Thing to Do
Exploring Palisades East
Things To Do
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. This outdoor classroom offers many experiences for plant and animal identification, geology and water quality studies.
Large boulders along the river's edge make perfect settings for picnics
The cold river contains 22 species of game fish, including trout. All baits are allowed, along this section of river. A valid Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required. The cold water conditions, while great for trout, can be dangerous to humans.
Things To See
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 mile upstream from Whitewater Creek trailhead. Indian village sites once flourished along this rich corridor of fertile soils.
A majestic view of the Devil's Race Course Shoals can be observed from a wooden overlook. The rugged granite palisades were called Devil's Stairsteps during the 19th century by river boatmen, because the shoals "were the devil" to navigate.
Things To Remember
Stay Safe
- Don't venture off the trails; poison ivy is abundant.
- Watch out for hypothermia, a robber of body heat.
- Wear appropriate shoes; and dress for the weather ..
- Climbing cliffs can be risky.
Protect The Resources
- All natural and cultural resources are FEDERALLY protected.
- Traveling cross country causes soil erosion and is damaging to plants.
- Please clean pick up pet waste and dispose of properly.
- Don’t pick flowers, leave for all to enjoy.
Obey The Law
- Please respect private property bordering the park.
- No glass containers on the river, broken glass can be harmful
- No bikes on dirt trails, visit Cochran Shoals Unit.
- Pets must be physically. restrained.
- All commercial activity must be approved by Park Superintendent.
- Park is open from one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.
All ages are encouraged to visit, but make sure minors are acompanied by an adult.
Dogs are allowed on the trails in the park but they must remain on a leash at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet and are required for the safety of visitors as well as the dogs themselves. Visitors must be holding the leash and in physical control of the pet at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object. Pet owners are required to clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly. Most locations have bags provided but bring extras in case they are depleted. Cleaning up after pets helps to protect the water quality of the river.
Daily Park Pass - $5.00
A Daily Park Pass allows a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to park in a designated parking lot of the park during regular park hours for one day. You may purchase a Daily Park Pass online at Recreation.gov or in person at Island Ford Visitor Center. Valid America The Beautiful Passes are also valid for parking in the park.
Annual Park Pass - $40.00
The Annual Park Pass allows a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to park in any designated parking lot of the park during regular park hours for one year. You may purchase an Annual Park Pass online at Recreation.gov or in person at Island Ford Visitor Center. A valid America The Beautiful Pass are is also valid for parking in the park
America the Beautiful Pass
A valid America the Beautiful pass is acceptable for entrance to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Display it in your vehicle as you would a CRNRA Daily Pass or an CRNRA Annual Pass.
The Palisades Unit is located downstream of I-285and just downstream ofI-75 on both sides of the Chattahoochee River. The part described here refers to the part of the unit on the east side of the river in Fulton county.
Two entrances provide land access to this unit.
The park is open from one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.
Trails in this unit tend to range from 3' to as much as 8' in width. Along the river the trails are relatively flat but can be muddy at times. Other trails can be relatively steep.
The Whitewater Creek Canoe and Raft Launch is a step down ramp and requires negotiating 4 steps.
Parking Options
Two parking lots are located in the eastern half of the Palisades unit. Entrance fees are charged at both lots and parking is not permitted along the entrance road to either lot.
Parking Lot
Indian Trail Parking Lot
- 30 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 33.884261, -84.436902
CRNRA Daily Pass
The CRNRA Daily Pass is valid for the date of purchase! It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable.
Cost: $5.00
CRNRA Annual Pass
The CRNRA Annual Pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase! It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable.
Cost: $40.00
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- No
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 0
- Total number of spaces
- 30
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Parking Lot
Whitewater Creek Parking Lot
- 46 total spaces
- 0 oversized spaces
- 33.877757, -84.441879
CRNRA Daily Pass
The CRNRA Daily Pass is valid for the date of purchase! It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable.
Cost: $5.00
CRNRA Annual Pass
The CRNRA Annual Pass is valid for one year from the month of purchase! It admits all persons traveling in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) and is non-transferable.
Cost: $40.00
Amenities
- Accessible Lot
- Yes
- Number of ADA-designated spaces
- 2
- Number of ADA van-accessible spaces
- 1
- Number of ADA step-free spaces
- 0
- Total number of spaces
- 46
- Number of oversize vehicle spaces
- 0
Last updated: May 12, 2021