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    Cochran Shoals Trail

    4.5 (45 reviews)

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    Frederick D.

    Great new park discovered and happens to be training grounds for group runs of some of members of the Atlanta Track Club's Masters Elite field whom I met both days for group runs totaling 10 and 14 miles on the weekend. The park has many trails that lead into the hills but you can also remain on flat surfaces for nearly 6 miles in one direction (you have to run on Commons Drive 2.5 miles on the road, then enter the next park) and is bordered by the Chattahoochee River which folks were already floating down to escape the summer heat. Entry fees have been suspended for parking during Covid 19 times. So it's first come first serve at the moment. By 9-10am the parking lot was mostly full on both days.

    Pay station
    Jamarcus T.

    Really I hadn't had any plans to go to Cochran Shoals Trail, but when a friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to visit another park, I jumped all over it. Depending on who you ask, Cochran Shoals trail has varying lengths as short as 2 miles but as large as 6. The trail does move alongside the western portion of the Chattahoochee river, is flat, and there's even a loop back to the main trail that makes for a nice little 5k Several runners come here for the mostly forgiving terrain and nice scenery of the river. Either side of the trail has its own parking lot and restrooms so if you find yourself at the midway point and nature calls, they've got you covered. Bike rentals are available near the start of the trail, at least on the side closest to Interstate North Pkwy. For reference this is just to the left of the pay station. Also along the way there are a few observation decks for river watching, and you can make out stairs and other features on the opposite side of the river shore. When we went it was a Thursday afternoon right at noon, and while the park was alive with people, the parking spots were easy to find and people kept to themselves. You can get to Cochran shoals from 285 (taking exit 22) and finding your way to interstate North Pkwy. This is the way I came. The other side of the park can be found off of 152 columns drive. Cochran shoals is a great park to get a run in, a bike ride in, or to just hang out and chill off of the river. With parking lots on both sides of the park, and connecting trails off of Cochran shoals, you can have a great time no matter what your goal is. Get outdoors and enjoy!

    It was too beautiful not to get out for a walk!
    Indigo P. N.

    This entire area and it's hills are just a beautiful walking scene! Whether Solo or with friends or within legitimate walking group are a romantic walk with your partner! You can't go wrong! It's Scenic and it's beautiful! Whether it's winter time or summer.

    Rachel W.

    This trail is in a convenient spot right off powers ferry. I've never gotten to the end of it but can tell it's a nice lengthy trail even for seasoned runners. Depending on the time of day you go it can get crowded, but there's still enough space to keep you isolated. Being next to the river gives it a calm vibe. Nice place to enjoy nature and workout.

    Bathroom, Columns side
    Kevin G.

    First off, best place for runners hands down, out of all the running options in Georgia. I was introduced to this place back in 2012, and have been coming here ever since. It's located off New Northside Dr on 285, exit 22. You'll have to take the lower bridge that runs parallel to 285 to get here. There are two parking lots, with the main lot full by 7:45am most weekends. The secondary lot is across the bridge and boasts a secondary trail loop (we call it Bamboo) plus a newly renovated bathroom facility. The secondary trail is very narrow and rugged on this side. The fee is $3 but you can buy an annual pass for $35. The pass is good for most park areas along the hooch. It's normally an honor system but they will ticket you (at that point, you have to buy an annual pass, which is your ticket fee so it's still a win). Make sure you display your pass on dashboard! The main part of Cochran Shoals has a 3 mile trail loop that is insanely wide, gravel, and has beautiful views alongside the river. During the summer months, a lot of runners will get in the river after the run for an ice bath. There are non freezing water fountains on both sides of the loop. There are also rugged side trails off the Cochran shoals loop for extreme mountain bikes and to run on. The main loop is flat on the front side and only one hill on the backside. Cochran shoals also connects to the Bob Callan paved trail (that's roughly about 3 miles long and very hilly) and to Columns Dr, which goes out to Johnson Ferry Rd. The Columns Drive parking lot is smaller but has a bigger bathroom. Columns is also ideal for tempos or interval speed work. It's exactly 2.5 miles from start to end. If you take Columns Dr all the way down to Johnson Ferry, you can cross the road utilizing the underpass (goes under Johnson Ferry) and go into the park area there for more flat trail running (be careful, many roots to trip on). Columns also has beautiful houses to check out and a bikers lane on both sides of the road. I'd highly recommend this area for runners, walkers, bikers or just to get out. I wish it were my backyard!

