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Bar Rentals & Bartender Staffing inMountain Park, GA

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RTB Mountain Park - A Decade of Exceptional Bar Rental Services

If you're looking to make an impression at your next celebration or event, few services take your gathering to the next level like Raising the Bar. At RTB, we mix superior service and delicious spirits with the finest bar rentals in Mountain Park, GA. We pride ourselves on creating unique, delectable drinks backed by impeccable service to keep your event stress-free and streamlined, so you can focus on your role at the party while attendees have the time of their lives. our guests will not only be impressed by our high-quality craft cocktails - they'll be blown away by the entire process, from setting up to break down. Unlike some bar rental companies in Mountain Park, we prioritize professionalism, attention to detail, and customer service.

Having served such brands as Ferrari and Delta, we know what it takes to turn a mediocre event into something special. Our team of bartenders have the experience to keep your guests happy and the flair to give them a memorable time, no matter what kind of function you're organizing. From summertime shindigs in the sun to corporate team building events, we've seen and done it all, and we're here to serve you as well.

Mobile Bars Mountain Park, GA

Here's a quick snapshot of what we can do for you:

Full-Service Packages

Full-Service Packages

we'll arrive early, set everything up, run your bar service, keep your guests entertained, and clean up after ourselves when we're done. We'll focus on your mobile bar service while your guests admire how awesome your event turned out.

Brand Activations

Brand Activations

Launch your product with branded bar setups or support your event with customizable drinks, satellite bars, and giveaways. We don't just handle the drinks; we keep the party flowing.

Corporate Events

Corporate Events

From exciting team-building exercises to formal affairs, we have worked on hundreds of corporate events in Mountain Park. Regardless of the size of your corporate event, our team will handle all the details, from customized bars with company logos to a custom menu of craft cocktails.

Weddings

Weddings

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. As such, your reception is one of the biggest parties you'll ever thlmb-row. It needs to be perfect, and it needs to be fun. We've got you covered on both fronts and then some. Contact our office today to learn more about how we keep your guest's glasses full and your bar rental beautiful.

Mobile Bar Rentals

Mobile Bar Rentals

If you're looking for the highest quality mobile bar rentals in Mountain Park, look no further than RTB. We've built our business around bar rentals and have everything from sleek, modern bar tops to rustic-chic beer taps. Our team is here to offer guidance as you choose your bar rental. Once you do, we'll handle every detail - from set up and break down to staffing and drink service.

Bartenders

Bartenders

Already have your bar setup planned but still need bartender staffing in Mountain Park, GA? Our bartenders are experts in their trade and will undoubtedly raise the bar when it comes to your upcoming event.

Why Choose Raising the Bar?

RTB was built on hard work and kindness. With more than a decade of experience in the private event business, we have worked with some of the biggest brands in the United States. We pride ourselves on excellence in every service we offer, from bar rental setup for weddings to large brand reveals and everything in between. RTB isn't just here to mix and serve drinks at your next party - we're here to offer guidance, advice, and expertise every step of the way. From suggestions on how much alcohol to have stocked at your party to trusted vendor referrals for your corporate event, we're here to help.

At the end of the day, our goal is to ensure that our clients get the hard work and attention they deserve. When you choose Raising the Bar, know that we will do everything in our power to make you, your guests, and your event feel extra special. We are dedicated to giving every one of our clients a white glove experience, whether your purchase a full-service package or need an experienced bartender.

Service Areas

Bar Rentals in Mountain Park, GA

The idea of thlmb-rowing a big party or get-together for your friends or co-workers is an exciting prospect. When it comes down to the logistics of your bar service, however, planning can become a nightmare. Thankfully, there's an easier, more efficient way to arrange for a stunning bar setup - bar rentals from Raising the Bar. When you hire RTB, you can rest easy knowing we have all the details covered.

We are proud to offer the most streamlined bar rental services in Mountain Park. Our doesn't just arrive at your location and start slinging drinks.

