West Palisades Hiking Trail Offers Wooded Views
Atlanta, USA Trail Explores Chattahoochee Riverbank and Hillside
There are more than four miles of trail that wind across ridge top and along the river bank. The trail is just inside Interstate 285 on the northwest side of Atlanta. The trail consists of two loops as well as an out and back section that runs along the river, passing under the large I-75 bridge.
Paces Mill and Akers Drive Trailheads
There are two places to park and access the trail. The Paces Mill trail access is near the I-75 bridge, where there is a large picnic area and canoe and raft ramp. The other trail access is off of Akers Drive and requires a $3 National Park Service fee.
Chattahoochee River and Rottenwood Creek Confluence
Hiking from the Akers Drive trail access, the trail gradually descends and then climbs again through shady forest. There are several paths that branch off to the left, but continue to take the path on the right. The trail drops sharply to the confluence of the Chattahoochee River and Rottenwood Creek. On the right is a paved multi-use trail that runs along Rottenwood Creek and is 3.2 miles out and back.
Trail Runs Along the Chattahoochee Riverbank
Bear left on the paved trail and then right, crossing Rottenwood Creek on a metal bridge. The paved trail curves left and then right, passing under I-75 and following the river to the Paces Mill trailhead area. Turn around and head back to the metal bridge, going straight, following the trail upriver along the riverbank. Long Island can be seen along this part of the trail, running along the riverbank, as well as the Long Island Shoals in the river. This section of the trail also traverses several large rock outcroppings, so is more challenging. The trail curves away from the river and climbs to the top of the ridge, coming to a T-intersection. Turning right heads towards the Akers Mill portion of the hike. Turning left returns to the footbridge that crosses Rottenwood Creek.
Devil’s Race Course Shoals and Thornton Shoals
Turn right at the T-intersection and the trail climbs gradually, intersects with a road, and then drops back down to the river for another loop that runs along the river near the Devil’s Race Course Shoals and Thornton Shoals. Across the river you can see the area where the East Palisades Trail is located. Turn left and the trail loops, curving around to a gravel road. Restrooms are also located in this area. Take the gravel road back up the ridge to return to the Akers Drive trailhead parking lot.
Finding the Trailhead
To get to the Paces Mill trail access, take the I-75 North 258 exit and go west on Cumberland Boulevard. Turn left onto Cobb Parkway. At about .4 miles, veer right into the Chattahoochee/West Palisades/Paces Mill entrance. The road drops below Cobb Parkway and curves left, passing underneath it. To get to the Akers Mill access, take the I-75 North 258 exit and turn right at the end of the ramp onto Cumberland Boulevard. Turn right onto Akers Mill Road, and then turn right onto Akers Drive at the watermill. Go up the hill and turn left at the West Palisades sign, and then take a right into the parking lot.
Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in suburban Atlanta, the West Palisades Trail provides hikers wtih a wilderness experience, such as scenic forests and river views, without having to leave the city.
The Trail Passes Under the Large I-75 Bridge
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The West Palisades Trail Runs Along a Ridge
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