Chatt NRA North to South: Part 11 - Powers Island

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 (West Palisades).

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

Chatt NRA North to South thread

Part 11: Powers Island

Ok time to finish up this series and we are doing it with the last three hikes in one day.  East and West Palsades are later in the day after this hike...so sign up for more than one if you'd like to get some extra miles in.

This isn't one of the more sensational units of the Chatt NRA but it does have a particular charm to it.  Especially if you have ever looked at Powers Island from Cochran Shoals....it's fun to actually get over there and explore a bit.

We will begin by making a full clockwise loop around the outside of the actual island...part of this involves hiking under I-285, which is not especially scenic but we will do it anyway.  But soon enough we will be back by the river.  We will complete the loop and then head back through the parking lot and to the northern areas of trail. 

There are not a whole lot of trails up there, but some nice areas and a good little hill to get our heart rates up, at least for a bit.   After we finish this portion of the trails, we will head back and do one more counterclockwise half loop of Powers Island.

Total hiking time should be about 1 hr...total distance about 4 mi.  We won't be rushing, but just taking our time and enjoying the views, stopping to take photos etc.  This is certainly more of a leisurely social hike than anything remotely resembling a workout hike.  Still, we will cover some ground and get a little exercise in.

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

Directions From I-285 East Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. Go to second traffic light and turn left onto New Northside Drive Use the through lane to pick up Interstate North Parkway. Unit will be .6 miles on the right before the river. From I-285 West Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. Right on to New Northside Drive. Use the through lane to pick up Interstate North Parkway Unit will be .6 miles on the right before the river. From U.S. 41 South (Cobb Parkway) Travel to Akers Mill Road Left for bout 1.5 miles to the junction of Akers Mill and Powers Ferry Road. Left going under I-285 than an immediate right onto Interstate North Parkway. It will be .4 miles on the left after crossing the river. From U.S. 41 North (Cobb Parkway) Travel to Akers Mill Road Right for bout 1.5 miles to the junction of Akers Mill and Powers Ferry Road. Left going under I-285 than an immediate right onto Interstate North Parkway. It will be .4 miles on the left after crossing the river.