Outdoor Adventures

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for some outdoor fun for a change of scenery, there are no limits to all of the fun and beautiful adventures that await in DeKalb.

Only 11 miles from Atlanta, DeKalb is within driving distance from many Southeastern locations, so you can bring all of your outdoor gear (and your family and friends) with you. Check out accommodations here.

Take A Walk (Or A Hike) On The Wild Side

Hiking in DeKalb offers unique and one-of-a-kind experiences and is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Stone Mountain Park

You can’t visit DeKalb without checking out Georgia’s most-visited attraction, Stone Mountain Park. A 3,200 acre natural wonderland, Stone Mountain Park attracts millions (!) of hikers, runners, birders and cyclists every year. There are 15 miles of wooded hiking and walking trails, including the one mile Walk-Up Trail to the summit, which peaks at 1,683 feet above sea level. On a clear day, this is THE Insta-worthy view of the Atlanta skyline. More information.

Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area

Home to a 2,550-acre nature preserve with majestic hills, forested areas and quiet lakes that surround the granite outcrops. Self-guided tours are available on marked trails, offering various difficulty levels and length of time.

The Arabia PATH network features over 30 miles of paved paths that wind gracefully through rock outcroppings, flower fields and streams. The trail system is perfect for walkers and runners, with awesome photo opportunities around every corner. More information.

Henderson Park

Tucker’s serene green escape includes over six miles of hiking trails, including paved sections and a 1.75-mile loop around Lake Erin. You’ll discover birds, wildlife and native plants and trees as you wind through the path. The hike is easy-to-moderate with unpaved wooded trails, a small creek crossing, along with bridges and a boardwalk. More information.

The PATH Trail

A series of off-roads trails in and around Atlanta ideal for walkers, cyclists, runners and skaters. The trails connect neighborhood from Stone Mountain to downtown Atlanta with over 250 miles of trail to explore. The PATH Foundation trail is designed to link significant cultural, scenic, natural and historic sites and is the best way to Discover DeKalb. More information.

Paddles Up!

Stone Mountain Park

Are you ready to try paddle boarding in DeKalb? Or spend a blissful afternoon in a kayak or canoe beneath the shade of the granite mountain? The REI Boathouse rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and canoes for outdoor enthusiasts to fully enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of the lake at Stone Mountain. Please be sure to call in advance to see if the REI Boathouse has resumed their operations: (404) 859-3800 (or just bring your own craft!). More information.

South River Water Trail

The South River includes part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The River stretches from just north of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Jackson Lake, as it winds through DeKalb. The river is a major wildlife area and its rich history includes Native American settlements. More information.

Pine Lake – As the smallest city in DeKalb, Pine Lake is “micropolitan.” Community activities center around Pine Lake and its surrounding marsh fields. Bring your non-motorized canoe or kayak and cruise around the beautiful lake. There is a put-in adjacent to the swim area berm, just east of the Beach House. More information.

Ride And Shine

Cycling around DeKalb County is an enjoyable adventure with scenic views and challenging rides. Bike DeKalb, partnering with Bicycle Tours of Atlanta and RideWith GPS, offers turn-by-turn navigation for rides throughout the county along with detailed information about each loop. Bike DeKalb routes include Decatur, Clarkston, Druid Hills and Stone Mountain. More information.

Stone Mountain Park

Bicycles are a great way to discover everything Stone Mountain has to offer and take in all the scenic views. Cyclists will enjoy paved roadways with a dedicated bicycle lane on Robert E. Lee Blvd. on the back side of the mountain. Bikes are permitted during daylight hours and after dark with proper lights. Bikes and other motorized vehicles (including scooters) are not allowed on the mountain, sidewalks, or any unpaved nature or hiking trails.

