Chattahoochee Grand Tour

The month of April had me in Cobb County for work most days and driving from one suburb of Atlanta to the next is no easy feat. It's a lot of driving up and down GA-400 and around I-285 in rush hour traffic. It's not as bad as driving to Atlanta but suburban traffic is no joke. It makes me question my life choices every day...

So after driving over the Chattahoochee dozens of times (seriously, it topped 100 by the end of the month), I decided to try to hit up some recreation areas located off of I-285. I've never really been to the Chattahoochee outside of Roswell or where we live now. During April I visited 3 different parks in Cobb or Fulton and got my money's worth from purchasing an annual CRNRA pass. I also went to Bowman's Island, so yeah, that $40 pass is in full effect.

But anyways, back to the wilds of Cobb and Fulton, I will now review and discuss the places I went:

1. Powers Island/NOC outpost

I initially chose to go to Powers Island because they have an automated machine where you can buy a annual pass. However, I was very pleasantly surprised with the actual trail and scenery. I arrived in the early evening and there was literally no one else there. There is a small trail near the parking pass machine that leads to Powers Island, however, that is a short trail and the island is fairly small. There is also a canoe/kayak launch here. At the opposite end of the parking lot, there is another trail that forms a long, narrow loop. From the northeast corner of the parking lot, the trail goes up into the woods and has a decent little incline- definitely a good workout for walking or mountain biking. The trail then descends down toward the river and loops back around to the southwest end of the parking lot. 

I didn't find the river views to be terribly spectacular but the trail is very peaceful and shady. Along the trail, I saw lots of wildflowers as well as a goose family with adorable babies. The trail itself is very narrow and intimate. It felt much more isolated and removed from the city than it actually is. This trail is great for singular hikers or mountain bikers. During my hike, which took about an hour, I only saw 2-3 year people, one of whom was a mountain biker. The total trail mileage is about 2.6 miles, making it a great choice for an after work hike. I really liked Powers Island because it was so secluded and peaceful. Perfect choice for de-stressing after a long day. 

2. Cochran Shoals/Interstate North

This park is directly across the river from Powers Island but is totally different. I arrived around 6 pm (again on a weeknight) and the parking lot was nearly full. I found one spot in the very back. The place was crawling with walkers (I just realized that sounds like zombies but, then again, we are in Atlanta...) and bicyclists. Lots of dogs. The path here is very wide, flat, and paved with fine gravel. So it is a great running or biking trail. Off of the main path, there is also a boardwalk leading into a marshy area but I did not explore too much down there. There is also a narrow wooded path off to the side of the gravel trail that goes closer to the river, but does not have real river view. Regardless, if you want to get away from the gravel for a bit, you could take this one. It reconnects to the gravel path after a short distance. 

The gravel path is marked with mile markers and eventually the path leads to another parking area at Columns Drive. Throughout the trail, there are overlooks along the Chattahoochee and the views of the river are really nice. I enjoyed visiting this park and I did get a good workout because the vibe there is just more exercise focused, I guess. I didn't meander or stop as much to look at scenery as I would if I was on a woodland trail. If I lived nearby, this would be a regular stop for exercise or walking the dogs. The downsides are parking and general congestion in the parking lot (not easy to get out if a bunch of people leave at the same time) and there is quite a bit of litter. The bathroom was, quite frankly, disgusting and I wish people would simply clean up after themselves and LEAVE NO TRACE. 

3. East Palisades

I had heard so much about this place and had really high hopes for it but I didn't have the best visit. You can read more about the Palisades here, because my visit was very disjointed and is not going to make a lot of sense. First off, I was really tired and just not really feeling it that day. Secondly, for 3 days prior, it had rained extensively in north Georgia and the trails were a complete mess. I brought my regular running shoes (brand new, btw) and really should have brought my Keen's instead. The trail was literally underwater at some points and my feet got really wet. The river also looked a mess, like a hurricane went through, and that didn't make for very pretty pictures. 

Aesthetics aside, the trails at East Palisades are very extensive and loopy. There are trail maps along the way, but I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere because I did not end up going where I intended to. Eventually I made it to the overlook on the Chattahoochee but I missed the bamboo forest, which I keep hearing so much about. In an effort to not retrace my steps going back to the car, I tried to take a different trail back up to the parking lot but again, must have missed something and ended up walking in the woods for a very long time. Eventually I popped out onto the main road leading to the parking area and then had to walk along there to get back to the car (not a big deal, it's a extremely upscale residential area). That being said, on this smaller side trail, I did see a very pretty creek and enjoyed a lot of quiet time. I will give the East Palisades another shot, preferably during a sunny, dry week and when I have James with me. Being lost and trapped in an Atlanta suburb is literally my worst fear hahaha.

