For residents in and around the Atlanta area, a wilderness
experience is closer than you think! Roswell, Georgia brings outdoor excitement
close to the city with its 30-mile trail system, natural parks, historic walks,
and easy access to the Chattahoochee River.
At Roswell’s parks along the river, a seven-mile path and
brand new boardwalk are perfect for enjoying the Georgia weather in any season,
whether you prefer walking, running, or cycling. In the spring and summer,
Riverside Park also hosts live concerts that are free to the public, combining
the outdoors with music, food, and fun. For more historic sights, visitors can
head to the Vickery Creek Trail (also known as the Old Mill Park). This family-friendly
hike passes the 1853 mill ruins, as well as a waterfall created by the Roswell
mill spillway. Informational signs along the path offer commentary on the
history of the mills, but for the more enthusiastic historian, detailed
information can be found at the Roswell Visitor’s Center.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) and
Chattahoochee Nature Center also provide visitors with excellent opportunities
for outdoor enjoyment. At the CRNRA headquarters, located at Island Ford, a
riverside trail exhibits some of the calmer sections of the Chattahoochee, as
well as cave-like rock overhangs along the bank. Explorers can climb in and
among the formations, which were likely used by some of the earliest residents
of the Chattahoochee River valley.
For a more interactive experience, stop by the Chattahoochee
Nature Center, the oldest natural science learning center in the Southeast with
over 127 acres of native plants and gardens. The Nature Center frequently hosts
events for children, families, and adults, as well as special events throughout
the year that include festivals, themed hikes, fundraisers, a holiday market,
and “Family Fun Days.” In addition, over 50 animals, from eagles and owls, to
beavers and snakes, call the Nature Center their home.
After a full day exploring Roswell’s wild side, finish off
your adventure on Canton Street in the Historic District, where modern spirit
and Southern soul come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and more family-friendly events ensure
that any time of year, Roswell is the place to be.