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Big Trees Forest Preserve wilderness guide
Forest Preserve · GA

Big Trees Forest Preserve

Big Trees Forest Preserve is a small yet intriguing natural area offering walking paths and opportunities for quiet reflection amidst a suburban landscape.

Forest Preserve302+ Trails

Designation

Forest Preserve

Total Wilderness Area

30

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Big Trees Forest Preserve

Big Trees Forest Preserve is a small yet intriguing natural area offering walking paths and opportunities for quiet reflection amidst a suburban landscape.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Big Trees Forest Preserve is a 30-acre nature area located in the city of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This urban forest offers an escape into the natural world, showcasing beautiful tree specimens, some towering over 100 feet tall. The preserve harbors a diverse ecosystem, with active wildlife that includes deer, birds, and small mammals, delighting nature enthusiasts. Historically, the preserve has provided both preservation of natural resources and a recreational space for the local community. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained trails perfect for walking, running, or peaceful retreats away from the city's hustle. The preserve is also home to the Chattahoochee River watershed, which provides essential water quality benefits to the region. Key recreation opportunities include tranquil walks along its quiet paths, nature study, or simply unwinding under the canopy of towering trees. The peaceful atmosphere and ecological diversity make it a beloved spot for both casual tourists and locals seeking a serene environment for outdoor activities.

Field Guide · Forest Preserve
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Big Trees Forest Preserve

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area★ 7.8⌖ 3 miHiking
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Explore the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near Sandy Springs, GA. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and kayaking with family-friendly amenities within reach. Ideal for wildlife spotting, especially in spring and fall when the scenery is vibrant and the trails are inviting.

Whitewater Creek Trail★ 7.2⌖ 7 miHiking
Whitewater Creek Trail

Whitewater Creek Trail

Explore Georgia's Whitewater Creek Trail near Atlanta. This scenic trail along the Chattahoochee River offers a peaceful 2-mile walk through lush forests. Perfect for families, bird watchers, and photographers. Best enjoyed in spring and fall when the foliage is vibrant.

Hiking the East Palisades Trail in Atlanta★ 7.5⌖ 7 miHiking
Atlanta

Hiking the East Palisades Trail in Atlanta

Explore the East Palisades Trail in Atlanta along the Chattahoochee River, featuring a moderate 1.5-mile hike to a scenic river overlook. Ideal for photography and wildlife viewing, this trail offers views of lush forests and a unique bamboo grove.

Stone Mountain★ 8.4⌖ 16 miHiking
Stone Mountain

Stone Mountain

Explore the 1-mile trail to Stone Mountain's summit in Georgia for moderate hiking and stunning city views. Ideal for families, enjoy trails and historical carvings in Stone Mountain Park. Entrance fees apply.

Stone Mountain Park⌖ 17 miHiking
Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park

Explore the majestic Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain, GA. Hike the 1-mile summit trail of moderate difficulty for views of the Atlanta skyline, or enjoy a cable car ride. Ideal for family-friendly outings with historical explorations available too.

Lake Allatoona, Georgia★ 7.5⌖ 19 miBoating
Lake Allatoona

Lake Allatoona, Georgia

Experience Lake Allatoona in Georgia, with its ample space for boating and fishing. Enjoy hiking trails at Red Top Mountain State Park. Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts alike, with activities throughout spring and summer.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Dense tree canopy providing shade and a peaceful setting.✦ Diverse bird species that attract birdwatchers year-round.✦ Walking trails offering easy and moderate difficulty levels.✦ Educational signage and small outdoor classroom settings.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Big Trees Forest Preserve

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Big Trees Forest Preserve
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Big Trees Forest Preserve
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Big Trees Forest Preserve
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Big Trees Forest Preserve.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with parking lot available.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Big Trees Forest Preserve

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Sandy Springs
⌖ 2.99 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sandy Springs, Georgia

A vibrant suburban town offering lush parks, river adventures, and close access to Atlanta's urban amenities.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Roswell
⌖ 4.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roswell, Georgia

Historic southern town with vibrant outdoor opportunities including hiking, paddling, and biking along scenic riverways and parks.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Peachtree Corners
⌖ 8.41 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peachtree Corners, Georgia

A vibrant suburban town offering accessible green spaces and waterways ideal for casual outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities near metro Atlanta.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Alpharetta
⌖ 9.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Alpharetta, Georgia

A suburban town with a strong focus on family-friendly outdoor recreation, offering vibrant parks, trails, and waterways near metropolitan Atlanta.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Norcross
⌖ 9.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Norcross, Georgia

A welcoming suburban retreat with easy access to nature, blending small-town charm with diverse outdoor recreation close to metro Atlanta.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Marietta
⌖ 10.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marietta, Georgia

A historic town with easy access to outdoor trails, waterways, and parks offering a mix of urban and natural adventure experiences.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Big Trees Forest Preserve

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.