This Hidden Suburb in the U.S. South Features Over 950 Acres of Parkland and 22 Miles of Riverfront—Along with Some of the Region's Finest Restaurants

One of the greatest joys of exploring a city is escaping into pockets of nature nestled among the skyscrapers and urban streets. In Atlanta, a short drive of just 10 miles (approximately 20 minutes) will lead you to genuine natural beauty. Sandy Springs, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, is renowned for its lush parks and trails. With over 950 acres of parkland and more than 22 miles of riverfront along the Chattahoochee River, it may be close to Atlanta, but it feels like a whole different world.

At the center of Sandy Springs lies the John Ripley Forbes Big Trees Forest Preserve, an old-growth forest preserved within a 30-acre sanctuary. Visitors can navigate a trail system featuring short loops and gentle grades. Along the path, hikers can enjoy views of the cascading Powers Branch gorge and stroll beneath the expansive canopies of mature hardwood and softwood forests.

The natural beauty continues at the nearby Lost Corner Preserve, a private land area transformed into a nature sanctuary where the region's native plants and wildlife are safeguarded and cherished. This 24-acre oasis is celebrated for its serene atmosphere, featuring abundant woodlands, trails, an apiary, and a community garden. The preserve frequently hosts children's programs, lectures, and guided nature excursions.

A significant contributor to Sandy Springs’ vast green spaces is the Chattahoochee River, which offers the community 22 miles of riverfront and provides year-round opportunities for trout fishing.

Adjacent to the river is Island Ford, a cherished part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This area is divided into two sections—Island Ford North and South—linked by hiking trails. Island Ford is renowned for its spring and summer wildflowers, stunning fall colors, and diverse local wildlife throughout the year.

Beyond its abundant green spaces and recreational activities, Sandy Springs boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Highlights include the popular Persian eatery, Rumi’s Kitchen, with locations in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., and NoriFish, an omakase-style Japanese restaurant that sources its fish straight from the Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo. For those craving Mexican cuisine, Casi Cielo claims to have the largest mezcal collection outside of Oaxaca, the world’s mezcal capital.

Sandy Springs is conveniently located just over 20 minutes by car from downtown Atlanta and under 30 minutes via the MARTA metro system.