two Georgia Governors Ellis Gibbs Arnall, and William Yates Atkinson are buried here along with a several Georgia Congressmen. The cemetery is also the final resting place to James Akens and William Smith, both were veterans of the Revolutionary War. William Thomas Overby, who served in the Civil War as a Member of Mosby’s Rangers and was hanged as a spy by General George Armstrong Custer is also burie here. Overby rested for over 132 years in a small cemetery in Markham, Virginia but in December 1996 his remains were returned to Coweta County. On January 5, 1997 William Thomas Overby was buried with full Confederate Military Honors here. Oak Hill Cemetery currently has over 12,000 gravesites and is still an active cemetery.
Amenities: Parking and Accessibility for mobility-impaired. Open from dusk to dawn. Located on Bullsboro Dr., Newnan Georgia
Tannery Row Artist Colony - This creative center is a hidden treasure to behold. Buford artists open their studios so you can meet them and see works in progress. Galleries are open Tues-Sat from noon until 5pm. Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired - Phone: 770-904-0572 - Address: 554 W. Main St., Bldg C, Buford GA
Walk of Memories - The brick walk is inscribed with the names of all GA residents killed in services, starting with World War II. A tank and helicopter are also on display. Free admission.Amenities: Parking, Public Restrooms, Accessibility for mobility-impaired, Party Facilities. Phone: 678-297-0102 - Address: 201 Wills Rd., Alpharetta, Georgia
