Wild and Wonderful Roswell

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.