Top Spots To Enjoy The Great Outdoors (3/4) -

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Downtown Alpharetta

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If you are looking to get outside and take advantage of Georgia’s wonderful fall weather, you do not need to venture too far from Atlanta’s city limits to find wonderful outdoor activities that everyone can enjoy. Located about 25 miles north of downtown and situated in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Alpharetta is already a wildly popular destination spot for shopping and dining. And now it is making a name for itself when it comes to the great outdoors.

Boasting one of the finest equestrian facilities in the Southeast, a gorgeous greenway system, over twenty-five parks with 775+/- acres of lush green space and fifteen miles of nature trails, Alpharetta provides residents and visitors alike with a lot to be excited about. From walking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, arboretums and community parks, there is plenty to see and do.

Pack a picnic or grab lunch at one of the local hot spots and then head out to enjoy the warm sunshine and cool autumn air while taking in Alpharetta’s picturesque scenery, tranquil nature preserves and lush green spaces. Open year-round and free to the public, you will not want to miss these perennial favorites.

Big Creek Greenway: Extending for nine miles, the 12-foot wide paved path meanders along Big Creek parallel to North Point Parkway, from Windward Parkway at Marconi Drive on the north end to Mansell Road on the south end. Whether you are on foot or wheels, it is a wonderful place to spot native birds and mammals, as well as local varieties of flora and fauna. Parking, access and restrooms are readily available at several points along the trail.

AlphaLoop: Check out this unique trail project that connects people, places and fun activities in the core of Alpharetta. It is not only a great place to get some exercise, but it features permanent outdoor art sculptures to be enjoyed along the way. While this project will take some time to complete, the loop currently has a segment of the trail open, featuring a one-mile portion connecting historic downtown Alpharetta and City Center with Avalon, another nearby shopping and dining destination.

Wills Park: This is Alpharetta’s largest park. With 120+/- acres situated steps from historic downtown on Old Milton Parkway and Wills Road, its proximity to shops, dining and entertainment also make it one of the most visited. Its crown jewel is the Wills Park Equestrian Center, a 50+/- acre gem featuring a covered arena, four outdoor rings, a 2.5+/- acres event lawn, nearly thirty horse stalls and more. Its other equally impressive amenities include ball fields, batting cages, tennis courts, community and recreation centers, a ten-lane competition pool with diving boards, a 5,600+/- square foot leisure pool, picnic pavilions, trails, playgrounds, a dog park and much more. Offering something for just about everyone, this is always a crowd-pleasing choice.

Alpharetta Farm at Old Rucker Park: This fabulous 2+/- acre organic farm is operated by the City of Alpharetta’s Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services Department. It is the home base of the city’s community agricultural program and includes organically grown vegetable, fruit and cut-flower gardens, community garden plots, a wildlife habitat garden and an outdoor classroom. Stop by and take a tour, sign up for a class or attend one of their workshops and learn how to nurture your green thumb.

Webb Bridge Park: Located off Kimball Bridge Road at the edge of the city limits, this park offers many stunning examples of native tree species along paved trails, as well as a long list of amenities, including ball fields, tennis courts, a lake and an arboretum. Ideal for outdoor gatherings, both large and small, this park should be on everyone’s short list.

Brooke Street Park: Lay down a blanket and pull out a book, enjoy people watching or listen to some live music at this 5+/- acre passive park located in the heart of downtown Alpharetta. Positioned on the back side of Alpharetta City Hall, this park features an arboretum, a winding concrete path, an open lawn with a covered bandstand, cornhole boards, public arts sculptures and a small reflection garden.

These are just a handful of the many parks and green spaces available in Alpharetta. Plan your next outdoor adventure at one of these popular destinations or explore additional options and make your own list of favorites.