Cochran Shoals: Trails along the Chattahoochee River

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Popular running and biking trail along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Metro Atlanta.

Just outside the Atlanta perimeter is one of the most popular parks in the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area: Cochran Shoals. With 3.1 miles of wide graveled trails along the banks of the shoals of the Chattahoochee River, this is a popular running, walking and biking trail that’s convenient to Metro Atlanta.

Check out our HD video review of Cochran Shoals:

The trail’s first mile and a half winds along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, providing pretty scenery that contrasts with the surrounding suburbs of Atlanta. The trail passes through varied terrain; wetlands, river banks, and young forest as it loops around after approaching the Columns Drive parking area at the North end of the park.

Just after looping around from the Columns Drive parking area, a dirt path extends upward from the main Cochran Shoals trail which connects with the Sope Creek recreation area (see our Sope Creek review here).

Expect plenty of traffic on the trail, especially on weekends and nightly during the warmer months. Despite a large parking area, spaces can be limited during peak times – and parking is available for a $3 per use fee, or if you’re a frequent visitor to the Chattahoochee parks (as we are), a better value is the annual parking pass for $25, available from the park’s website here.