The Best Wildlife Photography Spots Around Atlanta

The Atlanta area is full of incredible wildlife photography spots. So, if you're a local or planning a visit and want to know where to find amazing wildlife to photograph here you go. This is my list of the best wildlife photography locations in and around Atlanta.

Great Wildlife Photography Spots Near Atlanta

The Atlanta area is overflowing with amazing wildlife photography opportunities. You can find so many species here and within an hours drive (or three depending on the Atlanta traffic). From mammals such as beavers, otters, foxes, and even bears, to birds galore - Atlanta is an incredible place to see and photograph wildlife.

Piedmont Park

First, while it didn't make it into the graphic above, don't sleep on Piedmont Park. Piedmont is Atlanta's version of New York's Central Park. Located in the heart of midtown, it's an oasis from the urban landscape around it. Too, it's always buzzing with life including local residents so you'll never feel alone or isolated.

Piedmont has a small but impressive wetland area where you're bound to find loads of birds especially in the warmer months. In addition, Piedmont Park features a large lake that is great for seeing turtles, herons, and waterfowl.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

I've taken to calling it the hooch but the Chattahoochee River NRA is a miles long wildlife wonderland surrounding Atlanta. From the far north-east, passing through Sandy Springs, and down the western reaches of the city, the Chattahoochee is full of great wildlife photography opportunities.

Personally, I love both the Palisades, Morgan's Falls, and the Jones Bridge areas. You'll find lots of cormorants, herons, and other water birds. Too, the shorelines are great for spotting lots of song birds. Travel to some of the more remote locations to see beavers and river otters.

Union Hill Park

Union Hill Park is a small municipal park north-east of the city. There is a swampy wetland with a boardwalk running along a golf course. Near the far end of the path, away from the parking area, is a wide-open area near the golf course. This is the spot to visit as it's often full of egrets and lots of other wildlife.

Arabia Mountain

Davidson-Arabia Mountain is a great location to see rare plants in addition to wildlife. It's also just an otherworldly spot. The closest thing I've experienced to it was traveling to Yosemite. Expect to see lots grasshoppers here in the warmer months as well as woodpeckers year round, and salamanders taking advantage of all of the rocks and water.

In addition, you'll also find AWARE, the Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort at the base of Arabia Mountain. On the weekends they're open to the public where you can get a peek at the animals they've rescued.

Newman Wetlands Center

These constructed wetlands are awash in wildlife. In fact, they're one of the best places in the greater Atlanta area for wildlife photography. From birds to insects you'll see so much diversity here that you won't want to leave. That's why they offer regular tours from Spring to Fall. This way you know when it's time to go. That said, while it's not at the top of this list, put it at the top of yours if you're flying into Atlanta and staying close to the airport.

Reynolds Nature Preserve

One thing I love about Atlanta is how many nature reserves and preserves there are. Too, the fact that they're often wetlands means the number of species you can see is outstanding!

Visit the Reynolds Nature Preserve south of the city to see lots of hawks, herons, turtles, frogs, and more.

Sweetwater Creek State Park

I got the opportunity to visit Sweetwater Creek on invitation of a friend. While it's on the far side of town from where I am that won't stop me from returning regularly. Sweetwater Creek is west of Atlanta. It's also a state park which means it costs $5 a day (per car) to visit. However, you can also buy a yearly state park pass for only $50. It's a great place to photograph kingfishers, herons, and other birds.

Additionally, Sweetwater Creek is a large wild area. Therefore you can find bear, raccoon, skunk, and lots of other large mammals there. Of course, be careful and make sure you take a paper map. You don't want to get lost here and it is possible.

Other Atlanta Wildlife Photography Locations

I'm going to continue exploring and will update this article with other wildlife photography locations around Atlanta as I visit them. However, I'd love to hear where you've been and like to go. So, if you've got a favorite wildlife photography location near Atlanta let me know!

I'm professional nature photographer Don Orkoskey. Be sure to take a look at my nature portfolio, bird photos, fine art, and the rest of my work. View the articles on my blog and be sure to follow me on social media accounts:

YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook