In Roswell, you can kayak, tube, or paddleboard along the gentle Chattahoochee River with rentals from Nantahala Outdoor Center. Explore scenic trails like Vickery Creek and Old Mill Park, featuring waterfalls and historic ruins. Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center to see rehabilitated wildlife and join outdoor education programs. Pick a bike-friendly path from leisurely greenways to challenging mountain trails. Plus, enjoy community events that bring nature and people together. There’s plenty more to explore beyond these highlights.
Exploring the Chattahoochee River: Kayaking, Tubing, and More
When you explore the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the water, from kayaking and paddleboarding to the popular tubing trips offered by Shoot the Hooch and Nantahala Outdoor Center. Both outfitters provide all the necessary equipment, including tubes, kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, ensuring your safety on the water. Tubing routes, like from Don White Memorial Park to Azalea Park, feature gentle currents with occasional mild rapids, ideal for a relaxing yet exciting float. One of the highlights is that Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the only on-site outfitter in Roswell, making it a convenient choice for tube rentals and guided trips. The Chattahoochee River Tubing has been reopened for the 2025 season starting May 17th, with online reservations now available for a smooth booking experience. Water temperatures stay between 55-65°F year-round, so dress accordingly. Nantahala Outdoor Center also offers flexible rental options, including hourly and half-day rentals for various skill levels, allowing visitors to tailor their river experience. Before you head out, check daily river conditions and dam releases, as they can impact your trip. Remember to book rentals and trips online in advance, and follow local guidelines to enjoy a safe, scenic adventure.
Top Scenic Trails and Hiking Spots in Roswell
You’ll love exploring Vickery Creek Trail, where rolling forests and historic mill ruins meet stunning waterfall views. Don’t miss the wooden covered bridge that offers beautiful creek sights right at the 3-mile mark. Plus, Old Mill Park and nearby boardwalks provide perfect spots to enjoy peaceful river views along your hike. The trail is highly accessible and well-mapped, making it great for everyone to enjoy gorgeous scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, making it a wonderful option for dog-friendly hikes. The loop covers a distance of 5.24 km, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
Vickery Creek Trail
Although the Vickery Creek Trail offers over five miles of hiking options, you can easily choose shorter loops that fit your schedule and fitness level. The trail features a main loop of about 3.8 miles that blends creekside paths with ridge trails rising 100 feet above the water. You’ll encounter landmarks like the historic Roswell Mill waterfall and a scenic covered bridge over Vickery Creek. The well-marked trail uses VC waypoints for easy navigation. Terrain varies from flat, smooth sections to steeper climbs, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water. About 80% of the trail consists of flat and easy sections, making it accessible to most hikers. The trail is a loop with some sections of technical footing, adding variety to the hike. The southern section offers an easier 1.7-mile round trip if you prefer a gentler hike. The trail is also family-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a great outdoor option for everyone. Always stay on marked paths, and take your time ascending the steeper areas for a safe, enjoyable experience.
Old Mill Park
Nestled in downtown Roswell, Old Mill Park offers an enchanting blend of history and nature right along the Chattahoochee River. You’ll find easy access to the Roswell Mill ruins and the impressive Vickery Creek Falls, visible from safe, designated viewpoints. The park’s well-marked trails accommodate various fitness levels, including wheelchair-accessible paths, though some are steep and don’t reach the waterfall. With numbered waypoints and clear intersections, navigation is straightforward, helping you stay on safe routes. Amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and a life jacket loaner station support a comfortable visit. A nearby picnic area invites you to relax after exploring. The trails also connect to the larger Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, offering extended outdoor opportunities. Whether you’re here for a peaceful walk or a longer hike, Old Mill Park offers a secure, scenic experience rich in history and natural beauty.
River Views & Boardwalks
When you explore Roswell's riverfront trails and boardwalks, you’ll find some of the best scenic spots for hiking, walking, and wildlife viewing. The 7-mile Roswell Riverwalk Trail offers paved and boardwalk paths with stunning Chattahoochee River views, connecting parks with picnic areas and water sport rentals. At the Chattahoochee Nature Center, a 2.5-mile ADA-compliant boardwalk winds through wetlands, perfect for safe, close-up wildlife observation. For a quieter stroll, Willeo Park’s boardwalk provides peaceful marsh views and dog-friendly walking. Azalea Park’s winding boardwalk and trails add shaded rest areas ideal for birdwatching. All trails are well-maintained with accessible parking and clear signage, ensuring a safe, enjoyable outdoor experience for you and your family.