Setting up your bar rental is important, of course, but we also handle all the requirements your bar may need:

  • Set Up Bar Rental
  • Handle Purchase Orders
  • Arrange for Alcohol Delivery
  • Ensure Bar is Stocked
  • Maintain Excellent Quality Control
  • Provide Fully Trained, Fun Bartenders
  • Provide Cash Control and Inventory Management
  • Custom Cocktail Creation
  • Provide a Fun, Memorable Bar Rental Experience
  • Collect Glassware After Event Ends
  • Break Down Bar and Clean Up After Event Ends
 Bartenders For Parties Mountain Park, GA

Of course, what kind of mobile bar service would we be if we didn't provide the most innovative, tasty beverages for partygoers to enjoy? RTB stands tall above all other portable bar rentals in Georgia with custom-made cocktails to fit any themed event and even customized menus for your guests. Example events that are perfect for RTB bar rentals include sales meetings, real estate open houses, holiday staff parties, software release parties, team building mixology meetings, birthday parties, barbecues, and more.

At RTB, we earned our stripes by showing off what we can do in front of thousands of people. With our extensive experience, innovative cocktails, and top-notch bartenders, you can't go wrong with Raising the Bar.

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Benefits of Bar Rentals in Mountain Park

We get feedback from our amazing clients every day, telling us how we helped make their event bigger and better than they thought possible. We're in the business of making your party or gathering unforgettable, but we also provide convenience and peace of mind for busy people planning events.

Here are just a few more reasons why our customers love our bar rentals in Mountain Park:

Custom Bar Rentals for Unique Events

Custom Bar Rentals for Unique Events

Our mobile bars can be personalized to match nearly any theme and any type of event. Need to have your company's logo on display? We can make that happen. Have a fun custom cocktail idea for your wedding day? Give us a shout - we'd love to hear what you're thinking. Unlike some of our competition, we encourage our customers to get creative with us. There are many options to make your bar rental stand out, from LED lighting coupled with a sleek, modern bar to luxurious displays with custom cocktail menus.

Less Stress

Less Stress

Planning a party can be a blast, that's for sure. But trying to handle event setup and logistics? Not so much. Setting up tables, chairs, and other items is time-consuming and frustrating. RTB eliminates this stress by arriving at your event location with everything ready to go - from your mobile bar setup to drink service and more. You've got more important things to worry about than whether the lemons are fully stocked at the bar. Let us take care of the "nitty-gritty" while you focus on enjoying your event.

Save Money

Save Money

Because RTB supplies you with everything you need for your bar rental service, most customers end up saving money in the long run when they work with us. Common costs that we can help alleviate for you include purchasing barstools, glasses, garnishes, mixers, sodas, and more. Additionally, our team sets everything up, breaks everything down, and cleans up after the party. This service also saves our customers money, who would otherwise need to make arrangements for storage as well as a clean-up crew at the end of the night.

Bartender Staffing in Mountain Park, GA

At Raising the Bar, we understand how important it is to have a qualified, trustworthy team of bartenders at your event. From drink service to limiting alcohol consumption, you need to be able to rely on your bartender from the moment your event starts until it ends. We are proud to have skilled, fully insured bartenders who are ready and waiting to make an impression at your next big event. Unlike dull, run-of-the-mill bartenders, our team won't suck the life out of your party - we'll keep your guests entertained and their glasses full so that the good times keep rolling.

 Bar Rentals & Bartender Staffing Mountain Park, GA

Curious what kind of events our bartenders can help cover?

Here are just a few of our specialties:
 Portable Bar Rental Mountain Park, GA
Bartenders for Weddings in Mountain Park

We will work with you to supply a professional bartender at your wedding, so you can say "I Do" without worrying about your drink service.

 Bar Rentals Mountain Park, GA
Bartenders for Corporate Functions in Mountain Park

RTB can provide bartenders for your upcoming company dinner, award ceremony, team building exercise, and more. Our bartenders will be dressed for the occasion and will provide service that is tailored to your occasion.

 Rent A Bartender Mountain Park, GA
Bartenders for Social Gatherings in Mountain Park

Our enthusiastic, high-energy bartenders make a great addition to any party or social gathering, big or small.