Laurel Ridge Trail 4-5-18

Since have longer daylight hours, I'm trying to take advantage of doing some shorter, local hikes during the week (because weekend rain seems to be an ongoing phenomenon in North Georgia). On days I work from home, I can get out the door by 5 pm and still have nearly 3 hours of daylight. Recently, I decided to revisit a trail I'd been to once before, the Laurel Ridge trail along Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee. James and I did this trail back in 2016 on a hot summer day after my car got totaled and I needed something to take my mind off of it (just one of the many things in 2016 that led to a sad, post-less year). I didn't remember much from that visit, other than it was extremely hot and Lake Lanier had very low water levels then. It's pretty much in the same area as all the other trails I do near Lake Lanier, so I'm not sure why I've not been back more often. 

The Laurel Ridge trail is a 3.8 mile loop with several different options for beginning and ending. I recommend starting at the Lower Overlook park, because it has free parking, and from there, take the trail southeast. There are other options, such as starting at Buford Dam but then you have to pay for parking at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. If you follow the trail southeast, you'll go through some scenic low-lying swampy areas with boardwalks and then follow the trail along the lake for a while. Eventually you cross Buford Dam Road (always a death trap) and go into the woods closer to the Chattahoochee. The scenery changes nicely throughout the hike. The trail goes through a few different parks and sometimes crosses a parking lot, so you just have to pay attention to the trail markers. Once you get to the river, you can take the boardwalk on the left hand side to the dam and explore there or continue to the right up the Laurel Ridge trail. Keep an eye out for the goats on the dam! After leaving the river area, you'll cross Buford Dam Road again and be back in the Lower Overlook parking lot, finishing the hike. 

Most of the hike is relatively flat with a few hilly areas as you transition closer to the river. The scenery does change quite a bit throughout and I saw different wildflowers in different areas. I've also seen deer each time I've been here which is always a cute surprise. Since the hike isn't very long or strenuous, it makes an ideal hike or run if you only have a few hours. It took me 2 hours on the nose, with frequent stopping for pictures and exploration by the river. Despite being in town and just off the main road, I only saw a few other hikers (and it was the week of spring break to boot). One downside, since the trail is along a busy area, you can often hear traffic. That aside, the Laurel Ridge trail is a great suburban hike and I will definitely add it to my rotation of week day hikes. 

Columbus Chattahoochee River Walk 3-21-18

Most of my work during the month of March had me in Tifton, GA. I hate to say it but there is really not a lot going on in Tifton. I searched for a park with a nice walking trail or some kind of outdoor recreation area but did not find much. I didn't have much time in the afternoons after work to drive anywhere and didn't want to be out in an unfamiliar area by myself, so most of my physical activity was limited to the hotel gym. 

During part of the month though, I was in Columbus. Due to "springing forward" and also the fact that Columbus is practically in central time anyways, I had a lot more daylight to work with. The weather has been mostly horrendous all month but I had one or 2 ok days while I was in Columbus. So of course I had to see how the Chattahoochee down there compared to my beautiful river up here north of Atlanta. I was delighted to find a 15 mile long walking path along the banks of the river (I could have walked to Alabama, but why would anyone do that?). My part of the river is more scenic because obviously the area around the river in downtown Columbus is developed and has a lot of buildings, traffic, etc. I'm sure as you get away from the city, the river and scenery becomes more serene. The path itself is lovely; it's very wide and flat, which makes it great for bicyclists, joggers, and walkers. 

I only walked a mile or so on the path after starting at Woodruff Riverfront Park near downtown, because I also planned to walk around downtown Columbus. It was extremely windy and cold and very few other people were out and about. I did see some kayakers, as this part of the river is quite rapid-y, and fisher folk. I was also shocked to see motor boats on the river. I walked down to some old mill buildings and looked around there and also walked across a small bridge onto an island, which would be a great place to hang out if it wasn't freezing and windy. 

After walking along the river, I went up into downtown Columbus (which is apparently also known as Uptown). It's slightly sketchy but overall I found it quite nice. I went in a great coffee shop and met several storefront dogs who were hanging out on the sidewalk in front of their respective shops. I always like to support local businesses and there were quite a few in downtown Columbus. There seems to be a culture of coffee, beer, and bicycles (and dogs) in Columbus and I can't argue with any of that. There is also a lot of public art. It seems like they are really trying to make it an interesting place. Just my assessment after spending a few hours there. 

So in a month of traveling for the first 3 weeks and rainy weather every weekend I was home (not joking), I am happy I managed to find a little adventure wherever I could. There are many places near Columbus I would like to go such as the Warm Springs area and Providence Canyon but alas, no time for that when working. Maybe another time..

Local favorites

Little Ridge Park

Due to my work schedule for most of 2017, I had free time in the mornings. It was great and it gave me the chance to exercise more often. So basically anytime the weather was nice, I went to the park. We are fortunate to live near a very nice park on Lake Lanier, which also happens to be free AND dog friendly! I spend so much time at Little Ridge Park, you would think I lived there. It's not huge but there is a nice trail through the woods and it is easy to access the lake from different parts of the trail. There's also a boat launch but that is about it (no bathrooms or pavilions or such). It's crowded on weekends and holidays but during the week, I only ever see about 2-3 people on the trail. Again, it's dog friendly!! There are a lot of parks on the lake that are not dog friendly. My favorite feature is this island that sometimes becomes a peninsula depending on how high the water level is. You can walk/wade out there and it's just fun to explore. It's very shaded and a good place to put a hammock. Little Ridge is an Army Corps of Engineers park so please review their rules before visiting!!

Bowmans Landing

My other standby has been Bowmans Island, which is part of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. It is attached to the Lower/Upper Pool Parks at Buford Dam, which is part of the Army Corps of Engineers. Different rules for each! Leashed dogs are allowed at Bowman's Island but not at the Lower or Upper Pool Parks. They all share an entrance at the Lower Pool Park and if there is an attendant at the gate, they will not let you bring dogs in. There is also an entrance at the Island Ford Unit and I am assuming you can bring dogs in this way, but I have never been to that location. Sometimes the gate is unattended and you simply put money in the box and get your parking permit and you and your dog can be on your way. Bowmans Island is also horse friendly but I have never seen anyone on horseback there. 

I love the Chattahoochee and Bowmans Island is an easy way to access it. That being said, this is not a swimming hole/day drinking locale. There are always people fishing and I try to not disturb them. There is a fairly extensive trail around the island and some of it goes along the river and some up into the woods. There are maps all along the trail and I just sort of meander each time I go there. I love seeing the changes in the river due to dam releases or rainfall. It looks different each time I visit. I took these pictures in early fall when the weather was still warm and the river looked particularly beautiful. 

So even if you think you don't have time for a hike, you can usually find a "in town" option near Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee.

The beginning of the trail

First of all, let me introduce myself. I am 30 year old social worker living north of Atlanta (where the Metro meets the Mountains, if you know what I mean). I am married to an insurance man, James, and we have a silly dog named Tennille. We also foster dogs for a local animal welfare organization and currently have a sweet girl named Nova.

As my husband and I both approach our 31st birthdays, we have set a goal for ourselves: to hike the 31 mountains in Georgia higher than 4000 feet in elevation. After spending most of our twenties working 60 hours weeks, it's time for a change. I am fortunately in a position where I don't work on the weekends (as much) anymore and my husband is blessed with a pretty straight 9-5 job. We are also interested in getting in better shape and doing activities we can engage our very active dog in.

We've been lucky enough to live near the Chattahoochee river and National Recreation Area for several years and we always enjoy frequent outings there during the summer, but that has been the extent of our exploration in North Georgia, for the most part.

When I moved to Georgia over 7 years ago, I did excitedly hike as much as I could before starting grad school. Coming from the coast of Florida, living anywhere remotely near mountains was fascinating. But once real life started up, I never got up to the mountains very frequently. 

Strangely enough though, work did play a part in motivating me to get outside and explore. See, after I started working in Cherokee County in late 2014, I began to notice exactly what was around me. I started looking at maps and realized, Ellijay is just a short drive north, then Blue Ridge beyond that. Northwest is the Cohutta Wilderness and Fort Mountain. I was suddenly overwhelmed with the amount of mountains and trails nearby. 

So this blog will be an opportunity for us to document and share our explorations of North Georgia, with our main goal being 31 peaks for our 31 years. My birthday is November 7th and my husband's is December 3- perfect timing to enjoy the fall leaves and work on our goals. 

As for the name of the blog, coincidentally, we all have green daypacks. Papa Bear's is the biggest, Mama Bear's in the middle and Baby Bear even has her own little harness/backpack. So we are a totally cute, matching family on the trail. 

I will leave you with a picture of us from last summer at the Chattahoochee.