Cumming, Georgia, is only about 40 minutes away from Atlanta, and it’s surrounded by beautiful scenery. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy nature, get some exercise, and have fun. Here are some of the best parks and preserves in the area.
Sawnee Mountain Preserve
This place covers 963 acres, and it has hiking trails, a treetop canopy walk, rock climbing, a playground, two picnic pavilions, and environmental education for kids. You can visit the Indian Seats, a natural rock formation with beautiful views of the mountains nearby. The leaves look stunning in the fall, and it’s a great place for photos. Signs along the trail and exhibits in the visitor center give more information about the history of the area, and you can go canoeing or kayaking. The visitor center is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Little Ridge Park
At Little Ridge Park on the shore of Lake Lanier, you can have a picnic or go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, or hiking. The paths have great views of the lake, and there’s a dock for boats nearby. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the lake in the 1950s, and it’s used for power production, flood protection, recreation, and fish and wildlife management.
Mary Alice Park
This park is also on the shores of Lake Lanier, and it has plenty of boat ramps, pavilions with picnic tables, and grills. There’s also a sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming and grassy areas with lots of shade. People often go fishing, water skiing, and wakeboarding as well. Mary Alice Park is near many restaurants and stores, and it’s open in summer from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Pets and alcohol aren’t allowed.
Caney Creek Preserve
This place has a playground with a giant spider web where kids can climb, two fenced-in areas for dogs, a natural amphitheater, two picnic pavilions, a 1.5-mile nature trail next to the creek, and restrooms. There’s even a wooden teepee. Caney Creek Preserve is open March through October from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and it closes at 7 p.m. from November to February.
Fowler Park
Visit Fowler Park for batting cages, a lacrosse field, two playgrounds with swings, basketball courts, softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, and picnic pavilions. There’s also a skate park, a recreation center, a paved walking trail, 12 tennis courts, a dog park, and more. This park covers 85 acres, and it has 10 acres of green space.
Amicalola Falls State Park
This popular park is in Dawsonville, around 20 minutes away from Cumming, and pets are welcome. It covers 829 acres, and it’s part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The spectacular Amicalola Falls is 729 feet high, and you can fish for trout in the pool at the bottom. Campsites for RVs and tents as well as cozy cabins are available, and the visitor center is open every day from 8:30 to 5 p.m.
Check out these interesting places to see local wildlife and spend time with friends and family members. You can also enjoy warm weather and try out fun new activities.
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