Photo by Marcus E Jones/Shutterstock
Photo by Marcus E Jones/Shutterstock
Atlanta’s traffic is renowned. The nightlife scene is truly extraordinary. And there’s a seemingly endless list of things to do. So it’s no secret that living in this sprawling metropolis can be quite demanding. When you’re ready for true rejuvenation, head about an hour outside the city and 25 minutes west of Newnan to Chattahoochee Bend State Park.
Here, you’ll stroll along a gently flowing river, with only the rustling of leaves on oaks, birches, and pines as the sounds. You can freely commune with the Chattahoochee’s waters without interruption, and aside from a few fellow hikers and an occasional canoe, it feels as if you have the entire river all to yourself.
Embark on Hiking Adventures in One of Georgia’s Largest Parks
Chattahoochee Bend State Park is one of the largest and most recent state parks in Georgia, a sprawling 2,900-acre expanse of rolling hills and meandering trails that allows you to get lost—but never truly lost—in the wilderness. Its signature trail is the Riverside Trail, a 2.6-mile stretch along the river’s edge with minimal elevation gain, and a 30-foot observation tower at the end offers a perch inside the tree canopy. With moderate fitness, it can be completed in approximately an hour. Another option is the short, mile-long Flat Rock trail that winds along granite outcrops covered in lichens and mosses. These are the coolest photo opportunities in the park, and the short and easy trail makes it accessible to people of all fitness levels.
What I adore about this park is that it can be easily explored within a couple of days, and you can see everything you desire without feeling overwhelmed. If you’re the type who needs to feel exhausted and battered after a great day of hiking, it might not be the most challenging for you. But for families with young children or those who want to immerse in nature without pushing their physical limits, hiking in Chattahoochee Bend State Park is perfect.
Explore the Iconic Chattahoochee River
No visit to Chattahoochee Bend State Park is complete without taking the opportunity to venture onto the water. You can bring your own kayak, use the boat ramp to launch your paddle board, or rent canoes on-site for a day on the river. However, if you’d rather stay dry, there are still ways to explore this famous waterway. The Riverside Trail connects to several others within the park’s 12-mile trail system, making it a great starting point for longer wilderness excursions. The Bend Trail continues north for 2.9 miles to the river bend that gave the park its name. The trail cuts through untamed forest, emerging by the river bend at a secluded backcountry campsite. Although it feels isolated, you’re only about two miles from a main road.
Dream of a Slower Life in the Charming Town of Newnan
Newnan claims to be the “City of Homes,” and a quick drive around its historic downtown quickly reveals why. The blocks surrounding the city center are filled with grand old mansions that were spared during the Civil War. During the holiday season, you can plan your trip around the Christmas Tour of Homes, where many are open to the public. Otherwise, stop by the visitor center and obtain a map to guide a self-guided driving tour. Strolling through the downtown is a delightful way to explore its boutiques and shops, and a visit to the old courthouse to admire its neoclassical architecture is a must. Just a couple blocks away, Full Circle Toys is a store where you might enter simply because you saw a life-sized Chewbacca in the window, but then get sucked in by aisles and aisles of nostalgia. I dare you not to buy at least one thing that reminds you of childhood.
Stay in a Cozy Cottage
The best place to stay during a trip to Chattahoochee Bend State Park is at the “cottages” within the park. Although I use quotes here because the cottages are more like two-bedroom houses, complete with a fully stocked kitchen (including a dishwasher), two full bathrooms, a living room, and a screened porch that’s perfect for enjoying sunset cocktails. They also have fire pits and picnic tables in the back for s’mores after dark, and TVs in the living room in case the rain sets in. If you can’t book a cottage, Newnan has a variety of smaller, chain hotels that will suffice if you need a place to rest. The Home2 Suites offers kitchens if you want to cook for yourself. If you’re planning to explore Coweta County in full, stay about 45 minutes east at the Veranda Historic Inn in Senoia. It will give you the chance to explore that charming town while sleeping in a circa 1906 home.
Dine at Local Joints and Breweries
If you’re fortunate enough to secure a cottage or want to test out the kitchen at Home2 Suites, head to Cleaver and Cork downtown and see how creative you can be with their ingredients. The specialty food store offers an intriguing collection of game sausage, spice blends, and exotic cheeses and oils that can help you create a creative dinner in the woods. A couple of blocks away, Ace Beer Growlers covers the beverage aspect of the meal with an extensive selection of beer and wine. If you’re not in the mood for cooking, start your morning at Leaf and Bean, where the chocolate chip cookies are a must-try. Meat N’ Greet serves the best burgers around, along with an inventive menu of high-quality hot dogs and fried chicken sandwiches. The Alamo is a beer-and-pizza spot located inside an old theater, probably Newnan’s most unique dining experience, and they also offer decent pizza. RPM Full Service is a beer-heavy gastropub in an old gas station, ideal for outdoor dining and sampling local beer. And don’t forget to stop by the Rock Salt Milk Bar for its extensive collection of gourmet ice cream.
In Senoia, Nic and Norman’s is a bar in an historic building with celebrity pictures on the walls. Across the city’s central alleyway, you’ll find Bisto Hillary, the culinary highlight of the area, serving fantastic steaks, chicken parm, crab cakes, and roasted branzino. Newnan is also home to two breweries: Abide and Line Creek. Abide is the city’s first brewery and likely has the better beer, although it’s located in an industrial area and is mainly for tastings. Line Creek is larger and has a sunny patio, better suited for lazy afternoons with the kids. For after-dinner drinks, venture into an alleyway adorned with murals of chickens and discover The Pharmacy Speakeasy. This cozy space mixes up a lot of prohibition-era favorites and feels like a great find for such a small city. The Alamo is also a great place to socialize with locals, as is Below the Neck, which is located in the basement beneath the Redneck Gourmet. Just make sure there’s a driver in your group as the drive back to the park is 25 minutes down a dark country road.
