Take a Hike
My family and I like to spend time outdoors. I guess when you have two boys, you get used to the constant activity, and you better follow up your statement, “if you’re going to fight like that, take it outside!” And if you’ve read any of my other blogs, like Pillars of Health, then you know that exercise (and especially outdoor exercise) is important to our overall health and wellness. Exercise not only benefits our cardiovascular system as well as helping increase our bone density1, but spinal movement also influences the functionality of the brain. This is in part why movement for children is so important. Children need to move to help their brains develop, and that concept doesn’t stop as we get older.2,3 Even senior citizens have better brain function and cognition when exercises programs have been implemented in assisted living facilities.4,5 Adding to the importance of exercise, a study in Environmental Science and Technology found that just 5 minutes outdoors can do wonders for mental well-being, and that exercising outdoors helps produce a better mood than exercising indoors.
So here are some of my favorite spots - some for the hiking, some for the trail running, and some for the views, but all are for spending some quality time outdoors. And per our cubscout training, be sure to bring your six essentials: water, food, sun protection, first aid kit, whistle, and a flashlight.
Red Top Mountain: Talk about trails!!! This park has plenty. I’ve actually been able to get my ultra-marathon training runs done at this park without losing my mind too much 😊 I love it because the Iron Hill Trail is relatively flat, stroller friendly, has plenty of great pausing spots to get in the water, and isn’t too exhausting for littles – coming in at around a 3.5 mile loop. Bikes are allowed on the Iron Hill Trail, so just be mindful. The visitor center and lodge parking areas are close to some of the other main trails like Homestead and Sweet Gum which are a little more technical and hilly but are worth it for the views/
Parking is $5 for the Georgia State Park Pass, and you can purchase an annual parking pass and save on some campsites as well! (This pass can be used at all Georgia State Parks).
2. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield: This is probably one of the most popular hiking spots in the metro Atlanta area, but this park never disappoints. From being able to hike to the top of the mountain for the gorgeous views, or explore all 18 miles of trails, it has lots to see, do, and learn. The road to the top of the mountain is stroller friendly, but most of the trails are not. If you’re going on a weekend, get there early – it tends to get busy.
Parking is $5 and it’s a different parking pass than the state parks. You can also purchase an annual pass.
3. Pine Mountain in Cartersville: Talk about technical trails – Pine Mountain has them. I haven’t really found a stroller friendly route, but again, there are some stunning views which are worth the hike such as the highest point in Cartersville. There are east and west loops, and a couple of parking areas to access them. These trails can also connect you to Cooper’s Furnace and the Allatoona Dam. You can hike anywhere from 1.5 – 6 miles if you connect all the trails. Even if you don’t want to hike, drive up to the Allatoona Dam visitor center, and take in the gorgeous views. It’s definitely worth it.
4. Leone Hall Price Park: I love when a little oasis can be found just a few steps from the hustle and bustle of the day. This park is located just off of Stilesboro Rd. and has some stroller friendly and non-stroller friendly routes that range from .5 – 1 mile. The trails lead down to the water where kids can splash and play. I would suggest bringing some snacks and water shoes because your kids are going to want to hang out and play in the water!
5. Pickets Mill Battlefield: This is another hidden oasis just off of a main road. There are over 4 miles of trails, but there are several loops of varying distances you can do. Some of the trails lead down to water, and kids can splash and play for a little bit too. Again, not all the trails are entirely stroller friendly. My kids always like to look for General Beauregard, a stuffed bear who likes to hide out on the trails and moves around frequently 😉 Maybe you can spot him!
Parking is $5 for the Georgia State Park Pass, and you can purchase an annual parking pass and save on some campsites as well! (This pass can be used at all Georgia State Parks).
There are some honorable mention trails that are also worth exploring, such as:
Now, I can’t mention all of these great places without talking about the Canyon Climbers Club!
“Georgia's Canyon Climbers Club is for those few who want to scale to the top of Amicalola Falls, explore the floor of Providence Canyon, brave the swinging bridge in Tallulah Gorge and master the staircase in Cloudland Canyon.”
This club is sponsored by the Georgia State Parks system, and is a great way to get the family excited about visiting some of Georgia’s most beautiful trails. When you join the club, they mail you a shirt that you can wear while you hike, and as you visit the following parks:
You can get your “passport” checked at the visitor centers, and once completed, you earn some awesome bragging rights and a certificate of completion. Take as long as you what to complete all the hikes (it has taken us quite a bit to schedule these excursions, but it’s so worth it). Word to the wise…..there are stairs at most of the parks……..children will whine about climbing the stairs…….but they will be fine – LOL!
I hope you’ve learned of some new spots to visit with your family. Make a weekend out of it, and enjoy the outdoors because NATURE NEVER DISAPPOINTS 😊
Got a fun place you and your family like to visit? Made it to one of the parks I mentioned? Be sure to tell me about it next time you’re in the office. And follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more pictures and info about fun ways to #optoutside!
~Dr. Shannon