Cochran Shoals and Sope Creek

Let's enjoy this beautiful autumn weather with a trek that combines both the Columns Drive and Sope Creek trails of the Cochran Shoals unit of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. We will meet at the parking area on Interstate North Parkway at the south end of the Cochran Shoals unit.

Starting from the Interstate North Parkway parking lot, we will walk along the wide gravel fitness trail that hugs the Chattahoochee River, then we will dive into the woods and embark on a steep climb which culminates in a little hidden cemetery. We'll hike along Sope Creek, crossing over the little tributary that feeds into Sibley Pond, and pause to check out the ruins of the paper mill. We'll meander through the woods before returning to the river and back to our starting point.

This is not a beginner's hike. We will be covering 10.5 miles at a fast pace. We will be walking over fine gravel, wooden boardwalks, compact dirt, rocks and roots, and sandy floodplain.  Some of the trails we will be taking will be shared with bikers.

Take I-285 to Exit 22 (Northside Dr./New Northside Dr./Powers Ferry Rd) and go north/west on NEW NORTHSIDE DRIVE.

New Northside Drive becomes Interstate North Parkway. 

Go one mile from 285, cross the river and immediately turn right onto 1615 Interstate North Pkwy.

Note: You will pass the Powers Island unit of Cochran Shoals just before the river; do not turn here. Cross the river and turn right at the Cobb County sign (there is no large brown sign here). We will meet at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms.

$3 parking daily pass is needed, unless you have an annual Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area.

www.nps.gov/chat