Interested in new, fun ways to tour and explore Stone Mountain Park? Don’t miss out on Segway Tours and Electric Bike Rentals by Atlanta Adventure Tours offered at the Waterfront Boathouse. Glide around the park on a fully narrated Segway® Personal Transporter (PT) tour, take an E-bike tour, or explore on your own with a quality Pedego Electric Bike rental. There are a variety of exciting options to discover the park at your own speed, for an easy, enjoyable ride. Tours and bike rentals are all offered at the Waterfront (please note that operations may temporarily be affected due to COVID-19). More information

Arabia Mountain Heritage Area

Over 30 miles of trails are open to bicyclists to see 400 million years in the making, including a connection to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit. The PATH Foundation has been building a network of off-road trails in and around Atlanta for walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters for more than 25 years. More information.

Reel It In

Cast a line in one of DeKalb’s lakes that offers unique and one-of-a-kind experiences and is a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Stone Mountain Park

Have you ever fished beneath the shade of a granite mountain? Anglers can spend a relaxing day fishing for five types of fish including bass, carp, crappie, catfish and bream. Private boats are allowed on the lake each day of the week during daylight hours. Boats must be launched from the Public Boat Ramp located near the Evergreen Pavilion. A valid State of Georgia fishing license is required. More information.

Henderson Park

Lake Erin provides excellent fishing opportunities including bass, bream, catfish and crappie, in the City of Tucker. The lake is located at Henderson Park, which consists of approximately 120 acres, just minutes from Tucker’s vibrant Main Street. Main Street Tucker offers a nice variety of nearby restaurants and shopping. A valid State of Georgia fishing license is required. More information.

Pine Lake

A quiet day fishing on the lake is one of life’s more simpler joys. Pine Lake is stocked with catfish and brim for a full day of fun. Catch and release is encouraged, but if you take fish home, be sure they are of legal size. A valid State of Georgia fishing license is required. More information.

Dekalb Is For The Birds

Birders flock to DeKalb because of the undisturbed natural areas that attracts a variety of local species such as Indigo Buntings, Yellow-Breasted Chats, Bluebirds and migratory birds such as Wood Warblers.

Stone Mountain Park’s Songbird Habitat & Trail

This beautiful habitat sits on the site of the former 1996 Summer Olympic Games venue for Archery and Cycling. Take a one-mile journey as you see (and hear) beautiful songbirds. More information.

Pine Lake

In addition to the trails around the lake, there are two beautiful paths on either side of the lake. The Eastern and Western Wetlands Trails will take you through a wonderful ecosystem designed to slow down the water before and after it goes into the lake in order to naturally cleanse out chemicals and other impurities. This is a favorite hang-out for all kinds of wildlife, especially birds. More information.

Henderson Park

Henderson Park was a recipient of a Habitat Restoration Grant from Atlanta Audubon to implement bird-friendly habitats along the Native Plants and Wildlife Walk, providing a beautiful sanctuary for birds. Fall migrants, warblers, tanagers, flycatchers and many other species can be spotted here. More information.

And Birdies

Georgia is known as having some of the best golf courses in the country. With the Masters being held in Augusta every year, it’s no surprise that the entire state is covered in beautiful greens with backdrops of azaleas, pines and lakes. DeKalb is home to the annual TOUR Championship, which brings the excitement of championship golf to the East Lake Golf Club. DeKalb has six prestigious golf courses that attract pros and recreational players alike. Georgia has always been an ideal state for the outdoors. With its beautiful summers and mild winters, it’s the perfect climate for teeing up.

East Lake Golf Club

East Lake Golf Club is the home course of legendary golfer Bobby Jones and is the oldest golf course in the city of Atlanta as well as the permanent home of the TOUR Championship. More information.

Stone Mountain Golf Club

Located in one of the most popular attractions in Georgia, Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain Golf Club features two championship golf courses and offers scenic views of historic Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain Lake. More information.

Heritage Golf Links

Nominated as one the “Best New Golf Courses in America” by Golf Digest magazine the year it opened, Heritage Golf Links still boasts one of the highest slope ratings in Georgia. The golf course at Heritage Golf Links is designed around a 20-acre lake, with water in play on several holes. The course’s rolling terrain and dramatic elevation changes provide stunning vistas, and golfers of every skill level love playing our challenging yet fun layout. More information.

Smoke Rise Country Club

Situated in the shadow of Stone Mountain and home to Emory University’s Golf Program, Smoke Rise Country Club’s course is a scenic delight. More information.