Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike

OVERVIEW:  The ruggedly beautiful East and West Palisades units of the CRNRA (Chattahoochee River Nat'l Rec. Area) are among the most popular of all North Georgia public areas for outdoor recreation.  On opposite sides of the River between I-285 and US-41, the Palisades have been enjoyed on hundreds of AOC dayhikes over the years and make a spectacular wilderness backdrop for our "Happy Hour on the Hooch" floats in our kayaks, canoes and inflatables.
  For safety reasons, the CRNRA's official marked trail system avoids routes that would take hikers up and over the numerous palisades (steep rocky cliffs) that rise from the water's edge.  Despite this, adventurous local boulderers over the years have made numerous indistinct trails that connect to the formal trail system and make it possible to hike and climb directly beside the riverbank on both sides of the entire 3-mile length of the River through the Palisades.
  In April 2009 I planned and led an AOC "D-5 Scramble" for experienced hikers in which 21 of us AOCers (group photo above) enjoyed hiking and bouldering together downstream for 2 miles along the West Palisades riverbank from I-285 to I-75, then back to our cars via the new PATH-style trail and Akers Mill Road.
  On this new adventure we'll "one-up" our 2009 AOC feat by completing an entire 7-mile clockwise "Loop Route" via the riverbank on both sides of the River.  The other day (Aug 24) I proved to myself that the route is feasible and reasonably safe by successfully "pre-hiking" it.  This event is intended only for experienced hiker-boulderers in good physical condition who feel comfortable with rugged terrain and occasional climbs over high rocky cliffs.

HIKE PLAN:  I've obtained permission from "Ray's on the River" to park for free in their parking lot where we'll begin and end our "scramble."  After introductions and a "clothing/shoes/gear check" we'll first hike downstream along the East Palisades to the famous "jumping rock," where we may enjoy a few leaps into the water and a refreshing swim. About 2 miles further downstream at the halfway point of our "scramble" we'll cross the river on the US-41 bridge and hike/climb 3 miles northeastward along the riverbank via the "Paces Mill" unit and the West Palisades.  Near the end of the hike we'll cross the I-285 access road bridge to return to our cars at Ray's.
  As discussed above the trail has several spots where “bouldering” (climbing over large rocks) is required.  Also we may choose to wade by the riverbank in a few spots, so be prepared to get your shoes wet!

FOR MORE ON THE CHATTACHOOCHEE RIVER NRA: go to http://www.nps.gov/chat and for free printable trail maps of the East and West Palisades and Paces Mill units go to: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/maps.htm