Exploring Gold Branch
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Escape the crowds with a short drive to Gold Branch in east Cobb County. Hike down to Bull Sluice Lake to wet a line or have a picnic in the woods. If you wish, take a nice long hike to really get away from the crowds.
Things To Do The Gold Branch Unit contains approximately 4.9 miles of easy to difficult trails. Winding over forested ridges and into ravines, these trails display a natural beauty in all seasons. This outdoor classroom offers many experiences for recreation, plant and animal identification, geology and water quality studies, and an occasional break for relaxation The eastern border of the unit is Bull Sluice Lake, an impoundment created during the construction of Morgan Falls Dam. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Common Carp. A current Georgia fishing license is required to fish on the lake. To fish for or possess trout while lake fishing you must also possess a trout stamp. Things To See Despite rapid urbanization many species of wildlife can still be observed throughout this unit. A large number of nut and fruit bearing trees have evolved into a habitat that can support a substantial wildlife population. Look closely and you might see a beaver, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, or a raccoon. Diverse arrays of wildflowers and ferns lace the forest floor. A major event associated with this unit was the construction of Morgan Falls Dam. In 1904, the Atlanta Water and Electric Power Company dammed the Chattahoochee River to build the very first hydroelectric plant for a growing town called Atlanta. Things To Remember Stay Safe Don't venture off the trails; poison ivy is abundant. Watch out for hypothermia, a robber of body heat. Wear appropriate shoes; and dress for the weather .. Climbing cliffs can be risky. Protect The Resources All natural and cultural resources are FEDERALLY protected. Traveling cross country causes soil erosion and is damaging to plants. Please clean pick up pet waste and dispose of properly. Don’t pick flowers, leave for all to enjoy. Obey The Law Please make sure you've paid your Entrance Fee before heading out on your hike. Do not park along entrance road, emergency vehicles may need access. Please respect private property bordering the park. No glass containers on the river, broken glass can be harmful No bikes on dirt trails, visit Cochran Shoals Unit. Pets must be physically restrained. All commercial activity must be approved by Park Superintendent. Park is open from one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.
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1-6 Hours
Daily Park Pass - $5.00 A Daily Park Pass allows a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to park in a designated parking lot of the park during regular park hours for one day. You may purchase a Daily Park Pass online at Recreation.gov or in person at Island Ford Visitor Center. Valid America The Beautiful Passes are also valid for parking in the park. Annual Park Pass - $40.00 The Annual Park Pass allows a single, private, non-commercial vehicle (car/truck/van) to park in any designated parking lot of the park during regular park hours for one year. You may purchase an Annual Park Pass online at Recreation.gov or in person at Island Ford Visitor Center. A valid America The Beautiful Pass are is also valid for parking in the park America the Beautiful Pass A valid America the Beautiful pass is acceptable for entrance to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Display it in your vehicle as you would a CRNRA Daily Pass or an CRNRA Annual Pass.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Trails in this unit tend to range from 3' to 5' in width. The trails can be relatively steep along with steep side slopes. The trail surfaces are dirt that are rocky in places and many sections with abundant roots.
Yes — Dogs are allowed on the trails in the park but they must remain on a leash at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet and are required for the safety of visitors as well as the dogs themselves. Visitors must be holding the leash and in physical control of the pet at all times. Pets may not be left unattended or tied to an object. Pet owners are required to clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste properly. Most locations have bags provided but bring extras in case they are depleted. Cleaning up after pets helps to protect the water quality of the river.
No
All ages are encouraged to visit, but make sure minors are accompanied by an adult.
Gold Branch Unit
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