Roswell sits on the Chattahoochee River about 22 miles north of downtown Atlanta, and it packs a lot into a small historic district: a mill village burned in the Civil War, the home where Theodore Roosevelt’s mother grew up, trails to a waterfall, and Canton Street, one of the best restaurant streets in the suburbs. Here are the best things to do in Roswell.
- From AtlantaAbout 22 miles, 35 minutes without traffic
- CountyFulton County
- Known forCanton Street dining, antebellum homes, Vickery Creek trails
- Getting thereGA 400 north to Holcomb Bridge Road or Northridge Road
Top Things to Do in Roswell
1. Canton Street
The heart of historic Roswell, lined with restaurants, bars and shops in old storefronts. Come for dinner and walk it after dark.
2. Bulloch Hall
An 1839 Greek Revival home where Mittie Bulloch married Theodore Roosevelt Sr. in 1853; their son became the 26th president. It is one of the city’s three historic house museums.
3. Barrington Hall
An 1842 house on a hill above the town square, with the only antebellum garden in metro Atlanta that is open to the public. The grounds are open from sunrise to sunset.
4. Vickery Creek and the Roswell Mill
Trails along Vickery Creek lead past the ruins of the cotton mill that Union troops burned in July 1864 and down to the old mill dam and its waterfall. A covered footbridge crosses the creek. Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
5. Chattahoochee Nature Center
A riverside nature center with trails, wetland boardwalks and wildlife exhibits. A favorite with families.
6. Big Creek Greenway
A paved trail that starts at Big Creek Park in Roswell and runs about 10 miles north through Alpharetta’s woods and wetlands. Good for walking, running and biking.
7. Roswell Fire and Rescue Museum
A small museum of antique fire engines and equipment; call ahead for a free tour. A quick, fun stop with kids.
Events and Seasons
The historic house museums keep limited hours and close for private events, so check roswellgov.com before you go; Smith Plantation, the third house museum, has been closed for repairs. Canton Street is busy every weekend and hosts events through the year. Spring and fall are the best seasons for Vickery Creek’s trails.
Nearby and Trip Planning
Roswell runs right into Alpharetta to the north, and it is a short drive to Marietta. The Chattahoochee River’s national recreation area has more trails and river access nearby. See our Fulton County page and outdoor things to do in Atlanta for more.
Make this trip yours
Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan around metro Atlanta, with a map, directions and stops you can swap.
Plan my tripCommon Questions
What is Roswell, GA known for?
Roswell is known for Canton Street’s restaurants, antebellum homes like Bulloch Hall and Barrington Hall, and the trails and mill ruins along Vickery Creek.
How far is Roswell from Atlanta?
Roswell is about 22 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 35 minutes by car without traffic.
Is there a waterfall in Roswell?
Yes. The Vickery Creek trails lead to the old Roswell Mill dam and the waterfall that spills over it.
Who lived at Bulloch Hall?
Major James Stephens Bulloch built Bulloch Hall in 1839. His daughter Mittie married Theodore Roosevelt Sr. in the house in 1853, and their son became President Theodore Roosevelt.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, prices and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- City of Roswell: Historic House Museums: hours, Smith Plantation status
- Visit Roswell: Canton Street, house tours, Barrington Hall gardens
- National Park Service: Chattahoochee River NRA: Vickery Creek trails
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.