Walk on the Wild Side

Tired of cookie-cutter restaurants and attractions? Ready to get back to nature, but still enjoy the amenities of a city? Roswell, Georgia, is just the place for you to “Walk on the Wild Side.”

One of the most beautiful areas in Roswell is the City's Vickery Creek Park. This park has an interpretive walk highlighting the old mill ruins of Roswell and allows visitors to get close to Vickery Creek and its dam. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is linked by the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge.Throughout Roswell you will find numerous trails that allow you to enjoy the history and the natural beauty of the area.The 7-mile linear park along the Chattahoochee River provides the opportunity to follow one of Georgia's most unique resources as it winds its way through Roswell. Playgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, fishing, and more. To enjoy the Chattahoochee River visit Azalea Park on Azalea Drive, Don White Memorial Park on Riverside Road; and Riverside Park on Riverside Road.

Some fun places to visit while you’re walking the trails in Roswell include:
Lover's Rock
This rock shelter is a scenic and cultural resource similar to others found along the Chattahoochee & its tributaries. The shelters were used by Native American inhabitants as living quarters. Located at the end of the old railroad cut.

Vickery Creek & Dam
A 30-foot dam and millrace were constructed on Vickery Creek in the mid-to-late 1830s to supply power for the mills. The trail to view the dam and the old mill ruins begins at the old Machine Shop and the Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge. It is recommended you wear proper hiking shoes.

Machine Shop
The 1853 Machine Shop is the only extant building left of the original 1839 Roswell Manufacturing Company. The building is a two story brick building and is late Georgian in style. The trail to the left of the Machine Shop will lead to the old mill ruins and the dam.

Vickery Creek Covered Pedestrian Bridge
This bridge was constructed in 2005 to connect Vickery Creek Park and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, just across the creek. The National Park property contains Allenbrook, an antebellum home constructed between 1845 and1857.

Laurel/Ivy Mill
These remains are located on Big Creek near its confluence with the Chattahoochee River. The woolen mill was burned by federal troops in 1864, during the Atlanta Campaign. Mill workers, mainly women and children, were sent north after Roswell's capture so that their skills would not benefit the Confederacy. The mill stood from about 1855 until 1864 and then was rebuilt by Barrington King and his son, James Roswell King.

Trail maps are available at the Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell, GA 30075.

But wait, there’s more:

Chattahoochee Nature Center – 9135 Willeo Road: The Chattahoochee Nature Center is the oldest and largest private non-profit natural science learning center in the Southeast. This environmental sanctuary encompasses 27 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens. The Center grows more than 50% of the rare and endangered plant species found in Georgia, in their gardens. Some gardens reflect Georgia's Living Wetlands, depicting 5 different wetland habitats that are threatened throughout the State of Georgia. A Butterfly Garden, Bog Garden with carnivorous plants, river boardwalk, and woodland trails add to the experience. During the year, guided hikes are offered, canoeing trips, and other fun events.

Roswell Skate Park – 830 Grimes Bridge Road: Skateboarders and in-line skaters can experience half pipes, quarter pipes, ramps, and rails. Helmets, knee pads (or long pants), shirts and shoes (skateboarders) are required. Elbow and wrist pads are encouraged. Park is open seven days a week with the exception of rain or other wet weather conditions. Skate park hours are subject to change so call 770-641-3996 for daily hours. Daily rates and quarterly passes are available.

Canoes - Kayaks - Rafts
Jump in a raft, canoe, kayak, tube or pedal boat and take a fun and relaxing trip down the Chattahoochee River. Choose from ½ mile, 3-mile or 6-mile trips. Shuttle service is available. A concession stand is also available for your convenience. Call 770-650-1008 for more information.

Trail Bikes
Trail Bikes are available to rent for the entire family. For more information call 770-650-1008.

The East Roswell Park Disc Golf Course – 9000 Fouts Road
This course is a wooded 18-hole course that provides challenging and fun play for all ages and abilities. We have 3 sets of tees per hole to allow enjoyment from the beginner to the professional. This course is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the top places to play in the area. Come experience what many touring pros and local players consider the most fun and challenging layout around.

Hembree Park Campsite – 850 Hembree Road, 770-569-9746
Make reservations now for your family, group or organization to spend the night at Hembree Park. Located just off the trail, this camping area features multiple tent pads of various sizes as well as a designated campfire site. Enjoy sing-a longs, roasting marshmallows, ghost stories and sleeping under stars!

Lodging - Roswell has a room for you
Whether you seek quiet, easy-going convenience or modern, business-friendly pampering of a quality hotel, Roswell has a room for you. Our safe, clean and inviting accommodations are perfect for families and business travelers alike. Stay a week, or just a day-enjoy all of the modern amenities we have to offer. The Roswell Convention & Visitors Bureau will be happy to assist you in planning your next stay in Roswell. 770-640-3253 or toll-free: 800-776-7935

Check out all of your lodging options at www.visitroswellga.com/lodging.html