With the weather warming up, it’s a great time for a hike. Let the kids explore the wonders of the outdoors at one of these locations in metro Atlanta. Most are free but a few require a parking pass.

W. H. Reynolds Memorial Nature Preserve

Choose from four trails, each less than 1.5 miles, and 146 acres to explore. Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-dusk. 5665 Reynolds Rd., Morrow. 770-603-4188. Free.

Elachee Nature Center

Twelve miles of hiking with six trails that are color coded for difficulty. Mon.-Sun., 8 a.m.-dusk. 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville. 770-535-1976. Free.

Cochran Shoals

This park alongside the Chattahoochee River offers more than four miles of graveled trail. Mon.-Sun., 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 2080 Interstate North Pkwy SE, Marietta. 678-538-1280. $3 parking.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Nine miles of hiking cover four trails; the red trail is recommended for beginners. 1750 Mt. Vernon Rd., Lithia Springs. 770-732-5871. $5 parking.

DeepDene Park

The largest segment of the Olmsted Linear Park has a wooded tract of 22 acres to explore. 1788 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 404-377-5361. Free.

Island Ford Park

Three miles of hiking trails following the Chattahoochee River with terrain along the path that is perfect for climbing. Mon.-Sun., 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. 1978 Island Ford Pkwy., Sandy Springs. 678-538-1280. $3 parking.
– Hayley Markowitz

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