Chatt NRA North to South: Part 10 - Cochran Shoals

This series of hikes is designed to celebrate the beautiful collection of parks that we have in "our own backyard”, the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. Administered by the National Park Service, the Chatt NRA offers miles of scenic trails, picturesque river views, and sightings of aquatic wildlife.

While the AOC frequently offers hikes at many of these parks, I thought it would be fun to hike all the branches, starting from the most northern (Bowmans Island) to the most southern (East and West Palisades).

For details on the other hikes in the series, visit the AOC forums...

Chatt NRA North to South thread

...or just watch the calendar for upcoming installments

Part 10: Cochran Shoals

Ok time to coninue this series now that the cooler temps are here...

We are going to meet in the main parking area off of Interstate North Parkway and hike about 6-7 miles...most of this will be flat because you have to go through that area before you even get into the woods. and any hills..but it is nice on a pretty sunny day, with views of Powers Island..maybe a little fall color remaining here and there.

I'm listing this as a D3 just because the pace will be fairly brisk on the flat portion...at least 3mph.   Once we get up into the woods, we'll slow down a bit...so this is a good beginner hike if you are already in decent shape and can walk fast....it is no fitness hike but it is not a leisurely stroll either...somewhere in between.

I'm allowing dogs in this hike but just make sure they play well with others.   You must keep them on their leash the entire time as that is the rule at the park.

http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/interstatenorth.htm

Directions From I-285 East Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. Go to second traffic light and go left onto New Northside Drive. Use "through" lane to pick up Interstate North Parkway. Unit will be .8 miles on the right after crossing the Chattahoochee. From I-285 West Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. Right on New Northside Drive. Use "through" lane to pick up Interstate North Parkway. Unit will be .8 miles on the right after crossing the Chattahoochee. From U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway North) Travel to Akers Mill Road Travel for about 1.5 miles to the junction of Akers Mill and Powers Ferry Road. Left and go under I-285, then an immediate right onto Interstate North Parkway. Unit will be .2 miles on left prior to crossing the Chattahoochee. From U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway South) Travel to Akers Mill Road Travel for about 1.5 miles to the junction of Akers Mill and Powers Ferry Road. Left and go under I-285, then an immediate right onto Interstate North Parkway. Unit will be .2 miles on left prior to crossing the Chattahoochee.

$3 parking fee or Chatt NRA annual pass required