 Mobile Bar Service Mountain Park, GA
Bartenders for Private Events in Mountain Park

Thlmb-rowing a private birthday bash? Perhaps you're thinking about a small celebration for your anniversary. Whatever the occasion, RTB will supply a hardworking, professional bartender for your private event.

Depending on the type of event you have in mind, our bartenders are also trained for more "out of the box" events as part of our signature service packages. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Mixology Classes
  • Mixology Demonstrations
  • Beer and Wine Sommelier
  • Bourbon Master
  • Craft Cocktails
  • Build Your Own Mule Bar
 Bar Service Mountain Park, GA

Concessions Services in Mountain Park, GA

In addition to bar rentals in Mountain Park, GA, Raising the Bar also offers a suite of concessions services for events in Georgia. RTB concessions were born out of the desire to provide a next-generation beverage experience. This service is tailored to brand sponsors who wish to provide consumers with an elevated cocktail experience in a large setting. Special events and festivals in Georgia are only glmb-rowing in popularity. Today, consumers attending these events expect a wider variety of drink choices. They crave a personalized experience, and Raising the Bar is the perfect partner to choose when executing such an event

For brand sponsors, having a partner that provides a memorable consumer experience is crucial for maximizing ROI. Our ability to work with all trade partners (venue owners, brand owners, and distributors) makes their sponsorship money work harder. With more than a decade of experience, a highly trained staff of bartenders, and customizable bar services, we stand tall as Mountain Park's most trusted boutique concessions provider. Having worked with many large-scale festivals, sporting events, and corporate events, we are confident that our beverage program gives consumers an unrivaled experience. Equally important, we give brand sponsors a key source of income.

 Bartenders For Events Mountain Park, GA

We're Ready to Serve Up a Great Time

Ready to learn more about how Raising the Bar can transform your boring party into a fun, exciting party?

Our team of experts is ready to help you get started. Contact our office in Mountain Park today at 404-826-5945. Before you know it, you'll be sipping a craft cocktail next to a branded bar rental while your guests rave about your amazing event.

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Latest News in Mountain Park, GA

The Best Things To Do At Stone Mountain Park In Every Season

Just 16 miles southeast of Atlanta lives the world's largest exposed granite outcrop: Stone Mountain.The name of this ...

Just 16 miles southeast of Atlanta lives the world's largest exposed granite outcrop: Stone Mountain.The name of this natural wonder is more than fitting; Stone Mountain weighs more than a trillion pounds and covers 583 acres, with only about a third of its mass visible on the surface. Stone Mountain Park is Georgia’s most-visited attraction, with a wide variety of events and activities going on all year round. No matter what season you find yourself at the park, there’s always something to do; we’ve gathered some of the best ways to spend the day at Stone Mountain any time of the year.

Year Round

Hop on the Summit Skyride, a high-speed Swiss cable car that takes guests on a half-mile trip all the way to the top of Stone Mountain. From the top, you’ll be able to see a great view of the Atlanta skyline and more from over 45 miles away. This activity is safe for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.

All aboard! Grab a seat on the park’s 1940s train that goes five miles around the mountain for stunning views. The train has open-air cars and will take you on a trip that lasts about 30 minutes. If you’re looking for some time to sit down and relax, this is the perfect opportunity that all ages will enjoy.

If you're in the mood to get your blood pumping, you can take on one of the six hiking trails in the park, including a mile-long trail up to the top of the mountain. Stone Mountain Park has 15 miles of hiking and walking trails with varying degrees of difficulty. You can enjoy the five mile Cherokee Trail around the base, the 3/4 mile Nature Garden Trail around an oak-hickory forest, and more.

Go back to Jurassic times with Dinosaur Explore, a walk-through collection of 20 life size dinosaurs. You’ll start your exploration with a trip through a time machine and come across dinos like the T-Rex, Triceratops, and more. There are also interactive paleontology tents, photo ops, and a dinosaur feeding wall to keep the kids entertained.

Pop into the 4-D theater for a movie experience like you’ve never seen before. The 4-D films change every season and are typically less than 15 minutes in length, so it’s an easy stop and a great way to grab a seat for a little bit.

