The Best Biking Trails for Families in the Atlanta Area

Arabia Mountain Path—Stonecrest area

Take I-20 about 20 miles east of Atlanta and you will find the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Here your family can jump on the 30-plus mile path at one of several places. We recommend the trails with less elevation like the trailhead at Panola Mountain State Park. Check out these handy bike tips from Arabia Mountain NHA's site for more details. 

The BeltLine—Atlanta

If you're looking for a trek that takes your family to parks, neighborhoods and restaurants, don't miss Atlanta's pride, the BeltLine. With so many miles of paved bike/pedestrian paths, you might not know where to start. We have two suggestions: Hop on the Eastside Trail at Ponce City Market and do a three-mile ride toward Reynoldstown with a pit stop at Old Fourth Ward Historic Park. For a picturesque one-mile ride (that you can do a few times), try the Northside Trail  at Tanyard Park. Check out this site for other options or the best section near you. 

Big Creek Greenway—Alpharetta, Roswell

Riders of all ages flock to this tree-lined path that connects Roswell to Alpharetta. Park on the south end at Big Creek Park in Roswell and follow the paved path (unless your family wants to brave the mountain bike trails).  For a quieter starting point, hop on at the Alpharetta YMCA. Both locations have restrooms and plenty of families utilizing the 15-plus miles of the tree-lined greenway. 

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Riders of all abilities will enjoy these family-friendly paths in Atlanta. Photo by the author

East Cobb Trail—Marietta

If you're looking for a simple, scenic and short ride, check out this two-mile path that includes East Cobb Park in Marietta. After your spin, let the kids explore the original and the all-abilities playgrounds.

Silver Comet Trail—Smyrna and beyond

Sure, this popular trail is 60-plus miles long and goes all the way from northwest Atlanta to Alabama, but don't let its size intimidate you. A good place to start is right at the beginning —the Mavell Road Trailhead in Cobb County. There you will find parking, restrooms, and easy access to the paved path.

Stone Mountain Path—Atlanta and beyond

Atlanta residents and visitors alike enjoy the 19-mile PATH because it takes them through sites of Atlanta—Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, and Stone Mountain. Families with young kids, however, might prefer to avoid the sections with road traffic and just do the five-mile loop around Stone Mountain. Make a day of it and hit the Stone Mountain Park attractions after your ride. Tip: If you don't plan to visit Stone Mountain Park, avoid the $15 parking charge and instead try street parking near Stone Mountain Village. 

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Take in the natural world along the Suwanee Creek Greenway. Photo courtesy of the Greenway

Suwanee Creek Greenway—Suwanee

Kids especially love this path in Gwinnett County because of all the marshland creatures—think fish, turtles and frogs. Start at Suwanee Creek Park and bike along the partly paved, partly boardwalked path to Martin Creek Park Trailhead. The round trip will earn your family four miles of biking.