Round trip distance for all caches along the route from either parking lot is about 2 1/4 miles. The CRNRA Cochran Shoals parking lot has a $3.00 daily parking fee. Note: The caches along the Bob Callan/Rottenwood Creek Trail and the Akers Mill Trail are best accessed by foot or bicycle from parking lots located at the north end of the Bob Callan/Rottenwood Creek Trail or the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area Cochran Shoals at Eugene Gunby Road. The cache is a cammo'ed pill bottle located off the ground and contains only the log so bring your own pencil. GPS accuracy is poor in this area so use the hint if needed. The cache is located only about 850 feet from the parking lot so it is a short easy hike. The "Bob Callan" section of the trail offers few, if any, viable locations for a regular cache and the CNRA, where caches are not allowed, begins a short distance from the cache location so we decided to make this one of the "streak extender" series. There is paved parking lot at the trailhead. The trail follows the creek on down to the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Shortly after passing under I-285, the trail enters the Chattahoochee National Recreation area where it is known as the Rottenwood Creek Trail. It is a paved trail that winds along Rottenwood Creek under a portion of the Interstate 75/285 interchange. At the trailhead it is identified as the Bob Callan Trail. The run reaches the parking area at 3.6 miles, finishing the adventure.There is a little known but delightful trail along Rottenwood Creek that recently opened. The return run is almost all downhill, descending along Rottenwood Creek to the banks of the Chattahoochee River, and then running nearly level to return to the trailhead. A small waterfall cascades over large boulders below the bridge, shaded by a towering highway bridge.įrom here, this adventure on the West Palisades Trail doubles back to Paces Mill park, retracing its outbound steps the trailhead. The trail levels after a steady climb, crossing Rottenwood Creek over an elevated bridge. Rottenwood Creek drops far below the trail to the right. It runs right under I-75 There's lots of dog doo so you have to be on the look out.
The meanders through switchbacks, beginning a steep climb towards Akers Mill Road. The Rottenwood Creek multi-use trail runs from the corner of Interstate North Parkway and Cumberland Boulevard to the Chattahoochee Palisades West Parking lot near Hwy 41 and Paces Mill Road. Several side trails depart on the trail’s right, offering access to the creekbed, a popular swimming hole for dogs. The trail crosses a wooden boardwalk and then crosses the creek via a large wood and metal bridge. The paved trail arcs to the northwest, following the contours of the tumbling Rottenwood Creek on the left. This stretch of the West Palisades is remote, and makes for a great trail run or fantastic urban hike check out our review of the West Palisades Trail at Akers Drive for photos and details. Several dirt side trails depart on trail right, diving into the forest along the river’s banks. The trail crosses a bridge spanning Rottenwood Creek before arcing northwest. Views of the Chattahoochee River open wide after the trail ducks out from under the towering overpass, and the river’s flow is often glassy and reflective in this stretch. The highway’s enormous concrete supports tower cathedral-like over the wide, smooth-flowing river, a juxtaposition of nature and urban infrastructure. The trail passes under a highway overpass at just over. The river’s banks and rocky shoals are prime habitats for wildlife, including deer, geese, and heron.
The adventure departs from the West Palisades Trailhead at Paces Mill Park near Vinings ( view maps and driving directions), traveling northeast and following the Chattahoochee River’s banks.
Paces Mill Park on the West Palisades Trail: the run