Friday Morning Hike at Sope Creek (Paper Mill Entrance)

We'll be keeping a moderate pace on this hike, covering may of the trails that circle and criss-cross the Sope Creek area, perhaps venturing into Cochran Shoals to add some distance.  We'll keep our legs moving for about 2 hours, clocking in about 6 miles.  Some of the trails are hilly and rocky, but if you're up for the distance and can handle some elevation change, you'll be in good shape.  This is NOT a fitness hike, so if we need to stop for a breather or water, we will.

If we have people new to the park who haven't seen the ruins, we'll add them to our itinerary.  Otherwise, we'll likely skip them for the sake of keeping things moving.

The Sope Creek parking lot off Paper Mill Road is a more secluded entrance to the Cochran Shoals area of the Chattahoochee NRA.  There is construction on Paper Mill Road this week, so if you're coming from Johnson Ferry, plan to leave a little early so that you get to the parking lot on time.

The weather will be sunny and very warm for our hike - - temperatures climbing into the high 80's. There is a chance of rain, but we have a good chance of a clear hike.  No reminder email will be sent out for this hike unless we have to cancel.  If that is the case, I will send you an email by 9 am. 

Please remember to bring $3 cash for the National Park Service parking fee, unless you have a Chattahoochee NRA annual pass.

If you bring your dog, it should be able to keep up with the group and interact well with other dogs and people. The Chattahoochee NRA requires that owners keep their dogs on a leash and clean up after their pets on the trails. Please be willing to keep your dog on leash out of consideration to other hikers -- and because it's the law.

Limit of 3 dogs, please!

Sope Creek Parking Lot (Paper Mill Road)

3760 Paper Mill Rd SE
Marietta, GA

GPS Coordinates: 33.939515,-84.441905

Directions: Take Interstate 75 North out of Atlanta to Windy Hill Road (exit 260). Turn right on Windy Hill Road, and then left on Powers Ferry Road. At the intersection of Powers Ferry and Terrell Mill Road, take a right on Terrell Mill. Take a right on Paper Mill Road; the park entrance is approximately 1 mile further on Paper Mill Road on the right.

From Johnson Ferry Road, cross the river going North; turn left at the Paper Mill Road intersection, past the Columns Drive light.  Stay on Paper Mill as it winds along to the Sope Creek bridge.  Once you cross the bridge, be alert for the Sope Creek sign on your left, about 1/4 mile from the bridge.

If you're traveling south on Johnson Ferry Road, turn right at Paper Mill Road and proceed according to the directions above.

Trail Map - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/TrailMapSopeCreek.pdf

Don't forget to bring $3 cash for parking!

No bathroom facilities at this location, but the trees and bushes provide good cover!