Paces Mill Renewal Project + Alternatives for Visitors

View from above of illustration of future park showing forested and open field areas, a wildflower meadow and visitor information station, a road and parking lot curving around the meadow, and visitors walking in the park and kayaking on the river.
Artist's rendering of Paces Mill entrance after project completion.

From October 2024 to May 2025, Paces Mill at West Palisades will be closed for renewal projects to enhance visitor experience and wildlife habitat.

Through the support of the Cumberland Community Improvement District and ONE Cumberland, Paces Mill will receive a transformation: More streamlined, navigable, and safe parking and traffic flow. Enhanced forest trails, river look-outs, and areas to gather and enjoy nature in the city. Colorful native wildflower meadows attracting pollinators and inviting visitors for a stroll. And an information pavillion offering shaded, open-air space with interpretive exhibits and new restroom facilities.

 
Three young adults smiling, wearing life jackets and carrying recreational flotation tubes.

Image Courtesy of Cumberland Community Improvement District

The main parking lot, restroom, and canoe launch will close. What does this mean for visitors?

  • Float trip? Plan to exit the river at an earlier point.
    • The last canoe launch is at Powers Island.
    • There are steps to the river reached via trail at Akers Drive and Whitewater Creek. The trail is steep at Akers. Parking is limited at Whitewater.
    • We suggest exploring peaceful, less crowded sections of the river farther north.
  • The Paces Mill boat ramp just south of US-41 used by boats on trailers will be open as a "last resort" exit. There are 7 spots for cars with trailers in this small lot, so those exiting here will have to arrange a pick-up rather than park for the day.
  • The closest park site with water and restrooms will be Akers Drive at West Palisades.
  • Anglers wishing to fish outside the Delayed Harvest Regulations zone should access the river south of the park or north of Sope Creek. The most southern access point in the park will be at Whitewater Creek in East Palisades and require wading south.
  • The Rottenwood Creek Multi-Use Trail can be accessed from the trails at Akers Drive or from the Bob Callan Trailhead at Interstate North Parkway.
 

Plan ahead so you can have a safe and enjoyable visit!

For more information on the project or to get involved, please visit the Cumberland Community Improvement District's Project Page.

Last updated: October 11, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1978 Island Ford Parkway
Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Phone:

678-538-1200
Call 770-992-6585 for non-emergency law enforcement assistance for any event that does not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of visitors or employees. Examples of when to call 770-992-6585 are for property crime (car break-ins, vandalism), suspicious activity, or a threat to the park's resources (digging). Dial 911 when there is a direct threat to the health and safety of visitors or employees. Examples of when to dial 911 are for missing person, fire, physical altercation, or injury.

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