Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Big Trees Forest Preserve

    4.6 (48 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

    Big Trees Forest Preserve Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Big Trees Forest Preserve

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Bridge
    Dave W.

    Neat little Park in Sandy springs. My favorite trail is the Backcountry trail, about a mile in length so do it several times to get decent mileage. Today is 5/3/20 and this Park is finally reopen! It was closed for the coronavirus pandemic. Added several pictures of the trail sign and bridge. Restroom is still closed. I hiked early morning, and saw 4 other people on the trails, which was very reasonable. Weekend afternoons can get too busy for my comfort level during the pandemic. See my original review for more details. Enjoy!

    Bathroom sinks
    Ariana M.

    A breath of fresh air in an urban environment. I enjoyed my time in this nature preserve. I find the reviews to be an accurate description of what the experience is like. There is a comfortable seclusion to your visit, as there are some people around but not a crowd. The trails are clearly marked and there are several to keep you actively interested in the environment. There are several features to the park, where you can walk across the rocks of the creek, a flower area, and various flora and fauna to look out for depending on the season. The bathrooms were very clean and well looked after. The various bridges and boundary markers are in good condition. The paths were clearly marked. I enjoyed taking the time to hear the babbling brook.

    Angela C.

    This is the perfect park. There are trails that are so peaceful to walk. I have the opportunity to collect my though and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

    Map
    Erin S.

    They have a few different options for trails, good for whatever you're in the mood for! They have some cute little rest areas with benches, perfect for picnicking. Lots of parking. We passed by a few people, but it wasn't too crowded!

    Rowanda C.

    I came here on Sunday and I really didnt want to leave. It's a beautiful, well maintained trail just right off of a major road. I was excited to walk this trail since there were not many people there when I arrived. There was fresh mulch that was recently laid and I could definitely appreciate that since it had recently rained. The trail itself was a nice walk. It's a bit narrow so I wouldn't recommend jogging. The trail was pretty clear or any fallen branches and overall it was very enjoyable. The trail was pretty easy to find. As other reviews mentioned, if you see the tag office I believe then your in the right place. This was definitely a hidden gem and honestly I can't wait to return.

    Well maintained trails that are quite busy at later hours of the day. I usually hike first thing when I wake up around 5 am and watch the sun come up as I hike. The long trail is uphill enough to wake me up and the sun shining through the trees is beautiful. There are different difficulty level trails indicated by color on the main map once you enter. Sit down and relax, listen to the sounds of nature.

    Nicki K.

    I only heard about Big Trees Forest Preserve because of Angela M's review being featured in the Weekly Yelp. Otherwise, I would never have known!! After going to Morgan Falls Overlook Park, we decided to go there. You actually pass it on the way. It is well hidden. You would've never know. I mean it's off Roswell Road too but next to like business building. It was confusing when we got there because we did not know where the trail began. We saw lots of cars in the lower parking lot but realized it's like a dealership there! There is a bathroom with water fountain but we saw the big sign farther down and a dirt road and decided to start our hike there. We hiked alongside lots of trees and saw a creek with bridge. There were many signs for trails. No maps! We were confused because it seemed like we walked forever in loops. I couldn't have done this alone! It was hard to find where we started. We saw some people from afar and just followed other ways to get there. By the time we got there, we realized that we actually started walking towards the entrance which was next to the bathroom! It was confusing for sure. I think some trails may be longer than a mile. I am not even sure how long the trails were. I wish there was a map. There are many trails there and wonder how many trails there are overall and the distance. There were lots of trees. It's nature and beautiful. Will definitely come back!

    the tiny sign that caught my eye -- and the car dealership just across the way.
    Vex C.

    This is the most beautiful place I have ever been, and I haven't even explored it all yet (I get so enchanted that I while away over an hour in half a mile). Soft mulch trails make for comfortable, quiet walking and help you feel connected to nature. The trails themselves seem to follow the shape of the land, rather than being carved into it -- the overall feel is that the caretakers of the preserve wanted to honor the land rather than subdue it. The beautiful streams are crossed by various styles of bridges -- my favorite being one where a rock crossing was made firm by concrete without disturbing the natural shape. Walking among the very tall trees gives one the impression of walking through a natural cathedral -- sacred and ancient. I imagine those who like to jog or run would be disappointed to note that it is not permitted here. I appreciate that rule though, as it helps maintain the beautiful sense of peace. The purpose of this preserve is to allow people in the city to have a bit of true forest that they can come to to commune with nature, and oh, does it fulfill that.

    Cory F.

    As already stated many times in these reviews, this is simply a wonderful place to "get away", yet you aren't really away, but only a few hundred feet from Gretchen O's favorite Roswell Rd. I lived so close to here a few years back and never even knew it was here. That is how well it was hidden. They have since put up a large sign last year. You park in the parking lot of the North Annex....I cannot believe they don't have parking meters there....yet. When we first got on it and it was paved, I was expecting it to be much like Big Creek Greenway, but that quickly changed. The pavement is only a couple hundred feet long and then you are into the mulched, more natural pathway. The path is only about 5 feet wide, enough for people to pass one another, yet not so wide that so many trees had to be removed, leaving plenty of shade to save my balding head :-) It is also better exercise than Big Creeek Greenway because this is up n' down, up n' down pathway rather than mostly flat. I look forward to getting back here and learning the paths because as Craig G. stated, it is a maze. But it is one worth learning and you will enjoy doing so!

