20 Attractions to Explore Near Cochran Shoals Trail

The Palisades West Trail is a 7.2 mile loop that brings hikers along the eastern edge of Kennesaw Mountain National Park. The trail follows an easy to moderate route, making it perfect for all experience levels and ages. Views of the mountain and other sights are plenty along this trail, with multiple overlooks available as well. The terrain varies as you proceed, winding between woods and grassy fields before ending in a groomed meadow.

The Sope Creek Trail is a stunning natural landscape perfect for all types of outdoorsy activities. The 3.7-mile path along Sope Creek follows the creek itself, tracing both its banks and with multiple footbridges for hikers to cross over. It's surrounded by lush foliage, native trees and an abundance of wildlife and is even rumored to have old artifacts from the Civil War along its shores.

The Battery Atlanta is a unique experience established just prior to the 2017 Major League Baseball season, the chic sports and entertainment district provides a plethora of activities for guests. This includes access to exciting events such as the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, Chop House restaurant and bar, Live! at The Battery Atlanta concert venue, Terrapin Taproom microbrewery, as well as a variety of retail stores and hotels.

Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins are an intriguing reminder of a once-thriving industry. Built in 1855 and operated through 1865, the mill was responsible for nearby shipments of white paper on a rail line built to deliver its products. This spot is also a wonderful lesson in ecological recovery – thousands of migratory birds have made this their home due to the river's abundance of fish and aquatic life. Visitors to the area can also take a scenic trail through lush woods.

Chastain Memorial Park is the largest city park in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a 268-acre park near the northern edge of the city. Included in the park are jogging paths, playgrounds, tennis courts, a golf course, swimming pool, horse park and amphitheater.

Taylor-Brawner Park is a picturesque outdoor space that captures the beauty of nature and provides numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a 3.2 mile walking path, playgrounds, a soccer field, disc golf and a lake where fishing is permitted with a valid state license. The park also offers 20 different picnic areas complete with grills, tables and benches for large gatherings or small get togethers.

East Cobb Park is an oasis of fun and relaxation nestled in the heart of Marietta. With 2 large lakes, numerous open fields and ample tree coverage, the parks 185 acres are optimally utilized for all kinds of recreational activities. Visitors can take advantage of the softball fields, 12 lighted tennis courts, pavilions for picnickers, playgrounds for the kids and even a Frisbee golf course! Those looking to get out on the lake may also rent out paddleboats and kayaks.

The Atlanta History Center houses some of the area's most remarkable artifacts, documents and visual representations of early American history. Visitors can embark on a journey through time from the 1700s to today as they explore the 33-acre complex, which includes six permanent exhibitions plus rotating special exhibits. From a recreated 1860s rural town to notable civil war battle displays and interactive audio-visual exhibits.

The Atlanta History Center (AHC) is a history museum and research center located in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, Georgia. The Museum was founded in 1926, and currently consists of six permanent, and several temporary, exhibitions. The campus is 33-acres and features historic gardens and houses located on the grounds, including Swan House, Tullie Smith Farm, and Wood Family Cabin and so more.

The Atlanta Cyclorama and Civil War Museum was a Civil War museum located in Atlanta, Georgia, its most noted attraction being the Atlanta Cyclorama, a cylindrical panoramic painting of the Battle of Atlanta.

The Swan House was built in 1928 for Edward and Emily Inman in Atlanta, Georgia. The new mansion's design was executed by Philip Trammell Shutze, combining Renaissance revival styles with a Classical approach on the main facade. The rear facade is less formal, and is sited at the top of a small hill with terraced gardens and a fountain cascading down the hillside. A recurring motif are sculpted or painted swans throughout the house and grounds.

The Big Chicken is an iconic KFC franchise that was built in 1956. This eye-catching fast food restaurant stands out with its massive steel-beam architecture shaped like a giant chicken, and is one of the multiples tourist attractions of Cobb County. Apart from its unique iconic design, this restaurant has provided to the county multiple jobs. It also plays an important role within the local economy by providing citizens affordable and tasty meals prepared with the Colonel's famous recipes.

Bull Sluice Lake, is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The crystal-clear waters of the lake offer exceptional fishing and swimming, while the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking and bird watching. Visitors can also rent out boats to explore the numerous coves and inlets around Bull Sluice Lake, making it an ideal destination year-round. In addition to its natural beauty, the lake has walking trails running along its shores, increasing access to all it has to offer.

Lynwood Park is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature. Situated along the Panola Mountains, on more than 58 acres of land, this green oasis makes a great escape from Atlanta city life. It has tranquil hiking trails and a picturesque pond that provides plenty of opportunities for exploring and bird watching. Visitors might even catch a glimpse of some native wildlife like woodpeckers, ducks and geese while they're walking through the park.

The Aviation History and Technology Center is an amazing place to learn all about the many facets of aviation. Whether you are a plane enthusiast or just curious about the part air travel has played in history, there is something here for everyone. Visitors can browse the extensive collections of memorabilia and artifacts associated with aviation, dive into the archives to read news stories, documents, photographs and more, and explore dozens of interactive exhibits.

Six Flags White Water is a giant water park filled with exciting rides and attractions for everyone. Thrill-seekers will love navigating the park's five speed slides, six body slides, and two tube slides. Families can enjoy ride the lazy river or dipping into Hurricane Harbor where kiddie slides and family tube floats await. Adventurers can traverse the Bonzai Pipelines or explore The Cliffhanger thrill slide. With its two wave pools, rocking chairs, play area, and more.

The Atlanta Lyric Theatre, has been a premier purveyor of musical performance since its opening in 1976. From opera to musicals to children's theater and more, this venue has provided amazing entertainment for the region for over four decades. The theatre prides itself on putting together productions with immense attention to detail and clever applications of staging. Audience members can come prepared for high quality artistry from start to finish during each performance.

Brookhaven Park, is an amazing place! It has 44 acres of active and passive park space that includes a 3.2-mile nature trail, two playgrounds for children ages 2 to 12, four regulation size tennis courts, two lighted softball fields, four volleyball courts, a stage area and more than one mile of wooded trails. For those who love the outdoors and outdoor activities, Brookhaven Park is the perfect destination with its natural beauty that offers hours of enjoyment and relaxation.

The Gold Branch Trail has been an attraction for over 10 years. The 4-mile long trail offers a quiet and peaceful environment for hikers, bikers, and trail runners alike. Those who decide to explore this stunning area are rewarded with views of mountain streams, active wildlife, and flowing fields of wildflowers. The hike is designed so visitors don't miss any of the local attractions; it winds its way through Needham Park so that hikers can take a break and appreciate the history in the area.

Marietta National Cemetery is a U.S War Veterans’ cemetery. The site of the cemetery was initially donated by the Congregation Children of Israel in Marietta. The cemetery is still considered active today, and most recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2016. Boasting over 13,000 graves all honoring those who were bravely served their country, it is a testament to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who have died defending freedom around the world.