East Palisades, 9 miles, Whitewater Creek lot

Photo of East Palisades beaver by Chuck R.  Thanks Chuck!

With a bit more elevation gain and mileage on the last hike, this hike has been upgraded from a D3 to a D4.

Moving Speed: up to 3.2 mph 

Avg. Speed:  up to 2.8 mph 

Elevation Gain: 1500 feet

Trail Condition:  slippery and hazardous in places with the usual winter experiences of leaves over nuts, rocks, and roots, plus extra sticks and blowdowns 

We will cover all the trails and work our way through the trail system from the lower level to try to have as much climbing as possible. 

We will also have 3 rough unmarked "trail" hikes of the BAH, the winch and ranger house, and above the bluffs.

If you think you are a slow hiker, then this hike would not be one you would want to choose.

PLEASE NOTE THE PARKING LOT - - WHITEWATER CREEK   (Not the Indian Trail lot) 

East Palisades is a unique hike in a densely forested park that rises to 400 feet above the Chattahoochee River. It offers some of the most scenic views of the river south of Lake Lanier.

This hike will encompass the 48 acre park and include all Creeks and tributaries.

The path follows several switchbacks to the top of East Palisades, where a side path drops down some steps to an overlook that gives a breathtaking view of the river flowing north to south. 

From here the trail climbs to a ridge.

Along the way to the top, we will take all of the trails in order to maximize our elevation gain to have climbing be as much of a D3 experience as we can squeeze out of the trail system.

Please make sure you meet at the WhiteWater Creek location. 

There are no restrooms 

Pass can be purchased at the Kiosk in the parking lot -  they don't take cash any longer - you should be able to scan a QR code with your phone and pay electroncially. or prior to hike go to this website and purchase a daily or annual pass https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Please note the physical address and the directions mentioned below are approximate; the best way to get to the parking lot is by GPS.  

From Google Maps, type: East Palisades Whitewater

From I -285 East
- Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. 
- Right on Northside Drive.
- Go through the Powers Ferry intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (Caution light).
- Right on Harris Trail and .9 mile to Whitewater Creek Road.
- Right and entrance will be on the right (.1 mile).

From I-285 West
- Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
- Straight to second traffic light.
- Left on Northside Drive, through the Powers Ferry Road intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (caution light).
- Right on Harris Trail and .9 miles to Whitewater Creek Road.
- Right and travel.1 mile to the entrance on the right.

From I-75 North
- Take exit 256, Mt. Paran Road.
- Right on Mt. Paran Road to first traffic light (Harris Trail)
- Left on Harris Trail to Whitewater Creek Road
- Right about .4 miles to the unit which is on the left.

From U.S. 41 (Cobb Highway South)
- Travel to Mt. Paran Road
- Right on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
- Go about .3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
- Go .4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

From U.S. 41 (Cobb Highway North)
- Travel to Mt. Paran Road
- Turn left on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
- Go about .3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
- Go .4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

Electronic payment at QR code sign  for $5 parking unless you have an annual pass, which you can apply for HERE.

Trail Maps - 

National Park Service http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/ TrailMapPalisadesEast.pdf

Alltrails, of the standard loop (we will do more than twice as much) with section mileages if you zoom

"Please be advised that attendees of AOC events should have face coverings on their person, in the event they are unable to maintain a physical distance of 6 feet.

The AOC continues to follow federal, state, local and CDC guidelines to help contain the spread of COVID-19. A national Executive Order enacted on January 20, 2021 states “...on-duty or on-site Federal employees, on-site Federal contractors, and other individuals in Federal buildings and on Federal lands should all wear masks, maintain physical distance, and adhere to other public health measures, as provided in CDC guidelines.” Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the CRNRA parks are examples of federal lands.