    Entrance sign
    Jason B.

    A medium size track of land right off Roswell rd in the middle of an urban area. It provides a quick getaway to escape if you need some nature in your life. Have half a dozen trails that weave around. Has a bathroom, water fountain and dog water fountain at the main entry. The main entry is on south side of the Fulton county tax office building. They also have a dog poop bag dispenser. A great place to take your dog on a hike too. Has a nice creek that runs through the middle of it.

    Rochele T.

    It's a very quite place. I guess not many people know it. They have a nice forest Trail which is good for a walk. We took our ShihTzu and it was a lovely family walking. We met some other people and most of them were walking their dogs like us. It's a simple place which I recommend for a walk, some peace and fresh air...

    See all

    Photo of Lisa W.
    424
    210
    3334

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Erin S.
    381
    869
    4604

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nicki K.
    411
    1286
    6217

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Vex C.
    55
    21
    9

    18 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason B.
    17
    216
    69

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken K.
    9
    136
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M A.
    147
    679
    129

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jinel G.
    146
    46
    25

    10 years ago

    I love this place. Definitely a great escape without having to travel too far out of the city.

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Liz W.
    21
    24
    4

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Travis J.
    109
    88
    148

    8 years ago

    I like be coming here to walk my dogs. 3 short trails and a couple creeks. There is a dog park and recreation area around the corner also.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Beautiful secluded park in the city! We love to go walking here. Easy trails including a stream.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dianna C.
    123
    10
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Big Trees Forest Preserve

    Review Highlights - Big Trees Forest Preserve

    It's gorgeous and so quiet back there, even though it's right off of Roswell Rd!

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 6,454 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Centennial Olympic Park - 4/10/24 FYI.

    Centennial Olympic Park

    4.0(410 reviews)
    14.2 miDowntown

    Beautiful vast park! Loads of photo ops and something for everyone! Fields to lounge or play on,…read morewater falls to sit by and drown out the city sounds, a created babbling brook that has a winding path along side it, TWO playgrounds, a visitor center with public restrooms that are well maintained, and their famous water fountain that kids play in and also performs synchronized to music throughout the day! Law enforcement is always near by and we found this park to be relatively safe! Close access to major landmarks in the area and a great spot to let kids live their best childhood moments!

    Pretty but underwhelming. Maybe that's not an entirely fair takeaway but for such an iconic park, I…read morewas expecting to leave it feeling refreshing, inspired and impressed. I left grateful for the green space but not really feeling much else. For the kids, you have to realize: the Olympics put Atlanta on the map. Prior to the games, it was a mid-to-largish Southern city without much distinction.* After the games, it turned into the crowded af bastion of Southern pop culture. Atlanta's history is divided in pre- and post- games. That's why I thought that a trip here would be akin to Central, Golden Gate or Lincoln. Nope. It had some nice intentional design. Pavers. Statues. Fun water features. The Ferris wheel. The rings (the water fountain wasn't working during my visit). But... I don't know. Like I inferred above, it fell flat. Glad I saw it but I expected more. It's smaller than you imagine. Oh, and all the bathrooms were closed/locked on a Wednesday afternoon in mid-spring. I don't know what that's about. *Taking nothing away from Dr. King.

    Photos
    Centennial Olympic Park - Olympic rings (my second Olympic rings photo - Paris last year around this time!)

    Olympic rings (my second Olympic rings photo - Paris last year around this time!)

    Centennial Olympic Park - The Fountain of Rings at night

    The Fountain of Rings at night

    Centennial Olympic Park

    See all

    Sweetwater Creek State Park

    Sweetwater Creek State Park

    4.6(261 reviews)
    21.1 mi

    Today's hike at Sweetwater exceeded my expectations in every way! The weather was giving spring…read morevibes and the people were out for it ! Initially we parked in the wrong lot but that worked in our favor (where the bait and tackle shop is). There were lots of families out having picnics and fishing. We did a 1-mile loop in the area and were able to see the yurts. NOTED . Beautiful sites to take in before we ventured to the main lots with the visitor's center. Not only are the trails well marked, but there is ample parking across multiple lots. The attendant at the gate entrance was so kind, welcoming and JOYful! We ventured out on the red trail and it was gorgeous. To my surprise, the trail was full today. It seems that Sweetwater is a populated date spot!!! We saw folks of all ages out with picnic baskets, journals, coloring books, bathing suits ... it was AMAZING! We hiked to the end of the red trail and back, venturing off trail to be clear to the River only once. By far, this was one of my favorite hikes and definitely a place I'll revisit to explore some of the other trails.

    This is one of my favorite places to hike around Atlanta. There are several different trails so you…read morecan hike a couple of miles or 6 or 7 miles. The trail is really beautiful in the spring when the trees and plants are in bloom. The trailer is dog, friendly, but make sure you keep them on the leash.

