3 Epic Day Trips from Atlanta: A Local’s Tips
Want to escape the city for a while? Discover the Peach State with three amazing day trips from Atlanta!
These fun (and kid-friendly!) destinations offer great things to do outdoors in north Georgia. I grew up in the greater Atlanta area, so I’m really excited to share some of my childhood experiences with you.
Whether you’re just passing through or you’re living nearby, you won’t want to miss this. Read on to explore the beauties of northern Georgia in three outdoorsy day trips!
My Favorite Day Trips From Atlanta (and Tennessee!)
Here are my top three (nature-oriented) excursions in north Georgia. They are listed in no particular order, I might add. I love them all, although Cloudland Canyon has a slight advantage.
- Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
- Rock City
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
All three locations are very child-friendly, all of them have some wheelchair accessibility, and they are all about a 2-hour drive from Atlanta. Rock City and Cloudland Canyon are pet-friendly, too, if you are looking for day trips from Atlanta with dogs.
These destinations are also an easy distance from Chattanooga, Tennessee (30 min for Rock City and Cloudland Canyon and a little over an hour and a half for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway). You can even make Rock City and Cloudland Canyon into day trips from Nashville (just over 2 hours).
Now let’s dive right in and hear all about my favorite day trips from Atlanta!
Day Trip #1: Blue Ridge Scenic Railway
One of the most beautiful day trips from Atlanta is the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Built in 1886 for cargo and passenger travel, the railroad has functioned as a scenic route since 1998. The 26-mile round-trip journey starts in Blue Ridge, Georgia and takes you to the sister towns of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee.
On the way, you can enjoy views of the north Georgia woods and the Toccoa River. As you can see from my photos, it was a bit stormy the day we rode the train, but we still had a lot of fun. This is a great, kid-friendly excursion. The train captain even came to say hi and take photos with my little sisters and cousins!
Blue Ridge Scenic Railway: Quick Facts & Tips
- Where: Blue Ridge, Georgia; approximately 2 hours from Atlanta
- Ticket Cost (for Coach): $47 per adult, $32 per child in the summer (prices vary by season)
- Time Needed: 2 or 4 hours, depending on which option you choose
- Free parking: yes!
- Wheelchair accessible: yes; call to book tickets for the proper carriage
- Website: brscenic.com
It is best to purchase tickets in advance. We rode in coach, which is cheaper and also more fun, in my opinion, because the cars are open air. That way we could feel the fresh breeze on our faces and get a better look at our surroundings! Snacks are available for purchase, and you can bring your own goodies, too.
There is a 2-hour journey and a 4-hour journey. I highly recommend the 4-hour option, because it includes a two-hour stop in McCaysville/Copperhill. These cute sister towns have a variety of restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat before your train ride back to Blue Ridge. We ate at the Copper Grill, and it was quite tasty.
And don’t forget to walk around McCaysville/Copperhill! The Georgia/Tennessee state line is a great spot for a photo-op, as is the Old Steel Bridge (built in 1911). You can also buy some souvenirs at the Riverwalk Shops.
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is still running during the pandemic, but all passengers are required to wear masks and fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire.
Day Trip #2: Rock City + Lookout Mountain
What is Rock City? This unique location combines stunning natural views with whimsical decorations and stories. You walk along the Enchanted Trail (.75 miles) and pass through ravines, over bridges, and under hanging stones.
On the way, you can admire the gorgeous scenery from several different lookout points. The highlight is Lover’s Leap, where – according to Native American legend – the tragic love story of a Chickasaw warrior and a Cherokee maiden came to an end.
You can look out and see seven states! This is definitely one of the best scenic views in Georgia.
The path ends in the Fairyland Caverns, caves full of displays from different fairytales and nursery rhymes.
Rock City: Quick Facts & Tips
- Where: Lookout Mountain, Georgia, just across the border from Tennessee; approximately 2 hours from Atlanta
- Entry Cost: $21.95 per adult, $12.95 per child
- Time Needed: around 1.5 hours (unless you stop for lunch!)
- Free parking: yes!
- Wheelchair accessible: partially; the main overlook (Lover’s Leap) can be accessed
- Pet Friendly: yes!
- Website: seerockcity.com
Free wi-fi is available at the site, and there are several restaurants and coffee shops where you can stop to eat a meal or grab a snack. And don’t miss the gift shop, which has lots of cute souvenirs. Most popular are the red barns with “See Rock City” on them.
Note: in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visitors must reserve tickets reserve tickets online in advance. They must also wear face coverings and observe social distancing guidelines.
Bonus: Lookout Mountain is the home of two other major attractions as well. You can read my review of the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. And then there is Ruby Falls; I’ve never been there myself, but it sounds really cool. You can spend the whole day in the area!
Day Trip #3: Cloudland Canyon State Park
My final suggestion for a day trip from Atlanta is a place near and dear to my heart: Cloudland Canyon State Park, located on the side of Lookout Mountain. Yes, this is the same Lookout Mountain that hosts Rock City. The northwest corner of Georgia is really loaded with natural attractions!
Cloudland Canyon State Park has it all: an amazing canyon with breathtaking views (over 1000 feet deep!), beautiful waterfalls tumbling over sandstone cliffs, and hiking trails of all different levels. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a family with kids, you can find a trail that is right for you.
My family visited Cloudland Canyon over a dozen times during my childhood, and every time was just as magical. My favorite trails are 1) the West Rim Loop Trail, which guides you around the rim of the canyon and offers lots of fun rocks to climb on and 2) the Waterfalls Trail, a steep descent to Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls.
Cloudland Canyon: Quick Facts & Tips
- Where: Rising Fawn, Georgia; approximately 2 hours from Atlanta
- Entry Cost: $5 per private vehicle
- Time Needed: however long you want to hike for
- Wheelchair accessible: partially; the Overlook Trail is paved and offers a view of the canyon
- Pet Friendly: yes!
- Website: gastateparks.org/cloudlandcanyon
Cloudland Canyon also features mountain biking trails, geocaching, and a disc golf course ($4 per person per round). The park is roughly two hours north of Atlanta, so you can make a day of it and enjoy the gorgeous northern Georgia scenery along with the activities of your choice.
Cloudland Canyon is one of the best day trips from Atlanta, but it is also an excellent place for a weekend getaway. To learn more about this beautiful state park, you can read my full post on Cloudland Canyon.
Cloudland Canyon is open during COVID-19, although the number of people allowed into the park may be controlled.
Day Trips from Atlanta: Final Thoughts
These three sites are some of the coolest day trips from Atlanta! Definitely add them to your bucket list, and I hope you will have a chance to visit them soon. They showcase the beauty of north Georgia and give you a chance to enjoy being in nature. I can’t wait to go back myself!
One of the major bonuses for all three sites is that they are ideal for children as well as adults. So you can turn it into a family adventure! Furthermore, as I mentioned, Rock City and Cloudland Canyon allow pets, so you can bring your dog along for the fun.
And if you are more of a beach person, you might like Myrtle Beach State Park on the South Carolina coast. It’s the perfect place for a beautiful and relaxing weekend getaway!
Have you been to any of these attractions? What did you think of them?
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I love posts like this.. I have never heard of Rock City, but the next time I pass through the area on my way to FLA, I think we need to stop! thanks for the recommendations 🙂
I’m so glad you liked the post, Jennifer! Yes, Rock City definitely deserves a stop 🙂
Never been anywhere near Atlanta. But if I ever get to go, will surely consider these day trips, especially #2
I hope you have the chance to visit one day, Ced!