Hiking trail through a lush forest.
1-6 HoursFee applies

Exploring Palisades East

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Welcome to the eastern half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades visit a rock shelter, view the shoals, or enjoy the river first hand.

Things To Do The Palisades East Unit contains approximately 5 miles of easy to difficult trails. Winding through forested floodplains, ridges, and ravines, these trails display a natural beauty in all seasons. This outdoor classroom offers many experiences for plant and animal identification, geology and water quality studies. Large boulders along the river's edge make perfect settings for picnics The cold river contains 22 species of game fish, including trout. All baits are allowed, along this section of river. A valid Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required. The cold water conditions, while great for trout, can be dangerous to humans. Things To See For thousands of years the Chattahoochee Corridor has been occupied by humans. Prehistoric inhabitants would find shelter under large rock overhangs, similar to the rock shelter located approximately 1/2 mile upstream from Whitewater Creek trailhead. Indian village sites once flourished along this rich corridor of fertile soils. A majestic view of the Devil's Race Course Shoals can be observed from a wooden overlook. The rugged granite palisades were called Devil's Stairsteps during the 19th century by river boatmen, because the shoals "were the devil" to navigate. 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 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.

Tags

HikingAnimalsBirdsFishTortoises and TurtlesCaves, Caverns and KarstForests and WoodlandsConiferous ForestsDeciduous ForestsGeologyNative American HeritageRiver and RiparianScenic ViewsTrailsWater TrailsWetlandsSwampsChattahoochee River National Recreation AreaPalisades unitIndian Trail entranceWhitewater Creek entrance

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Details

Duration

1-6 Hours

Fees

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.

Fees Apply

Yes

Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility

Trails in this unit tend to range from 3' to as much as 8' in width. Along the river the trails are relatively flat but can be muddy at times. Other trails can be relatively steep. The Whitewater Creek Canoe and Raft Launch is a step down ramp and requires negotiating 4 steps.

Pets

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.

Reservations

No

Age Info

All ages are encouraged to visit, but make sure minors are acompanied by an adult.

Location

Palisades Unit - East

View on NPS.govBack to Chattahoochee River

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