    Photos
    Sweetwater Creek State Park - It was a beautiful day to be out in nature.

    It was a beautiful day to be out in nature.

    Sweetwater Creek State Park
    Sweetwater Creek State Park

    See all

    Glenwood Park

    Glenwood Park

    4.8(8 reviews)
    15.5 miOrmewood Park

    Glenwood Park is a mixed-use development which opened in 2005 in East Atlanta. If traveling from…read moredowntown on I-20 eastbound, Glenwood Park is just off exit 59B (Memorial Drive, Glenwood Avenue). If traveling westboard towards downtown, take exit 60 (US 23, Moreland Avenue). This low key neighborhood, sandwiched between Grant Park and East Atlanta Village, is sort of "hidden." I think if you asked the average metro Atlantan if they've heard of Glenwood Park, they'd probably say no. Glenwood Park opened the same year as Midtown's Atlantic Station. Like Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park is all about urban and sustainable living. Unlike Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park isn't big. It's relatively small at just under 30 acres in total size. It's a lot quieter and isn't as commercialized. The property feels more residential than anything with quiet streets and wide sidewalks with nicely manicured lawns. After about a decade of existence, the development still looks great. There's a park/greenspace with a picturesque pond and a beautiful fountain. The community collects almost two-million gallons of its own well water per year in order to irrigate the park and street trees. There's a community garden where residents can reserve plots filled with high quality, organic soil. There's a dog park, playground, and neighborhood pool. One courtyard features a little stone fountain and full-sized bocce ball court. The layout was designed with pedestrians in mind, though there's plenty of free street parking and parking lots located on the development. It's clean and feels safe. The Atlanta BeltLine runs through the neighborhood in a north-south line. Food-lovers probably know Glenwood Park because of its restaurants, Gunshow, The Shed at Glenwood, and Vickery's Bar & Grill. Local celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie opened Gunshow in 2013 with fellow chefs Andreas Muller and Joey Ward. It may very well be *the* best restaurant in Atlanta. It's certainly one of the most fun and unique with it's American-style dim sum. You can read my review of Gunshow here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/gunshow-atlanta-2?hrid=_Zvxkqv86FBPQtUBysU21Q. The Shed at Glenwood is a modern farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal fare. Vickery's, known for its cocktails and burgers, opened its second Atlanta location in Glenwood Park. Drip coffee shop also has a location here.

    I'm not sure how to review a neighborhood but it shouldn't be too hard. This place is great -…read morebungalow style houses, flats, condos, townhomes and great neighbors. There are a handful of retail businesses on the south end of the neighborhood that we frequent and the usual smattering of intown amenities - proximity to downtown, Virginia Highland, Starlight Six Drive-In. You get the point. Since moving here in 2009 we have made so many good friends and really love where we live. There's a community garden, a pool/gym and a dedicated dog park free to residents (as of this writing). A brownfield redevelopment and product of Green Street properties, GWP is home to the 2005 Southern Living Idea House. Many of the homes are distinct in design, presentation and vary in style but all still flow together. Most lots are very small but we managed to eke out a wonderful front flower garden and transform the triangle shaped garden in the back into a treed and flowered sanctuary. We tried our hand at gardening in the community garden but the summer Atlanta sun and invasive weeds had us handily beat by mid July. In October each year, the Hotoberfest beer festival is held in and around the main park (now Brewer Park) drawing a few thousand people to the neighborhood. Less exciting but nearly as big a draw (maybe stretching here) is the annual garage sale. A handful of movies have been filmed here including the Blind Side and Hall Pass as is part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (one of them lives here as of this writing). Like other neighborhoods that started mid real estate boom but not finished before the bang, there are empty lots, foreclosures and short sales. The last builder to get going has long ago gone out of business and a few independent developers have put up new homes but it remains to be seen if the original vision of Green Street and the first residents will be fulfilled. However, this remains a one-of-a-kind neighborhood south of I-20 and a great alternative to the stunning but prohibitively expensive homes in Morningside, Virginia Highland and the handful of other established intown neighborhoods. Being so close to everything available in Atlanta has spoiled us for going to festivals (Inman Park, Dogwood, Summerfest, Shade), the drive in and so much good food + drink in walking distance (you hear me $2 PBR at ten places I can walk to). The EAV and Grant Park are both short walks and great neighborhoods in and of themselves. The Zoo and Turner field are less than 3 miles away as are dozens of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The beltline trailhead is just across I-20 so you can walk off all the beer and carbs. Definitely kid friendly, we've seen at least six newborns arrive since we moved here. The little ones have a playground, a music class and no shortage of friends to grow up with. We will be adding our own in February 2012 so we're planning on being in Glenwood Park for the foreseeable future.

    Photos
    Glenwood Park - If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second.  :)

    If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second. :)

    Glenwood Park - Outdoor bocce ball court.

    Outdoor bocce ball court.

    Glenwood Park

    See all

    Big Trees Forest Preserve - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...