Sitting Pretty: 5 Perfect Picnic Spots in Atlanta

Who needs a table and service to enjoy a meal, anyways? While we love our Atlanta restaurants, sometimes a little picnic is just what the doctor (or perhaps, mayor) ordered. Whether you’re avoiding dining rooms in restaurants or at home, we’ve got Atlanta’s best picnic spots picked-out, below.

photo: Shem I. via Yelp

Sweetwater Creek State Park

You won't believe the beautiful rapids and duck ponds at Sweetwater Creek State Park, located just west of Atlanta, are so close to visit. Take a hike to Civil War-era ruins, and during spring and summer, rent canoes, stand-up paddleboards and boats—after you pack up your picnic, of course.

1750 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Lithia Springs
Online: gastateparks.com

photo: iStock

Roger's Bridge Park

Adjacent to the Chattahoochee, Gwinnett County’s Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth has running trails, an historic steel bridge, and ample greenspace.

4291 Rogers Bridge Rd.
Duluth
Online: duluthga.net

photo: Chris B. via Yelp

Piedmont Park

Just because it's well known doesn't mean there aren't perfect picnic spots just begging for your blanket and basket to pay them a visit. We like the Promenade for its easy proximity to the parking deck and Gardens, but if you want to wander, head towards 10th St. and the Eastern-most side of the lake.

10th & Monroe Ave.
Midtown
Online: piedmontpark.org

photo: Melanie M. via Yelp

Sope Creek Park

Three miles of trails lead to the ruin of a Civil War-era paper mill, surrounded by a forest, streams and ponds. After your picnic, set your kiddos loose on the boulders and waterfalls that you can find along the trails.

3760 Paper Mill Rd.
Marietta
Online: nps.gov

photo: Kiran T. via Yelp

Vickery Creek

With a wooden covered bridge, historic remnants of the Roswell Mill, and over five miles of trails through a forest and past waterfalls, Vickery Creek promises plenty to do beyond the basket.

85 Mill St.
Roswell
Online: atlantatrails.com

—Shelley Massey

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