In the quest to find solitude in one of Atlanta's busier local parks, sometimes it's necessary to take the path less picturesque. That's not to say the Yellow Loop at Sweetwater Creek isn't a nice hike because it is. A little more difficult but without the crowd draw of the Red and White trails, the Yellow Loop makes for a perfect quick getaway.

Like the others, the trailhead begins next to the Visitor's Center. Immediately the Yellow trail branches off to the left. However, when talking with a ranger, they suggested going down the Red trail to the creek, then turning left to walk upstream along Sweetwater Creek until reconnecting with the Yellow trail at about .4 miles in.

Continue upstream, crossing Sweetwater Creek over a long bridge that offers nice views up and down the creek. Pay attention to the yellow posts, because you'll make a hard left immediately off the bridge, following the trail back down to the water's edge. Shortly after this, the trail splits to form the lollipop to this loop.

Take either path, however, hanging right to go around counter-clockwise will be more challenging. Both directions climb over 300ft but this direction does so much more directly over .4 miles. At the high point, the Orange Loop trail splits off and rejoins the Yellow in a short span, adding a short loop for a longer hike if you're up for it.

Also check out the other trails Sweetwater Creek State Park has to offer: Red and White Loop Red and White Double Loop Yellow and Orange Double Loop.