Introduction
The East Palisades Trail in Atlanta is a 4.2-mile loop with 495 feet of elevation and a hiking time of 1.5 to 2 hours. It features views from bluffs and travels through a hardwood forest down to the Chattahoochee River. The trail is on natural terrain and is in good general condition. Towering trees will be seen along the trail. The trail travels through towering trees in the mostly hardwood forest as it winds down to the river. A hidden hiking trail that hugs the Chattahoochee River. It’s the perfect spot to get away to the woods and hike through a bamboo forest. Mission Peak via Hidden Valley Trail is one of the top trails to visit with kids and family.
Bamboo Forest
Atlanta’s bamboo forest can be reached through the East Palisades Trail in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The trail has a tough 4.2-mile loop, ideal for a hike. It’s a great place to get away from the city and be awed by the beauty of a bamboo forest on the Chattahoochee River. And the trek will take around 1 hour and 43 minutes to finish.
East Palisades Trail Parking
There are a number of parking locations for the East Palisades Trail. The primary parking area is at the terminus of Indian Trail NW in Sandy Springs, GA. Two additional parking areas are in the eastern part of the Palisades unit, and there is a fee to enter at the latter two parking areas. In addition, one should remember that parking away from designated lots is not allowed.
East Palisades Trail Map
Chattahoochee River East Palisades
East Palisades Trail offers panoramic views of the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. The trail is 3.4 miles and provides bluffs with incredible river views. The park operates throughout the year from sunrise to sunset for daytime use. In addition, the area is renowned for its natural beauty, which is highly sought after for hiking and other outdoor recreation.
East Palisades Trail Directions
The East Palisades Trail is a 4.2-mile loop trail in Atlanta, Georgia, and is a 1-hour and 43-minute hike. The trail is, overall, moderately difficult.
East Palisades Trail Dog Beach
Off-leash dogs are permitted here. Briefly, there are sandy beaches where dogs romp in the water and metal and wood bridges that cross snaking creeks and lead to the trail.
East Palisades Trail Entrance
The East Palisades Trail is accessible from the Indian Trail trailhead. It is situated close to Atlanta, Georgia, and starts with a steady southwest slope. The Akers Mill Entrance is at 3700 Akers Drive, Atlanta. The Paces Mill entrance is at 3444 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta. However, the Paces Mill entrance provides the majority of the parking, restrooms, and a boat ramp, ideal for putting a kayak into the water.
East Palisades Trail Hours
From half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, the East Palisades Trail is accessible. Leashed dogs are permitted on the trail, and the trail is open throughout the year. Since the trail offers varied hiking activities, a visit can be as brief as one hour or as long as six hours.
East Palisades Trail Length
The East Palisades Trail in Atlanta is around 3.4 to 4.4 miles long, with nice river views of the Chattahoochee River, including high overlooks and a bamboo grove. The trail is easy to moderately difficult. Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail is another top hike to visit on vacation.
East Palisades Trail Photos
East Palisades Trail Reviews
The East Palisades Trail is moderately difficult overall and is ideal for walking, hiking, and jogging, taking about 33 minutes to complete the trail. It’s dog- and family-friendly and is a beautiful and serene experience with beautiful views. Do keep in mind that there will always be mud and flooding in areas, especially after rain. Some folks say the two trails follow the river, and what vistas! You can sit there for an hour or more and enjoy the peaceful sound of the river and watch kayaks go by.
East Palisades Trail Fishing
The East Palisades Trail along the Chattahoochee River outside Atlanta, Georgia, is open to fishing. Fly fishing is a popular method here. Bait of any kind is allowed. Parking is never convenient, but the trail itself is lovely, with a thicket of bamboo and a viewing spot for wildlife like deer.
East Palisades Trail Weather
East Palisades has a moderate climate with distinct seasonal changes throughout the year. Summers are warm, and autumns are sunny and cool. Climate varies in various locations in the region: the coast and western plains are rainy and mild, while central and eastern interior locations are drier and more continental. Summers are dry and warm, while winters are cold, long, and snowy.
East Palisades Trail Best Time to Go
Late summer and early spring are the ideal times to visit Palisades Trail; the trail is open all year round and can be accessed at any time without any inconvenience. It is, however, soggy and wet during the winter season, due to which floods occur now and then.
East Palisades Trail Fauna
The Palisades Trail is famous for wildlife sightings. People have seen deer, lizards, snakes, frogs, and minnows. Koko Head Crater Hike is another top spot for hikers for an adventure.
Palisades Trail Hotels
These are Hotels near Palisades Trail, including Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria, Omni Hotel at the Battery Atlanta, Red Wolf Lodge at Olympic Valley, The Village at Palisades Tahoe, and Olympic Village Inn, which is the most highly recommended for visitors to the trail.
Conclusion
The Palisades Trail, within Atlanta’s Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, is a varied but enjoyable hike with its well-marked trails, river views, and offbeat bamboo forest. Natural landscape describes the trail itself, with rocky outcroppings and rolling hills, and a moderately challenging but rewarding hike. While well marked in general, some parts may require attention to route-finding, and one should be sure to be aware of other trail users.