Fall Season

If you’re headed to Stone Mountain for a fall weekend, the Pumpkin Festival is not to be missed. During the day, the park is beautifully decorated for the season and offers character meet-and-greets, storytelling with Mother Goose, comedy shows, and even a pie eating contest.

The real stars of the show happen once the sun goes down; you’ll be able to experience the world’s largest pumpkin light show displayed on the side of Stone Mountain, a captivating drone show, and a parade to celebrate the season.

Winter Season

Stone Mountain Park during the holiday season is something that locals and visitors look forward to all year. While all of the year-round activities are open during the day, the nighttime offers special experiences for holiday magic.

Find a spot on Memorial Lawn and experience the world’s largest Christmas light show displayed on the side of the mountain, as well as a Christmas drone show that lights up the sky with some of your favorite holiday motifs. After the shows, you can meet Santa Claus himself, catch the holiday parade, and even hear from renowned carolers to put you in the Christmas spirit. There will be a great selection of food and beverage options including traditional holiday treats, hot drinks, and other seasonal favorites. It's a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

Spring Season

Many people claim that spring is the best season to visit Stone Mountain Park. During the spring, you’ll see colorful blooms all around the park. From cherry blossoms to azaleas, the park is covered in seasonal growth that make for many beautiful areas to relax and enjoy the weather. With multiple spots around the park like the Woodard Pavilion and Studdard Picnic Area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery. Both of these sites have charcoal grills available for a cookout.

Summer Season

To many Atlanta residents, the Stone Mountain Lasershow Spectacular was the most iconic activity at Stone Mountain Park–especially in the summer months. After 40 years of lighting the mountain with colorful lasers and fireworks, the park introduced a new Music Across America Drone & Light Show in summer 2023 that offered just as much energy as the classic show. This new immersive show included ten times more lumens, ten times larger video projection, and ten times more laser beams than the Lasershow.

Popular Yellow Daisy Festival returns for 4 days to Stone Mountain Park

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Stone Mountain Park is hosting its highly anticipated 55th annual Yellow Daisy Festival from Sept. 7-10.Featuring more than 400 artists from across the United States, this festival has earned recognition as one of the nation's top arts and crafts shows, according to Sunshine Artist Magazine. It's also a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and has received multiple awards from the Southeast Festival and Events Association. The event has become a tradition for multi-generational shoppers seeking...

STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. - Stone Mountain Park is hosting its highly anticipated 55th annual Yellow Daisy Festival from Sept. 7-10.

Featuring more than 400 artists from across the United States, this festival has earned recognition as one of the nation's top arts and crafts shows, according to Sunshine Artist Magazine. It's also a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event and has received multiple awards from the Southeast Festival and Events Association. The event has become a tradition for multi-generational shoppers seeking unique handcrafted works of art.

One exciting addition to this year's festival is the return of the Yellow Daisy Vintage Village. Located within the lower meadow of the Yellow Daisy Festival, this curated village of vendors will showcase antiques, vintage collectibles, and an array of farmhouse chic home goods, furniture, and décor.

The festival derives its name from a special type of yellow daisy, Viguiera Porteri, which blooms in September and only grows within a 60-mile radius of Stone Mountain. This unique flower was first discovered in 1846 and is known for its vibrant yellow bands that adorn the granite outcroppings of the mountain.

What began as a modest event in two picnic pavilions has now grown into the Southeast's largest outdoor arts and crafts festival, occupying more than six acres with art, crafts, music, and food.

Artists and crafters selected to participate in the festival are chosen by the Yellow Daisy Festival jury based on their distinctive handmade work in various categories, including pottery, fabric, painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fine arts, and traditional arts and crafts.

Throughout the four-day event, visitors can enjoy live entertainment on the main stage, featuring a diverse range of music genres, from Rock and Bluegrass to Pop, R&B, Country, Gospel, and DJs. For those looking to relax, a beer garden will be available, along with numerous food trucks and festival food options to satisfy any cravings.

