Cool Shaded Trails Beat Summer Heat Near Cobb County

With Cobb County's double-whammy of high daily temperatures and stifling humidity, summertime is tough on even the most dedicated exercise aficionado. Trading your usual walking, running or riding route for shaded paths may be the answer. And as a side bonus, you might even spot some native Georgia wildlife.

The natural canopy of shaded trails can make summer exercise in Georgia more tolerable.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

A natural canopy of thick leaves will block the sun, drop the temperature and hold in some of the natural, cooling moisture. Thus, as compared to environments exposed to direct sunlight, the natural canopy can deliver improved exercise conditions. And, it's likely you'll benefit from better oxygen levels to feed your lungs in a plant-and-tree-rich environment.

For those looking for shaded exercise paths, here are a few of our favorite shaded walking, running and riding paths in the area northwest of Atlanta:

Allatoona Pass Battlefield Park. This former railroad route is flat, offers a leaf canopy, plus places to dip your feet (or more!) into Lake Allatoona. Plus, a deep cut through the largest hill will provide some natural air conditioning, thanks to geothermal effects.

In addition to providing shade, taking wooded paths for summertime walks can help you spot some native Georgia wildlife.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

Noses Creek Trail. This shaded walk through a less-traveled area of Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park offers a few different options, depending on your fitness and curiosity. The main trail from Burnt Hickory Road to Dallas Highway is a wide, shell-covered, gradually-sloping 3.0-mile round-trip route shared by hikers and horses. Side trails will take you deeper into the surrounding woods, but also require more up-and-down travel.

East and West Palisades. Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, these forested preserves straddle Interstates 75 and 275 in southern Cobb County. Our favorite paths follow the Chattahoochee River, offering frequent views at riverside. A bamboo forest also is a hidden surprise at East Palisades. Stick to the riverside routes if you want to avoid the more challenging terrain.

Silver Comet Trail. This multi-use, hard surfaced recreational trail feels like a forest tunnel, with hills often rising at your sides and thick canopy overhead. You'll find shaded walks near virtually every trailhead. If you start at Concord Road Trailhead at mile 2.6, it's a short walk to Nickajack Creek, where a long, high-elevation train trestle offers views of the creek valley far below. Similarly, starting at the Rambo Road Trailhead at mile marker 22.2, it's a 0.7 miles walk west to the 126-foot-tall Pumpkinvine Creek trestle one of the most iconic landmarks on the trail.

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