Discovering Wildlife and Education at Chattahoochee Nature Center
At Chattahoochee Nature Center, you can witness wildlife rehabilitation firsthand, watching injured birds and reptiles recover in a licensed clinic. You'll also find interactive educational programs that use live animals to teach about Georgia’s ecosystems. These hands-on experiences make learning about nature both engaging and memorable.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Efforts
The Chattahoochee Nature Center's Wildlife Department cares for injured birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians on its 127-acre forest and wetland habitat in Roswell, GA. Licensed rehabilitators provide specialized care, feeding hatchlings every 15 minutes and tailoring diets to each species’ needs. They operate strictly under state and federal permits, ensuring all efforts follow legal guidelines for wildlife safety. If you find a baby animal, the staff advises on safe handling—like returning squirrels to nests using pine straw-filled baskets—and warns against raising orphaned birds without proper permits. Rehabilitation relies on donations, so your support helps provide expert care. When visiting, you can safely observe these animals in aviaries and learn about the essential work protecting local wildlife without risking your safety or theirs.
Interactive Educational Programs
Caring for injured wildlife at the Chattahoochee Nature Center goes hand in hand with educating visitors about the natural world. You can join interactive programs designed for all ages, featuring hands-on science investigations, guided hikes, and safe live animal encounters with non-releasable residents. These programs align with Georgia’s education standards and use the 127-acre preserve as an outdoor classroom to explore forests, gardens, and river habitats. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or adult learner, you’ll find workshops, field trips, and certification courses led by expert naturalists emphasizing conservation and local ecology. Activities run rain or shine, with indoor options ensuring your safety and comfort. This immersive experience encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and respect for wildlife, making it a safe and enriching way to connect with nature.
History and Nature Combined: Roswell Mill and Historic Parks
Though many know Roswell for its scenic beauty, few realize how deeply its history intertwines with nature at Roswell Mill and the surrounding historic parks. You can explore Old Mill Park, where preserved mill ruins from 1839 and 1853 stand as powerful reminders of Roswell’s industrial past and Civil War impact. Safe, well-maintained trails follow Vickery Creek, offering you peaceful walks beside waterfalls and shaded groves. Interpretive signs along the paths provide clear historical context, enhancing your visit without any guesswork. The restored 1882 mill building and covered pedestrian bridge are great photo spots. Whether you’re picnicking or hiking, the combination of natural beauty and rich history makes this area a secure, enriching outdoor destination you won’t want to miss.
Biking and E-Biking Routes for All Skill Levels
Roswell offers biking and e-biking routes that cater to every skill level, from easy family-friendly paths to challenging mountain trails. You can start with the Big Creek Greenway or Roswell Riverwalk, both paved and wide, perfect for safe, leisurely rides with kids. If you’re more experienced, try the Alpha Park loops or Woodvale trails, featuring moderate elevation and smooth surfaces with marked crossings for safety. For advanced riders, Big Creek Park’s mountain bike trails provide technical challenges and pump tracks. E-bike users will appreciate improved trail surfaces and rental options at local shops like Fresh Bikes, plus clear trail etiquette to share paths respectfully. Check out resources like Bike Roswell! and online maps for up-to-date trail info, ensuring a safe, enjoyable ride every time.
Enjoying Outdoor Events and Social Activities in Roswell
When you want to connect with your community and enjoy the outdoors, Roswell’s vibrant lineup of outdoor events and social activities has something for everyone. You can attend free, family-friendly concerts like Music on the Hill or explore the Roswell Spring Arts and Crafts Festival featuring live music and local artists. For a relaxed social vibe, join community gatherings such as local market days or fitness programs like guided forest bathing. If you prefer nature-based experiences, try evening canoe excursions or seasonal workshops at The Forge. Roswell prioritizes safe, well-organized events in open spaces, making it easy to enjoy social activities while respecting health guidelines. Whatever you choose, you’ll find welcoming, engaging ways to make the most of Roswell’s outdoor scene.
Whether you’re paddling down the Chattahoochee, hiking through lush trails, or biking along scenic routes, Roswell’s outdoors invites you to breathe deep and explore wide. The city’s blend of history, nature, and vibrant events wraps around you like a warm breeze on a spring morning. So grab your gear, step outside, and let Roswell’s best outdoor activities paint your perfect adventure—because here, every path leads to a new story waiting to be told.
