Escape Atlanta's Bustling City Life At A Nearby Serene Bamboo Forest That Looks Like Another Country

Remember that dreamlike sequence in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" when Kung fu warriors Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun-Fat) and Jen Yu (Ziyi Zhang) dueled on the swaying bamboo treetops? There is something incredibly romantic about a sword fight with a backdrop of fluttering leaves in the verdant sea. Here is a little secret: You can experience that enchanting atmosphere without leaving the country. 

A mere 20-minute drive from downtown Atlanta is a magical bamboo grove in Sandy Springs, part of the East Palisades Trail in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Georgia's vibrant capital may be known for having the busiest airport in the entire world and trendy neighborhoods, like Little Five Points, that are brimming with vintage shops, bars, and art, but another fantastic reason to visit Atlanta is for this outdoor hidden gem that gives a taste of traveling to China or Japan. Technically, you must first conquer a moderately hilly hike before reaching the mystical kung fu land, but the journey isn't too difficult and definitely worth the effort. The park is open year-round and the perfect day trip destination to escape the city. Put on your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and bring your pup because the trail is dog-friendly!

To get to the bamboo forest in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, you can choose the Indian Trail entrance or the Whitewater Creek entrance as a starting point. The latter has more parking spaces, but parking is limited at both entrances, so be sure to leave nice and early. There is a $5 fee to enter the recreational area. You can either pay online in advance or scan the QR code printed in the parking area to pay.

The recreational area has many twisting trails, which can be confusing. However, the trails are clearly marked, and a map is posted at intersections. You may want to run a GPS for additional assurance that you're going in the right direction. The hike is a 4.9-mile loop with an elevation gain of 540 feet, giving your glutes a solid workout. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level. During your trek, stay within the trail — poison ivy is plentiful in the area, and a sting from the plant would dampen your adventure.

On the way to the bamboo forest, you will traverse along the Chattahoochee River, the lifeblood of Georgia from which 70% of Atlanta's drinking water comes. You may see kayakers in the water, as it's designated Class 1 and Class 2 whitewater rapids. There is an overlook providing a partial skyline of the city. You can hear the faint traffic noise, too — a reminder of how close you are to urban Atlanta even when engulfed in nature. The scenic viewpoint is an ideal place to picnic and enjoy the view.

Once you hit the "rock jumping" section of the Chattahoochee, you know you are almost at your destination. A series of large flat rocks in the river allows you to jump into the middle without getting wet. Hopping on the huge slates in the river is fun and will get your heart pumping as you leap to the mystical destination (it's also the perfect training for becoming a kung fu master and facing your opponent on the treetops!).

The sight is captivating as you enter the forest: towering 30-foot stalks reaching for the heavens in a thick cluster, creating a cool shade. The leaves rustle in the background of the murmuring river, creating an instant calming vibe of a meditation or yoga retreat. The atmosphere of the forest is pure magic — if you make an Instagram Reel of you wandering through it, your followers won't believe you are in Atlanta. 

Though no panda lives in the area, you can channel one by climbing and chilling on one of the massive trunks. Toward the end of the forest is a boulder where you can scale to the top. If you still have energy after your hike, you can continue your day trip by driving an hour north on the I-75 to the charming city of Adairsville for lunch and antique shopping before returning to Atlanta.