Ignatius House
Ignatius House
6700 Riverside Drive
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 255-0503
Ignatius House is a Jesuit-run spiritual retreat center situated on 20 serene, wooded acres along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Established in 1960, the center welcomes people of all faiths to engage in silent retreats ranging from single days to month-long experiences rooted in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Guests can enjoy 1.5 miles of rugged walking trails, private accommodations with personal bathrooms, and structured programs led by spiritual directors designed to facilitate rest, reflection, and a deeper encounter with God. Beyond its primary retreat ministry, the non-profit also offers spiritual direction, community classes on mindfulness and prayer, and specialized pro bono retreats for veterans and individuals transitioning from homelessness or addiction.
Ignatius House in Sandy Springs offers 1.5 miles of rugged walking trails for quiet contemplation and hiking throughout its 20 wooded acres overlooking the Chattahoochee River. The trails are designed for spiritual reflection and a peaceful experience in nature, featuring scenic views, a waterfall, and natural creeks. This short loop hike starts at the Ignatius House and descends via a series of wooden steps to the Chattahoochee River. Here it turns back along a small creek with a beautiful waterfall and gradually climbs back up to the Ignatius House. The trail is very well maintained with a number of wooden bridges and decks for viewing both the river and the beautiful waterfall. Since this is private property, please get permission before visiting this area.
- click for a trip report from this private retreat in Sandy Springs: April 15, 2006 (password required)
- click for a trail map for the Jesuit-run Ignatius House
- click for a hike on the nearby Backcountry Trail in December 2007
- click for a hike on the nearby Oxbo Trail in Waller Park in 2010
- click to access the guidebook Best Hikes Near Atlanta which has more hikes around the City of Atlanta
- click to access the guidebook Hiking Georgia which has more hikes and backpacking trips in the State of Georgia
- click for other Georgia hiking and backpacking books
- click for more hikes in the State of Georgia