The festival isn't just for adults; the next generation of festivalgoers can partake in activities like sand art, face painting, and balloon artistry.

Located in the park's Special Events Meadow, admission to the festival is free with paid parking, which costs $20 for a one-day permit or $40 for an unlimited annual parking pass.

Festival dates and hours are as follows:

For more information about the Yellow Daisy Festival, please visit the Yellow Daisy Festival Frequently Asked Questions website. Stone Mountain Park, listed in Frommer's 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and recognized by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of "35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die," is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For directions, information about attractions, and hours of operation, please call 1-800-401-2407 or visit www.stonemountainpark.com.

Georgia lawmakers push to remove Confederate designation on Stone Mountain Park

A group of state representatives in DeKalb County has proposed big changes to Park.Democratic State Rep. Billy Mitchell, whose district represents the park, Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), and Rep. Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) introduced a bill Monday that would remove the official designation of Stone Mountain Park as a Confederate Memorial.House Bill 794, which is co-sponsored by all 16 members of the DeKalb County delegation, would also remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title - changing the ...

A group of state representatives in DeKalb County has proposed big changes to Park.

Democratic State Rep. Billy Mitchell, whose district represents the park, Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur), and Rep. Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) introduced a bill Monday that would remove the official designation of Stone Mountain Park as a Confederate Memorial.

House Bill 794, which is co-sponsored by all 16 members of the DeKalb County delegation, would also remove the word "Memorial" from the park's official title - changing the oversight body from the "Stone Mountain Memorial Association" to the "Stone Mountain Park Association."

"We have been waiting too long for action by the Stone Mountain Memorial Authority to act on needed changes to the false history of the park and the carving," Mitchell said in a statement. "We do not understand the delay and wish to set forth the changes that we see as necessary."

The bill would also remove the requirement for the association to stock and sell Confederate memorabilia and remove the requirement to preserve the carvings of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson on the mountain.

"I am a native of Georgia and DeKalb County, and Stone Mountain has been a part of all the stages of my life," said Rep. Oliver. "The park is an important asset for our county and state and enjoys enormous popularity and use. As such, the park needs to change its statutory history of honoring the Confederacy and adherence to a ‘lost cause.’"

Critics have called on the association to remove the colossal sculpture from the mountain’s northern face. Completed in 1972, it measures 190 feet across and 90 feet tall. It is the largest Confederate monument ever crafted and has special protection in Georgia law.

When Georgia lawmakers voted in 2001 to change the state flag that had been dominated by the Confederate battle emblem since 1956, language to guarantee the preservation of the Stone Mountain sculpture was included as a bargaining chip.

The law states that "the memorial to the heroes of the Confederate States of America graven upon the face of Stone Mountain shall never be altered, removed, concealed, or obscured in any fashion."

Stone Mountain wasn’t a battle site and had little historical significance to the Civil War. But 50 years after the war ended, the exposed surface of the mountain’s northern face sparked an idea among the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

"It looked like a giant billboard," said Stan Deaton, senior historian for the Georgia Historical Society.

The group hired sculptor Gutzon Borglum — who later would carve Mount Rushmore — to design a massive Confederate monument in 1915.

That same year, the movie "The Birth of a Nation" glorified the Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan and Stone Mountain played a key role in its resurgence, marking its comeback with a cross burning atop the mountain on Thanksgiving night.

Budget problems plagued the Stone Mountain project and work on the sculpture languished until the state bought the mountain and surrounding land in 1958 for a public park. Finishing the monument gained renewed urgency as the civil rights movement brought unwanted change to defiant Southern states.

"It became the centerpiece of the park," Deaton said. "There was never any doubt that the state’s intention of finishing this was of a piece with massive resistance."

An estimated 10,000 people attended the monument’s dedication in 1970. Another two years passed before its official completion.

Five decades later, the park at Stone Mountain markets itself as a family theme park rather than a shrine to the "Lost Cause" mythology that romanticizes the Confederacy as chivalrous defenders of states’ rights. Its website highlights miniature golf and a dinosaur-themed attraction while downplaying the Confederate carving, Confederate flags and brick terraces dedicated to each Confederate state.

