Exploring Palisades West

Things To Do The Palisades Unit west of the Chattahoochee River is in Cobb county. The unit consist of 302 acres with approximately 3.5 miles of trails and just over 2 miles of river shoreline. The trails are easy to difficult. Trails are beautiful throughout the year as they wind through the floodplains and atop ridges. The trails offer opportunities for jogging, bird watching, informal sports, plant identification, water quality study or quiet moments. At the Akers Drive entrance you will find the trailhead to the trail that winds its way down hill through the woods to the river flood plain. Continue hiking along the trail and catch views of the Devils Race Course Shoals from the river’s edge. Take a break at the gravel bar and watch the boaters float by before heading back up the hill to your vehicle. At the Paces Mill entrance you will find picnic tables and grills located beneath a canopy of hardwoods near the river. The trailhead for the Rottenwood Creek Trail is located adjacent to a large open meadow ideal for group activities. The last two boat launches as you float down the river are located here, make sure you don’t miss them. The cold river contains 22 species of game fish, including trout. All baits are allowed (along this river section). A valid Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required. The cold water of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, is ideal for trout, but can be dangerous to humans. Things To See Wildflowers bloom from March to October. The Yellow Trout Lily and the White Bloodroot signal spring's arrival. Purple Gentian braves the chill October winds at the river's edge. Wildlife is abundant. Tracks of raccoon, muskrat, mink, beaver and otter can be found along the animal trails that lead to the river. Feathered anglers such as the Great Blue Heron, Kingfisher, Osprey and the Mallards also make the river corridor their home. 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. Bikes allowed only on roadways and paved Rottenwood Creek Trail. 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.