Road Trip from Belvedere Park to Sandy Springs: Top Places to See

Road trips are the best excuses to take some time off and explore new places while enjoying the freedom of driving down the open road. Georgia offers miles of scenic routes and exciting stops that will make your trip worthwhile.

If you’re starting in Belvedere Park, a small city in DeKalb County, and want to cruise up north to Sandy Springs, you’ll drive along winding roads, enjoy green landscapes, and visit fascinating landmarks. So, buckle up, get your camera ready, and let’s hit the road!

Discover the Best Stops on the Way!

Stone Mountain Park

If you want to start strong, Stone Mountain Park, only a 30-minute drive away from Belvedere Park, is one of Georgia’s most popular attractions. This iconic natural monument is a large quartz monzonite dome that rises 825 feet above the surrounding terrain and offers miles of hiking trails, lakes, and picnic areas.

For a relaxed trip, take the Scenic Railroad train around the mountain, or for a bit of adventure, hike up the Summit Skyride that offers panoramic views from the top. Additionally, you can watch the seasonal laser and fireworks show that takes place over the mountain or visit the park’s history center to learn about the park's historical significance.

Chattahoochee National Recreation Area

Drive 35 minutes on highway I-85 North from Stone Mountain Park to reach the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. This nature preserve spans 48 miles across the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta and along the lower ridges of the Appalachian Mountains.

The recreation area is a water lover’s haven as it offers more than 10,000 acres of waterways, hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The river offers plenty of opportunities to explore by canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or raft, and the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyote, and river otters.

Marietta Square

From Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, hop onto I-285 West and drive for 20 miles to reach Marietta Square, the historic downtown of Marietta. This charming district features shops, restaurants, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich history and culture.

Grab a coffee at Cool Beans Coffee Roasters, browse the vintage treasures at The Market at Marietta Square, and take a stroll at the Glover Park, home to numerous festivals, concerts, and other events throughout the year.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park

The Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield, located just a 10-minute drive from Marietta Square, is a crucial Civil War site that witnessed one of the biggest battles of the Atlanta Campaign. This park commemorates the battleground and provides visitors with extensive trails, interpretive exhibits, and a Visitors Center with audiovisual presentations.

You can hike the 5-mile Kennesaw Mountain Trail, which ascends to the top of Kennesaw Mountain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Moreover, the park has a museum housing artifacts and displays that showcase the history of the battle.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

To end your journey, drive 11 miles east from Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park to reach Morgan Falls Overlook Park. This 30-acre lakeside park located on the Chattahoochee River is an excellent spot for kayaking, fishing, and walking.

The park offers a one-mile looping trail that provides scenic views of the river, including the picturesque Morgan Falls Dam and has an off-leash dog area where furry friends can run and play.

Wrap Up

Road tripping from Belvedere Park to Sandy Springs can take a whole day depending on how much time you spend at each stop along the way. However, if you’re looking for scenic drives, historic sites, and natural landscapes, you’ll find all of that and more on this route.

No matter if you’re on a solo trip or with your family, these top sights in Georgia will make the journey unforgettable. Remember to bring enough snacks, water, and, of course, a great playlist. Happy travels!