The Best Parks for One Last Summer Adventure

Summer may be winding down, but DeKalb County isn’t ready to head inside just yet. There’s still time to squeeze in one more picnic, one more trail, one more afternoon by the water—and maybe one more adventure before fall takes over.

Whether you’re looking for a full day outdoors or just need an excuse to soak up the last bit of summer sunshine, these DeKalb parks are ready for your one last summer adventure.

Stone Mountain Park | Stone Mountain

Go big for your summer finale! Stone Mountain Park makes it easy to turn an ordinary afternoon into a full adventure. Hike the famous Walk-Up Trail, explore miles of wooded trails, spread out a picnic near the lake, or simply find a spot to enjoy the views.

For families, couples, friend groups, or solo explorers, this is the kind of place where your “quick trip outside” can easily turn into an entire day.

Make it an adventure: Pack plenty of water, hit the trail early, and reward yourself with a relaxing picnic afterward.

Arabia Mountain | Stonecrest

If your ideal summer adventure includes incredible views and a little exploring, Arabia Mountain belongs on the list.

The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in metro Atlanta, with granite outcrops, peaceful trails, lakes and plenty of opportunities to slow down and take it all in. Walk or bike along the PATH, explore the mountain, and keep your camera ready—you’ll want photos.

Make it an adventure: Plan your visit around sunrise or later in the day for a completely different view of DeKalb.

Mason Mill Park | Decatur

Want a little bit of everything? Mason Mill Park delivers.

With wooded trails, boardwalks, playgrounds, picnic areas and connections to nearby trails, it’s an easy choice for families or anyone looking for a laid-back outdoor day. Take a walk beneath the trees, let the kids burn off some end-of-summer energy, or grab lunch nearby and turn your park visit into an afternoon outing.

Make it an adventure: Follow the trails and see where the day takes you instead of planning every stop.

Brook Run Park | Dunwoody

Brook Run Park is practically made for a “we’re not ready for summer to end” kind of day.

There’s plenty of room to move, play and explore, including trails, playgrounds, open green spaces, a skate park and more. Bring the bikes, pack a few snacks, round up the family and make an afternoon of it.

Make it an adventure: Challenge everyone to try something different—bike a new stretch of trail, bring a frisbee, hit the skate park or find the perfect shady picnic spot.

Henderson Park | Tucker

Sometimes the best summer adventures are the quiet ones.

Henderson Park offers trails, lake views, wooded areas and plenty of space to escape the rush for a while. It’s perfect for an easy hike, a family outing, some nature photography or an afternoon when you simply want to unplug.

Make it an adventure: Put the phone away for part of your walk and see how many birds, plants and little pieces of nature you notice along the way.

Your Summer Finale Starts Here

Before the backpacks come out, schedules fill up and pumpkin season officially takes over, give summer the send-off it deserves.

Pick a park. Pack the snacks. Grab your favorite people. And go make one more summer memory right here in DeKalb County.

Because the calendar might say summer is almost over, but DeKalb still has a little adventure left.