Paces Mill / Rottenwood Creek Trail in Metro Atlanta

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Review of a popular running and walking trail along the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Metro Atlanta that travels to a rushing waterfall.

One of our favorite running and walking trails in the metro Atlanta area is the Paces Mill / Rottenwood Creek trail. Following the Chattahoochee River for a quarter mile and then turning to follow Rottenwood Creek to its waterfalls near the end of the trail, this 3.6 mile paved trail blends urban signs of the city (highway overpasses, busy roads) with undeniably beautiful nature.

Check out our HD video review of the Paces Mill / Rottenwood Creek trail:

From the parking and boat ramp area, the trail extends flat along the Chattahoochee River, following North along the river bank.

The trail passes under the huge overpass of I-75 as the Chattahoochee widens, the river becoming broad and the flow smooth.

The trail turns to the left after crossing a large bridge spanning Rottenwood Creek. Several side trails, both dirt, extend from the paved trail here; the one closest to the river extends into a more underused section of the park and offers great trail running alongside the Chattahoochee River.

The paved trail follows along the banks of Rottenwood Creek, turning to run over a wooden boardwalk before crossing the creek several more times on large metal bridges.

From here, the trail begins to climb significantly as it winds towards Akers Mill Road. Continue following the winding path upwards, enjoying – especially in the winter and spring months – the view of the rumbling Rottenwood Creek below.

Begin the decent towards the falls before the trail crosses the creek one last time over a metal bridge which affords views of the sliding waterfall below the I-285 overpass. This is the most scenic section of the park in our opinion – with a beautiful waterfall and forest nicely juxtaposed with the surrounding urbanism. As with many of the parks in the Chattahoochee River system in Metro Atlanta, the blend of the city and nature is very nicely combined to allow for great time in the outdoors while staying close to the city.

Having undergone damage during the flood of Fall 2009 (the entire parking area was under considerable water after the Chattahoochee River overflowed its banks), the park has been cleaned up and the parking areas and trails open for use. New restrooms have been installed in the parking area, and the state is working on further restoration of the picnic area.

Ample parking is available at the Paces Mill parking lot, located off Cobb Parkway inside Interstate 285. Parking is fee-based (currently $3 per car) or available year-round with a Chattahoochee National Recreation Area annual parking pass. GPS Coordinates: 33.869044,-84.455209