Krog Street Tunnel

⚑ 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA

Built in 1913, this tunnel was once the only direct route connecting Inman Park and Cabbagetown. In the early 2000s, the local community began allowing 24-hour access for artists. The tunnel soon became a gathering place for graffiti artists. Today, its walls, ceilings and columns are an evolving canvas of layered art; it is one of the most famous in the United States. Part of the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail (a stretch connecting Piedmont Park with Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park), the tunnel is the perfect starting point to experience Atlanta.

Buford Dam

⚑ Buford Dam Rd, Buford, GA

Drive about 40 minutes out of the city, and the scenery completely changes. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buford Dam is a massive earth and concrete structure. It holds back the Chattahoochee River to create the sprawling, 150km2 Lake Lanier.
From atop the dam, the view of the lake is breathtaking, and as the line between water and sky begins to blur, the frenetic pace of the city naturally slows to a gentle calm. It is the most tangible, scenic marker of the transition from urban to wild on the road north.

Charlies Creek Road Trail

⚑ Charlies Creek Rd, Clayton, GA

Roughly two hours north of Atlanta, nestled within the Chattahoochee National Forest, this off-road trail is a favorite among local off-roading crews. The path follows Charlies Creek, at times dipping directly into the stream — the clear, cool water flowing around the tires. The moment you cut the engine, all you can hear is the sound of the water and the wind. This stretch of the journey is as much about driving as it is about a fundamentally different way to connect with nature.

• TIP Accessible via the northeast highway from Atlanta, this area is perfect for a day trip combined with the various lakeside campgrounds around Lake Lanier.

Bass Pro Shops

⚑ 5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Lawrenceville, GA

This massive outdoor superstore offers everything from camping and fishing gear to off-roading equipment. It’s a frequent stop for local off-road enthusiasts. Beyond being a place to buy gear, the store features immersive displays designed to simulate outdoor environments, offering a taste of the camping adventure to come. It’s a practical place to fully prepare before heading out into the wild.

Chestnut Mountain

⚑ Chestnut Mountain, GA

About a two-hour drive north from Atlanta via I-85 and I-985 leads to the forest service road entrance ascending Chestnut Mountain. At an elevation of 1,186m, its peak is accessible to SUVs and high-learance 4WD vehicles. There’s a flat area just large enough for a few cars to park side-by-side, and it’s a frequent last stop for off-oading crews to pause and reflect on the day’s journey. As the sun begins to set, the distant ridges deepen into layers of blue, and the road you’ve traveled throughout the day unfolds below you in a single, magnificent vista.

Ponce City Market

⚑ 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA

A landmark of Atlanta, Ponce City Market is
a vast mixed-use cultural complex set within
a striking red-brick building that was once a 1920s warehouse. Inside, the Central Food
Hall is considered a culinary destination,
where you can sample high-quality dishes by local chefs alongside fresh regional ingredients. Before setting off on a camping
trip, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a hearty meal and pick up local provisions at a leisurely pace. Passing through the second-floor corridor, you can make your way to the Beltline, an emblem of urban regeneration where you can also take in an array of vibrant murals.