Atlanta's Scenic Nature Preserve Offers A Quiet Escape With An Enchanting Trail

If you're hoping to relax outdoors during your trip to Atlanta, you should probably plan on visiting Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve. Atlanta, Georgia is one of America's fastest growing cities. Civil Rights history, a thriving music scene, one of the busiest airports in the world, some of the worst traffic in the country, and epic museums are just a few things Atlanta is famous for. The massive metropolis attracts tourists and business travelers from around the world. According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, it was America's twelfth most visited city in 2025. Over 700,000 international tourists visit each year, and so do thousands of domestic travelers — but most of them don't venture far from the city center.

Atlanta might not be on the top of your travel bucket list if you're longing to feel immersed in nature, but that doesn't mean you won't find some gorgeous green spaces to explore. In-the-know travelers head straight to Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve when they're in need of a quiet escape.

If you're planning a trip to Atlanta and need a break from the city, look toward Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve. Located on the southeastern outskirts of the city, the 216-acre preserve offers visitors a natural oasis full of towering trees. As you hike along the trail or relax under the shaded canopy, you might even forget that you're minutes away from one of America's largest metropolitan areas.

Atlanta was once nicknamed "the city in a forest" due to its lush woodlands, but over the years urban sprawl has led to extreme deforestation. An article by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the city has lost around a half-acre of trees every day since 2008. The Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve is one of the biggest mature forests left there. Within its 216 acres there are more than 60,000 trees. Locals and conservation groups fought hard to protect the forest, and now the area serves as a natural retreat that can be reached from downtown Atlanta in around 20 minutes.

According to The Conservation Fund, Lake Charlotte Nature Preserve was one of Atlanta's largest "green-space acquisitions" ever. The woods contain several species of trees including white oaks, beach trees, and shagbark hickories. Visitors can enjoy hiking on a well-maintained loop trail that's about two miles long. Walking the entire path at a leisurely pace will take about an hour. Visitors who reviewed the hike on AllTrails mentioned that the path was wide and easy to follow. Some visitors were able to spot wildlife, and several mentioned that the preserve wasn't overly crowded. There are also some interesting remnants of structures from the 1920's scattered throughout the property.

According to reviews, parking is limited. You'll have to find street parking along Forrest Park Road. If you'd prefer to take public transportation, the Route 55 MARTA bus has a stop about a half-mile from the preserve's entrance.