Cobb County, GA, has plenty to offer every North Atlanta resident keen on exploring this beautiful area. If you are a fan of hiking and nature views, Cobb’s lakes, mountains, and national parks will take your breath away. If you are fond of history and arts, you’ll enjoy visiting famous local museums and walking through charming historic districts. And when you get tired of sightseeing, you can kick back and enjoy dinner in one of the county’s renowned restaurants.

Are you making plans yet? Here are a few places in Cobb County that will make wonderful day-trip destinations.

Silver Comet Trail

This famous trail takes its name from the Silver Comet, a passenger train that used to follow the same course in the years 1947-1969.

Starting at the Mavell Road Trailhead, Smyrna, Georgia, the 61-mile-long Silver Comet Trail takes hikers, cyclists, and rollerbladers through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties, all the way to the Georgia-Alabama state line. There, the Silver Comet Trail joins the 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail, which ends in Anniston, Alabama.

Together, Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga create the second-longest American paved rail trail.

Silver Comet Trail features 10 water fountains, 15 restrooms, 17 wheelchair-accessible entrance points, and a range of other services. The picturesque, well-maintained trail provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery of Cobb County.

Lake Acworth

Lake Acworth is an artificial lake southwest of Acworth, Georgia, just below Lake Allatoona. Combined, Acworth Beach and the quiet lake produce the perfect relaxation spot. Local regulations permit no gas-powered motors, which makes Lake Acworth ideal for fishermen, kayakers, and paddleboarders.

The beach is part of the 25-acre Cauble Park, offering a boardwalk, rental facilities, public restrooms, an open play area, and two playgrounds.

Lake Acworth is located in historic downtown Acworth, famous for its award-winning eating spots. After a laid-back morning on the lake, you might just be ready for lunch and a stroll along the gift shops, art galleries, and boutiques of the downtown district.

The Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River flows all the way from the southern Appalachian Mountains to Lake Seminole. The river covers a distance of 434 miles, 48 of which are available to boaters, kanoers, kayakers, and rafters as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

The Chattahoochee is perfect for leisurely rafting or paddling, enjoying nature views, or some fishing. Although the river is usually calm, strong currents may be present and wearing a life jacket is a must. Also make sure to pack rubber-soled shoes in case you need to walk over slippery rocks.

Visitors can bring their own boat or rent a kayak, canoe, raft, or tube through one of the local authorized outfitters. Rental companies also offer shuttles for getting back to your car once you’re ready to leave.

Families should note that only children over the age of five are allowed on the river.

Six Flags White Water

What’s a summer trip without a visit to a water park? Six Flags White Water, a 70-acre park conveniently located in Marietta, is less than 20 minutes from Downtown Atlanta. As the largest Southeast water park, White Water attracts thousands of visitors during the spring and summer.

Thrill-seekers are going to love the Cliff Hanger, one of the tallest free-fall water slides in the world, Run-a-Way River, a setup of winding tunnels and twisting slides, and the Tornado, a water funnel sixty feet tall.

Those who prefer quieter family-friendly rides will enjoy lounging on the Little Hooch River or relaxing with their young children at the Activity Pool. Children 12 and under can keep entertained for hours at the Buccaneer Bay section, trying out rides such as Tree House Island and Captain Kid’s Cove.

Marietta Square Museums

Marietta Square, the hub spot of downtown Marietta, GA, is brimming with cultural attractions. This picturesque square boasts of six museums, all within a few minutes’ walking distance from one another.

Visit the Marietta Museum of History for a peek into the city’s rich past, the Old Zion Church and Heritage Museum, founded by freed slaves in 1866, and the Root House, one of the oldest surviving homes in the Atlanta area.

The location also features the Gone with the Wind Museum, an interesting display of old artifacts at Marietta’s fire department visitor center, and the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art, displaying work from local and world-famous artists.

After you’ve paid your tribute to local history, you might enjoy a stroll or a picnic in Glover Park, browsing through the surrounding antique shops and boutiques, or a casual sit-down meal in one of the local open-air restaurants.

I hope these ideas gave you some inspiration for things to do near Cobb County. Enjoy your summer!