It’s referred to as Hotlanta for a purpose: Six months out of the 12 months, Georgia’s sweltering capital metropolis greater than lives as much as its moniker. However come fall and early winter, temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, mosquitos vanish, and recent, crisp air flows into the campsites and forests hidden all through the metro space. Whereas the remainder of the nation buckles down for dangerous climate—or wants specialised gear to maintain tenting—Atlanta stays an outdoor-lovers’ paradise all winter lengthy. Listed here are 5 of the very best locations to snag a weekend tenting journey inside an hour’s drive or much less.
Lake Allatoona
Situated 45 minutes northwest of Downtown Atlanta, Lake Allatoona is a wild maze of forested peninsulas, quiet coves, and sandy seashores, making it one among North Georgia’s favourite spots for a spontaneous weekend tenting journey. You’ll discover a handful of wooded campsites alongside the lake’s east facet. The McKinney Campground is the closest of the bunch to Atlanta and one of many few that’s open year-round. It’s additionally among the many greatest for waterfront tenting: A lot of MicKinney’s 150 websites provide tent-door views of the lake. Acquired a mountain bike? Try close by Allatoona Creek Park for a few of the space’s greatest using.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
This tranquil riverside park occupies greater than 5 miles of quiet waterfront alongside the Chattahoochee River, simply an hour southwest of Atlanta’s metropolis heart. It’s simply far-off from the metro bustle to really feel like a real escape—however not thus far that you just really feel such as you’ve acquired to take off work to make a weekend value it. Seize one of many campsites on the park’s western edge for the very best shoreline views. Or, for those who’re feeling a little bit extra adventurous, lease a canoe from a neighborhood clothing store.
Stone Mountain State Park
In the summertime, Stone Mountain is normally overrun with vacationers. However come fall and winter, the crowds empty out, leaving the sprawling Stone Mountain Park Campground blessedly calm. Reserve a yurt alongside the campground’s northern edge for five-star glamping and lakeside views, or go the adventurous route with a primitive tent website in the identical zone. On-site boat leases are unavailable by means of winter, however fishing is permitted year-round; pack a rod and reel and solid for crappie, catfish, carp, and bass.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek is probably the most visited state park in Georgia—and for good purpose. This small-but-mighty recreation space accommodates serene hardwood forest, miles of singletrack path, top-notch bass fishing, and even the ruins of a Civil Warfare-era mill. Better of all: You’ll solely have to drive a half-hour west of Downtown Atlanta to get there. Luckily, the crowds skinny because the leaves drop, making it simple to seek out solitude on winter weekends. Select from quite a lot of yurt, RV, and tent websites alongside the shore of the George Sparks Reservoir, and convey your mountaineering footwear: This park boasts greater than 15 miles of quiet, wooded trails.
Excessive Falls State Park
Named for its iconic tiered cascade, Excessive Falls State Park encompasses one among theTowaliga River’s most scenic miles. It’s additionally positioned simply an hour southeast of Atlanta, making it nicely inside putting distance for a weekend getaway. Go to the falls on a brief, 1.5-mile loop hike, then snag a tent or RV website alongside the park’s southern border. Personal a rod and reel? Make sure to tack on a facet journey to Towaliga Lake—simply north of the park—for a few of the greatest white- and hybrid-bass fishing within the state.
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