Hiking and Walking Trails are great ways to get outdoors, exercise, and learn about the world around you. Here is a list of some kid-friendly walking trails around Rome, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
Stay close to Rome…
Berry College Recreation (and trails)
*Please note that Berry College is currently CLOSED to visitors during the COVID-19 CRISIS.
You can’t go wrong when you explore the largest contiguous campus in the world. Popular trails are
–Viking trail (3.47 miles one-way, paved)
–House o’ Dreams (2.5 miles one-way, moderate-strenuous)
–Reservoir (start at the beautiful Old Mill and hike about 1 mile uphill to find it and come back, or do the entire 4.3-mile loop)
–Longleaf (.9 mile somewhat steep out and back)
Berry Reservoir
And it’s always fun just to drive around and watch for animals (you might not need to go far).
Blacks Bluff Preserve Trail
TBH, I haven’t been here, but I’ve read it’s a small trail with a variety of plants and wildlife. The trail may be in need of maintenance, and it can be hard to find.
ECO Center Wetland Demonstration Area (Ridge Ferry Park)
Whether you’re visiting Ridge Ferry Park, the Farmer’s Market, or the ECO Center, stop to take a stroll through the wetlands demonstration area (located to the left as you enter) to see several different plants and animals. You especially don’t want to miss the Spring blooms.
GE Trails at Garrard Park
Stop by the old GE factory to explore several short quiet nature trails in the middle of an urban area. (Moderate, Flat)
Jackson Hill Trail
If I’m being honest, I have attempted this trail at least three times with my young children, and we’ve never made it far. Luckily, the beginning is flat and easy to access, and the kids enjoy just wandering. There is also a beautiful bridge located not too far into the trail, and the Rome Labyrinth shares a parking lot.
James H Floyd “Sloppy Floyd” State Park
Located a short drive up north, this park is a perfect place for an outing. The 1.7 mile round-trip hike to the Marble Mine is worth the effort, and pack a lunch to eat at one of the many picnic tables by the lake, or play at the playground. Read this post by WhenInRomeGA.com for great details on all the park has to offer.
Longleaf Pine Trail
For those looking for a short but somewhat challenging hike, try Longleaf.
Marshall Forest Trail
Located just a bit down Horseleg Creek Road, Marshall Forest is a hidden getaway. Explore two self-guided nature trails within the forest, with plant identification tags and 20 stations with plaques written in Braille and English. The trail can be easily walked in 30 minutes.
Myrtle Hill Cemetery Tree Tour
Take your kids out to explore the wide variety of trees in historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery. More info here.
Paris Lake Loop at Georgia Highlands College
If you want a simple, peaceful walk, stop by Georgia Highlands for this flat, scenic loop.
Pine Mountain Trails (Cartersville)
Just off the freeway of Cartersville’s Main Street exit, you can find yourself immersed in a picturesque hike to the top of Pine Mountain where you’ll find breathtaking views. (~2 miles one-way, moderate-strenuous).
The Pocket
I admit, I had lived here for three years before hearing about the pocket, but it seems to be the place to go to escape Georgia’s hot summer temps. There are patches of water for the kiddos to play in, and a 2.5-mile trail leaving from the picnic area.
Ridge Ferry Park
Definitely the biggest and most popular park, Ridge Ferry also houses a Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday morning from May to October. Stop here for the ECO Center or to hop on the paved walking trail that runs throughout downtown Rome.
Rocky Mountain Recreation Area
Enjoy the benefits of a beach without taking a trip to the beach. Rocky Mountain beach has had sand brought in for a nice lakeside beach experience. Trails, fishing, and camping also available.
Rome Labrynth
Another quick stop with great photo ops, the Rome Labrynth is a hidden gem right in the city. Park in the Visitor Center parking lot and head down the (steep) hill. Take time to meditatively walk the path, or let your kids just go crazy. My son got a kick out of the “race track.”
Rome Tour Challenges
If your children are a little older, take this opportunity to learn more about Rome by downloading the challenge app and following the clues of this scavenger hunt.
Rome Trail System
Currently running from behind the Recreation Center and on top of the levee through town and to the Braves back parking area, the paved trail running through town is 3.5 miles point to point, with extra trail here and there. Bathrooms located at Ridge Ferry Park. Stroller friendly.
Silver Comet Trail (Cedartown, GA)
This paved trail with beautiful scenery and rolling hills is great for running, biking, or walking with a stroller.
A short drive…
Cloudland Canyon (Cloudland/Lookout Mountain; 75 min drive)
Though further from Rome, Cloudland Canyon is a beautiful park with a lot to offer. Hikes, waterfalls, views, rivers, canyons, playgrounds, picnic areas, and special events can all be found here. Probably the most popular hike is the (hundreds of) stairs from the top of the canyon to the gorgeous waterfalls in the canyon.
DeSoto State Park (Fort Payne, AL)
D”eSoto State Park’s trail system boasts interesting rock formations, small seasonal waterfalls, a variety of diverse plant communities, plentiful animal life, and beautiful views of the West Fork of Little River, which flows downstream into interconnecting Little River Canyon.”
High Shoals Falls (Dallas, GA)
If you’re up for a scenic 45 minute drive from Rome, this is a fun place to picnic and dip with the kids.
Little River Canyon (Fort Payne, AL)
Find a gorgeous waterfall and several short trails at this state park located just 40 minutes from Rome!
Pine Mountain Trails (Cartersville)
Just off the freeway of Cartersville’s Main Street exit, you can find yourself immersed in a picturesque hike to the top of Pine Mountain where you’ll find breathtaking views. (~2 miles one-way, moderate-strenuous).
Red Top Mountain State Park (Cartersville)
More hiking with various trail distances and difficulty.
