Hike, Bike, Paddle and Explore Cobb County With Your Family During Outdoor Month, Using Tips from an Experienced Local

June is designated as Outdoor Month, and there's still time to enjoy some time in nature during this last full week of the month. If you want to consider a few options for you and your family to get into the great outdoors in Cobb County this week, following are a few handpicked suggestions from our own local Cobb County experiences.

Kayaking on the smooth waters of Lakes Acworth and Allatoona is safe and fun for all ages.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

So you know, we write a blog from our Cobb County base focused on outdoor and family activities primarily in an around Northwest Georgia. You'll find accounts of our local, regional and even some national and international outings at our blog, OurTravelCafe.com. There, we highlight nearly 100 adventures that we've personally done in Cobb County, Northwest Georgia and around the state, from hiking and biking in Cobb County, to chasing waterfalls in North Georgia, discovering St. Simons island along the Georgia coast, and much more.

Some of our personal favorite outdoor adventures in Cobb County include:

Climbing Rocks and a Mountain. Whether you prefer dirt or paved trails, Kennesaw Mountain has all the choices. The most popular route to the summit is the paved road, where you'll follow the winding auto route nearly a mile while gaining 900 feet in altitude. Personally, we like the longer, more strenuous backside trail, trekking over four miles through the forest then through an ancient rock field following "The Big Zig." Then, it's over Little Kennesaw Mountain, through "The Saddle" and up to the peak of Kennesaw Mountain. Be sure to take in the spectacular views of Cobb County, Atlanta and the North Georgia Mountains from the summit.

Summer and winter, we often hike up Kennesaw Mountain with the whole family and visitors, too.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Paddle on a Lake or River. We're flat-water paddlers, so you'll generally find us in a kayak or on a stand-up board in Lake Acworth or Lake Allatoona. On weekends, you can rent both at Acworth Beach. For the more adventuresome, consider a canoe or tubing trip down the Chattahoochee River. But before you choose tubing, check the bacteria count here to minimize any health risks.

Bike an In-Town or Remote Trail. We often take the grandkids for a short peddling journey on the Mountain to River Trail in Marietta. That way, everyone gets a little exercise, and there are always great treats nearby on Marietta Square after finishing. Over in West Cobb, the Silver Comet Trail offers some excellent longer trips along the 98 mile paved path. Our favorite trip is just under 20 miles, starting at the Hiram Trailhead and peddling Northwest to the scenic and historic Pumpkinvine Creek railroad trestle.

The Mountain to River trail stretches more than 7 miles between Marietta and Kennesaw, with bike rentals available.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Explore Hidden Ruins. Over in East Cobb, the wooded forest along Sope Creek hides the ruins of an abandoned paper mill. A short walk brings you to the castle-like ruins. Continuing along offers some great creek views. Our three-minute video offers some of the highlights.

The forest along Sope Creek reveal the castle-like ruins of an abandoned paper mill.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

More Georgia Exploring

If you like this post, be sure to check our all our posts at OurTravelCafe.com, where we offer nearly 100 ideas for family exploration and fun.

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Here on Newsbreak, I write about our Georgia excursions, regional exploration, community events, local history and other topics. Follow DeanLand on Newsbreak to see all our latest content.