This trail at Medlock Bridge is inviting you to take a stroll. (NPS - Russell Virgilio)

Hiking the individual units

Island Ford: The unit contains 3 miles of easy to difficult trails. You can enjoy a walk, a rigorous hike, a jog or a run. Island Ford has natural habitats that support mammals like the muskrat, beaver, fox, and raccoon. These habitats also provide for diverse species of bird and water fowl. Most snakes along the corridor are harmless, but try to avoid the copperhead.

For thousands of years the Chattahoochee Corridor has been occupied by humans. Prehistoric inhabitants would find shelter under large rock overhangs, similar to the rock shelters located along the riverside trail.

The log building was a summer home for the family of Sam Hewlett, a former Georgia Superior Court Judge. Construction began in the 1930's. Using timber from the Okeefenokee Swamp and local granite, it took six years to complete this structure.

Map of Island Ford Unit

Vickery Creek: The unit contains 6 miles of easy to difficult hiking trails. Enjoy an adventurous hike along the creek or a rigorous run up over the ridges.

Steep bluffs of rock create a rugged and varied terrain that gives Vickery Creek a uniqueness in scenic beauty rarely found in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area.

These Cherokee lands and the powerful waters of Vickery Creek gave Roswell King the vision to build a town with textile mills in the 1830's. Ruins of the Roswell Cotton Mills and mill dam can be experienced as you travel along the trail system. The historic mill dam was constructed by Roswell King's son, Barrington, circa 1860.

Near the mouth of Vickery Creek a woolen mill was built between 1856 and 1857. Allenbrook, (circa 1857) served as home and office for the loom boss of the Ivy Woolen Mill. According to a manufacturing census taken in 1860, the workforce at this mill was 63% women; 88% were between the age of 15-25.

Map of Vickery Creek Unit

East Palisades: The Palisades East Unit contains approximately 5 miles of easy to difficult trails. Winding through forested floodplains, ridges, and ravines, these trails display a natural beauty in all seasons.

For thousands of years the Chattahoochee Corridor has been occupied by humans. Prehistoric inhabitants would find shelter under large rock overhangs, similar to the rock shelter located approximately 1/2 upstream from the Whitewater Creek trailhead. Indian village sites once flourished along this rich corridor of fertile soils.

A majestic view of Devil's Race Course Shoals can be observed from a wooden overlook. The rugged granite palisades were called Devils's Stairsteps during the 19th century by river boatmen, because the shoals "were the devil" to navigate.

Map of East Palisades Unit

West Palisades: The Palisades West Unit contains approximately 3.5 miles of easy to difficult trails. Trails are beautiful throughout the year as they wind through the floodplains atop ridges.

Wildflowers bloom from March to October. The Yellow Trout Lily and the White Bloodroot signal spring's arrival. Purple Gentian braves the chilly October winds at the river's edge.

Wildlife is abundant. Tracks of raccoon, muskrat, mink, beaver, and otter can be found along the animal trails that lead to the river. Feathered anglers such as the Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Osprey, and the Mallards also make the river corridor of the West Palisades their home.

Map of West Palisades Unit

Cochran Shoals: This unit contains trails that are very easy to difficult in nature, including a three-mile fitness trail. This fully accessible path is also excellent for birdwatching and wetlands discovery. Ducks, herons, and hawks are some popular residents. Beaver dam activity can be observed on many feeder streams. Other trails winding through ridges and ravines, are showcases of native wildflowers from March to October. In addition to hiking trails, there is also a three mile bike loop available to explore the immesnse streches of Cochran Shoals.

Sope Creek: Several miles of easy to difficult trails lead through woods and along tributaries of cultural and natural significance. In addition to hiking trails, there is also mountain biking available on some stretches of the trail. These streches are labled on this map of Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals, which lie adjacent to each other.

Sope Creek, named for a Cherokee Indian, and Sibley Pond are considered year-round fishing spots.

The stone ruins along the creek banks are remnants of a paper manufacturing company that produced a large portion of the South's paper from 1855 to 1902. For your safety and historic preservation, do not enter or climb the paper mill ruins.

Powers Island: This unit, named for James Powers, who once ferried travelers across the river has approximately a mile of easy trail. The hardwood forest and river provide diverse habitats for wildlife. Because of the abundance of poison ivy, please stay on the designated trails.

Map of Cochran Shoals, Sope Creek, and Powers Island

Johnson Ferry South: This unit is about 70 acres of floodplain with large, green "open spaces" and riverfront hardwoods. A dirt farm road that borders about 1.5 miles of riverbank is the only established footpath in this unit.

Map of Johnson Ferry South

Johnson Ferry North: This unit contains fields, forests, wetlands, and streams. After centuries of agricultural use, nature is once again the dominant force along this section of the river corridor. The 2.5 miles of easy floodplain trails are excellent for viewing plant and wildlife diversity. Ducks, herons, beavers, otters, turtles, toads, snakes and other wildlife reside in these marvelous wetlands.

Map of Johnson Ferry North

Gold Branch: There are 7 miles of easy to difficult hiking trails that lace Gold Branch. Despite rapid urbanization many species of wildlife can still be observed throughout this unit. A large number of nut and fruit bearing trees have evolved into a habitat that can support a substantial wildlife population. Look closely and you might see a beaver, squirrel, rabbit, oppossum, or a raccoon. Diverse arrays of wildflowers and ferns lace the forest floor.

A major event associated with this unit was the construction of the Morgan Falls Dam. In 1904, the Atlanta Water and Electric Power Company dammed up the Chattahoochee River to build the very first hydroelectric plant for a growing town called Atlanta.

Map of Gold Branch

Things to Remember:

• All natural and cultural features are FEDERALLY protected.


• Stay on the designated trails.


• No bikes on trails unless specifically noted.


• Pets must be on a leash at all times.


• Be aware of rapid rising water levels.


• No glass containers on the river.
  
• Park Unit is closed to public use at dark.

Please remember a $3.00 daily or $25.00 annual Park Pass is required on parked vehicles in the National Park. Information on purchasing a Park Pass is available in all parking lots at the self-service fee stations, by calling 678-538-1200, or by visiting the parking fee section of our webpage by clicking here.