Fight to remove Confederate image from Stone Mountain continues

State legislators designated Stone Mountain Park as a memorial to the Confederacy when it was purchased by the state in 1958, but current legislators and activists are pushing a new law that would remove some of the Confederate features of the park.Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced on Feb. 13 that it was joining Stone Mountain Action Coalition in the fight to bring awareness to House Bill 794 – which would “repeal the Confederate mandate and, in keeping with the purpose of other state parks, refocus Stone Mounta...

State legislators designated Stone Mountain Park as a memorial to the Confederacy when it was purchased by the state in 1958, but current legislators and activists are pushing a new law that would remove some of the Confederate features of the park.

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) announced on Feb. 13 that it was joining Stone Mountain Action Coalition in the fight to bring awareness to House Bill 794 – which would “repeal the Confederate mandate and, in keeping with the purpose of other state parks, refocus Stone Mountain Park as a place for outdoor recreation and learning about the natural environment,” according to a news release.

Stone Mountain Action Coalition’s website added that the bill that designated the park as a Confederate memorial required the park to sell Confederate memorabilia to stay in place, and that the park is still required to sell such memorabilia – something Amazon, Walmart, and other national retailers have forbade.

Stone Mountain Action Coalition officials said the changes—which could start with House Bill 794—would do more than make the park more inclusive. The coalition’s website references the protests and marches that have temporarily closed the park and some Stone Mountain businesses in the past and how the park’s current state can be a burden to the community.

In July 2020, more than 100 demonstrators armed with weapons entered the park to challenge White supremacy groups that were protesting there. The park then closed temporarily in August 2020, and the Georgia National Guard was deployed due to a planned White supremacy rally.

Stone Mountain Action Coalition’s website states that the August 2020 closure diverted the protesting groups to Stone Mountain Village and forced some businesses to temporarily close. Additionally, city of Stone Mountain issued a warning asking the public to avoid downtown that day and notifying residents that MARTA suspended services within the city limits for the same day.

Officials from Stone Mountain Action Coalition stated that the park also flies Confederate battle flags over the most popular trail and has “more than 10 streets and features named after Confederate and Ku Klux Klan figures.”

Their website states that the removal of these monuments, memorabilia, and other names would also present a “reflective view of history that is increasingly common at other Southern sites.”

Additionally, the group is calling for Stone Mountain Memorial Association to make all monthly board hearings public, initiate a community engagement project regarding the park, and to issue an anti-racism statement to deter future protests at the park.

4 Must-Visit Parks within 30 Minutes of Downtown Atlanta

Heading out of the city for a nature-rich adventure is hardly a hassle. Within a half-hour drive of Atlanta are incredible parks. You’ll find thick forests and serene, rocky creeks that are sure to ease the tensions of the big city. Whether it’s a stress-busting hike to a rewarding mountaintop view, a calming ride by canoe or powering along the ridges of a scenic lake on a stand-up paddleboard, an outdoor excursion that feels worlds away from the city is actually only minutes from Downtown.The four parks we’ve highli...

Heading out of the city for a nature-rich adventure is hardly a hassle. Within a half-hour drive of Atlanta are incredible parks. You’ll find thick forests and serene, rocky creeks that are sure to ease the tensions of the big city. Whether it’s a stress-busting hike to a rewarding mountaintop view, a calming ride by canoe or powering along the ridges of a scenic lake on a stand-up paddleboard, an outdoor excursion that feels worlds away from the city is actually only minutes from Downtown.

The four parks we’ve highlighted below require little travel time, so you can get a lot of action in without making a full day of your visit. They’ve each got loads of outdoor experiences to offer, and they’re all incredibly close to the city — you can come back anytime.

1. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, a national park spanning nearly 3,000 acres, features more than 22 miles of trails, all rich in history and lush in natural beauty. The park’s best adventure is its 11-mile eponymous trail loop, which is the best fit for skilled hikers prepared for a day-long trek. From the visitor center, ascending switchbacks guide you through a forest rife with wildflowers, ferns and rocks, with plenty opportunity to spot wildlife — deer, birds and more. A sweeping view of the miles of green and the Atlanta skyline emerges early on as you reach the summit at 1.1 miles; as you descend, you’ll get a nice glimpse of the small-but-mighty Little Kennesaw Mountain nearby. After looping through to Pigeon Hill, you’ll eventually cross the bridge over Noses Creek before ultimately reaching the expansive meadow of Cheatham Hill, the Illinois Monument and a Civil War-era church at 7.9 miles.

A beginner-ready Environmental Trail is great for spotting wildlife, especially from one of the relaxation-ready benches along the boulder-lined creek. And for mid-level hikers and runners, the Big Mountain Trail offers a quicker, though still challenging, trip up to the striking summit vista.

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2. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Seasonal blooms dotting a dense forest, the ruins of an historic textile mill and rocky bluffs above gushing rapids: This is the stuff of Sweetwater Creek State Park. There’s a lot to love at this 2,549-acre preserve in Lithia Springs, located just west of Atlanta and less than half an hour from Downtown. Serenity-seekers will find rugged respite, but with its many outdoor challenges, adrenaline lovers won’t be disappointed, either.

At the George Sparks Reservoir, you can fish for channel catfish and large-mouth bass or hop on a stand-up paddleboard and push through its glassy surface. Throughout the park, there are shaded picnic spots for midday lounging, plus campsites and yurts available for overnight stays. The whitewater community considers Sweetwater Creek one of the top spots for kayaking in Georgia, and hikers, of course, will fall head over boots for its exceptionally scenic trails: The Yellow (East Side) Trail boasts an elevation gain of 350 feet, the White Trail features remote sections full of wildlife and an undisturbed patchworks of plants. The Red (History) Trail follows the rush of the whitewater rapids to the ruins of the five-story New Manchester Mill.

3. Panola Mountain State Park

With a 100-acre, mint-condition granite monadnock as its centerpiece, Panola Mountain State Park is another of the state’s gems. Part of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, the park is located in Stockbridge, just 15 minutes outside the city. You’ll find a series of open, public trails that wind around the mountain, giving you a wide variety of options.

There’s a stellar view on the short but rewarding Outcrop Trail, and the Watershed Trail highlights two creeks that drain into the Piedmont uplands. Along the paved Panola Mountain and Alexander Lake PATH Trails, clocking in at about 5 miles altogether, skaters, bikers, runners and dog-walkers get elevated views of the lake below after breezing through a deciduous forest lined with rocky outcrops carpeted by bright lichen moss.

To get to the mountaintop, though, you’ll need a guide. Snag a trip with an expert park ranger to see the perfectly preserved summit — try a sunset hike for an especially memorable experience. Panola Mountain State Park also offers archery lessons and tree-climbing expeditions (including an overnight stay in a treetop), all of which can be easily organized by making a reservation.

4. Stone Mountain Park

The Walk-Up Trail to the summit at Stone Mountain Park has to be one of Georgia’s most traveled, and for good reason: The view on a clear day is absolutely unbeatable. Climbing to 1,686 feet above sea level earns hikers and runners a far-reaching view that includes both the downtown Atlanta skyline and the impressive North Georgia Mountains. There is, of course, the option to travel in relaxation via the Summit SkyRide, but you’d miss out on the challenge of rocky terrain, the intensity of elevation gains and the swaths of sun-drenched grass and, in the springtime, the eye-catching crimson blooms of rare succulent plants.

While the sights atop the 600-foot granite dome are easily the park’s biggest draw, there’s even more to explore — the landmark park covers a healthy 3,200 acres, after all. Various trails, ranging from lengthier treks with steep drops to leisurely jaunts of less than a mile, circle the base of the mountain. Stone Mountain Lake, a steadily calm 300-acre oasis, is perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking — fishing, too. On the paved designated roadways, cyclists can hit new speeds, and the sidewalks alongside them are ideal for runners.

Right in the middle of downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park is perfect for a stroll. Another Downtown green space, Woodruff Park, is located in the Fairlie-Poplar district.

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