Spring is the perfect time of year for getting outside. With nature at its best and the weather not too hot, a hike is an enjoyable activity for families and their dogs. There are several hiking trails near Atlanta that are dog-friendly. Some of our favorites are:
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park is located in Lithia Springs, Georgia, a short drive west of Atlanta. The Sweetwater Creek trail system takes you and your pup through a lush forest landscape to the beautiful whitewater rapids of the Sweetwater Creek. The trails vary in difficulty and are unpaved so you never have to worry about burned paws! The trails range from 2-6 miles.
Davidson-Arabia Mountain Trails
Arabia Mountain is located in Lithonia, Georgia, east of Atlanta and just a few miles outside of I-285. This gem of wide-open granite offers hours of exploration for you and your dog. There are paved and unpaved trails where you can enjoy a diversity of landscapes, such as forests, granite outcrops, lakes, and of course the mountain itself. The mountain top provides a 360-degree view, including downtown Atlanta. Plan a late afternoon hike with your dog and enjoy watching a spectacular sunset from the top of Arabia Mountain. The trail to the mountaintop is 1.3 miles from parking. There are also nearby paved trails which are part of the PATH trail system connecting DeKalb and Rockdale Counties where 7000 acres of green space have been paved for your enjoyment.
Cascade Trail and Wilburn Farm Trail
Cascade Trail is a 3.25 mile trail in DeKalb County that allows you to explore small waterfalls and wide-open grasslands. The trail takes you to the ruins of an old farmhouse and along the banks of a small, grassy pond. This trail includes a pretty good hike uphill, so bring plenty of water. Your dog will have a blast chasing bugs and lizards. You might even see a deer or two. Be sure to take bug spray as this trail is grassy and ticks are abundant.
Big Haynes Creek Nature Center
In Conyers, Georgia, where Smith Farms Dog Kennels is located, the Big Haynes Creek Nature Center located at the Georgia Horse Park, offers walking trails where dogs are welcome. The trails are unpaved, but well-manicured and take hikers around a beautiful tree-lined lake often abundant with geese and ducks. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy while sitting on the dog overlooking the lake. The trail offers several forks that take you through lush forest and hill and along Big Haynes Creek.
What to Bring for Your Dog
Before you leave, there are some things you must pack before you leave: First, your dog must be on a leash. Second, bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl, and a few nutritious doggy snacks if you plan on long hikes. Make sure that your dog has a collar with an identification tag and/or a microchip just in case he gets lost. Always bring plastic bags for cleaning up your pup’s messes. Lastly, bring a canine first aid kit just in case your baby gets injured. Optional gear includes a reflective dog jacket or small light that attaches to your dog’s collar. If your pup is small, you might consider a backpack dog carrier in case he gets too worn out on his adventure.
If your pup gets fleas or ticks while hiking, we also provide dog baths with top-of-the-line products. Ask for our flea and tick treatment. We also offer outdoor activities for your dog to enjoy at our Doggie Daycare if you are unable to take your dog for a hike. Smith Farms Dog Kennels is conveniently located in beautiful Conyers, Georgia in Rockdale County, just a short drive from Loganville, Decatur, Covington, McDonough, Lithonia, and Monroe.
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