Atlanta, GA: East Palisades

A short drive from downtown Atlanta—or, better yet, a short bike ride—the East Palisades network of riverside and tree-covered trails are perfect for bird-watching, trout fishing, trail-running, or just a nice stroll under the shady tree canopy.
This 3.8-mile clockwise loop, one of many alternatives on either side of the Chattahoochee, treks along the river before veering uphill into a hardwood forest where flame azaleas, mountain laurel, and rhododendrons line the trail in springtime. At the northern end of the loop, hikers have the option of U-turning for an out-and-back or detouring through a sleepy Atlanta neighborhood to complete the loop.
-Mapped by Scott Sanders

Trail Facts

• Distance: 6.1

Waypoints

EPA001

Location: 33.8779221, -84.4420242

Trailhead: To begin ,head north down the dirt trail, cross the bridge, bear left towards the river and cross another bridge. From here, the trail runs along the river.

EPA002

Location: 33.8838844, -84.4421387

Turn right @ T intersection as the trail turns off the river and begins a moderate climb up a short mound.

EPA003

Location: 33.8843765, -84.4417038

Turn right @ Y-junction as the trail continues uphill.

EPA004

Location: 33.8854218, -84.4412308

Turn right @ T-intersection and keep climbing.

EPA005

Location: 33.8880463, -84.4398117

Continue straight at 3-way junction as the trail approaches a highpoint.

EPA006

Location: 33.8885689, -84.4392319

Turn right @ T-intersection. Trail begins a short downhill stretch.

EPA007

Location: 33.8885765, -84.4386292

Turn left @ Y-junction as the trail heads back up hill.

EPA008

Location: 33.8889236, -84.4388046

Continue straight at 4-way junction.

EPA010

Location: 33.8897285, -84.4388199

A tricky intersection: go straight @ 3-way junction, continue just 20 yards and then make a left @ Y-junction.

EPA009

Location: 33.8895302, -84.4393387

The trail descends a few steps heading down towards a wooden platform overlooking the river.

EPA011

Location: 33.8894272, -84.4382477

Go left @ Y-junction, continuing downhill.

EPA012

Location: 33.8908997, -84.4375687

The trail crosses a bridge and then continues uphill alongside a stream.

EPA013

Location: 33.8909264, -84.4374084

The trail veers left, away from the stream.

EPA014

Location: 33.8913803, -84.4375381

Make a sharp right @ 4-way intersection, following the trail as it heads uphill.

EPA015

Location: 33.8944321, -84.4359055

Continue straight; undefined trail on left

EPA016

Location: 33.8947334, -84.4356613

Turn right onto paved Riverview Road to continue on towards the east side of the loop, or turn around and retrace your steps back through the woods.

EAP017

Location: 33.8953094, -84.4297028

Turn right on Northside Drive.

EPA018

Location: 33.8915901, -84.4288177

Turn right on the paved Indian Trail.

EAP019

Location: 33.8876762, -84.4337158

1425 Indian Trail is the street address at the entrance to the East Palisaded northeast parking lot. Here, a pathway leads back onto the gravel/dirt path.

EPA020

Location: 33.8867416, -84.4350204

Continue straight @ 3-way junction. The river trail shoots off to the right here.

EPA021

Location: 33.8843155, -84.4367599

The trail enters a gravel parking lot. Pick up the trail heading out of the rear of the lot to the left.

EPA022

Location: 33.8819351, -84.4393768

Turn left @ Y-junction.

EPA023

Location: 33.8800583, -84.4403915

Continue straight at 3-way junction.

EPA024

Location: 33.8798599, -84.4406357

Go right @ Y-junction, cross a bridge, and head southwest back to the parking lot.

Mountain laurel

Location: 33.8895607, -84.4383316

Flame azaleas

Location: 33.8911705, -84.4373779

The Chattahoochee River

Location: 33.8826828, -84.4427185

Atlanta in the distance

Location: 33.8898544, -84.4396515

Flame azalea

Location: 33.8909492, -84.4378204

Rhododendrons

Location: 33.8917122, -84.4373932

Trailhead

Location: 33.8777809, -84.4421387