    Jonathan T.

    Those who should visit: Walkers, runners or bikers looking for flat trails. Those who should not: Hikers and adventure seekers. ***** Cochran Shoals Trail offers a serene hunk of nature without having to travel 45+ minutes from the center of ATL. It mainly attracts those living close to the perimeter and suburbanites wanting a healthy workout. Things to know: ***** I. LOCATION & PARKING: I parked at the following address below: 168 Columns Drive Marietta, GA 30067 The park asks for a $5 deposit. Just put cash inside of an envelope, which has a corresponding tag you'll put on your car's dash. They also accept credit card; however, I didn't use that option, obviously. II. ABOUT THE TRAIL: The very accommodating trail only spans 1.7 miles, and the city has placed numerous benches, a doggy poop and trash station, and distance markers throughout it. I found the scenery rather dull, but my pup got a decent workout. III. OVERALL: Live in the area? Great! You have a fantastic place to take a long stroll. Drive across the metro to check it out? Nah, take your time and adventure elsewhere.

    View of Powers Island landing from Cochran Shoals trail
    Robin S.

    This review is for the hiking trails located in the Interstate North section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Cochran Shoals unit (there are actually four parts to the Cochran Shoals unit). Access is off Interstate North Parkway just west of the river. The sign at the access road says 1615 Interstate Pkwy but that won't get you here on Google maps. The main trail - the 'Cochran Shoals' trail - a flat and wide path running along the river, is fine for walking, running and strolling, but I was interested in the newer dirt trails located in the western section of this unit. The trailhead is located about half a mile north from the parking lot - the first marked trail to the left. [ETA: I see that Google maps labels this trail as part of the Cochran Shoals trail, but I don't think it is and I don't think people see it that way. The Cochran Shoals trail runs up to the Columns Drive parking lot and back.] You'll immediately find yourself on a boardwalk running through a swampy wetland. Ominously, there's a sign at the beginning stating that an alligator has been seen in these parts. If you survive the alligator attacks, in a few hundred yards the boardwalk will dump you off onto a very unimproved dirt/mud trail. From there, things get a little less structured. This part of the park is not well marked by the usual park service map you find at all the other places. Sure, there are signs with maps, but not as many as there are trail decision points. I followed the topography. Most of this area is much like the other trails in the NRA - nice hills, trees and plants typical of this part of Georgia. But one section is different. Between CS24 and CS26, if you're keeping track on the map, the trail runs along a petroleum pipeline right-of-way. I know, that doesn't sound cool, but it is. You're walking along a wide swath of land cleared of any trees or large plants, and this just after coming out of a forest. The view down pipeline to the river/wetland is pretty great.

    Tiff H.

    My new favorite running trail has got to be Cochran Shoals Trail (after starting up this running habit a couple weeks ago). Located a little farther from me, I love to come here on the weekends for a brisk walk or a leisurely jog. There is $3 parking fee, but at least you know it's going to the park. I believe there is an option for an annual pass, which may be worth it if you go at least once a month. There are two lots (one over the bridge) for parking. On a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the main lot was packed, but the lot over the bridge was empty. Take advantage of it and the brief walk to the main trailhead. The trail is quiet, not TOO crowded, and a great nature walk. It's not hardcore but it's easy and predictable. I enjoy stability. The sunset is BEAUTIFUL over the Chattahoochee. I happened across an unabashed deer while running one afternoon. I stood there taking photos and video and he stared right back at me. It's just a couple loops, yes, but there are also hiking trails for those more adventurous. The view on the main trail doesn't bore me, though. This is also dangerously close to Heirloom BBQ and Chattahoochee Coffee Company. Just saying.

    Cool wooden bridge at the beginning of the trails.
    Alexis S.

    Great spot to tramp around if you are looking for a way to spend a few hours. Nice views and well maintained trails. Do have to pay for parking, but other that that, a great hidden treasure.

    Kendra M.

    I have been running here a few times a week in the morning for almost 2 years. The thing I LOVE about this trail is that there always people on it. Its a wooded trail and it can feel scary to run alone. The parking is NOT free. It's $3/day or $35/year. I pay for the annual pass since I come so often. On the weekends it is quite crowded and parking can be hard to come by. I recommend coming early in the morning. The trail is dirt, grass and pine straw. It is mostly flat and soft/firm. There are bathrooms at the start and 1.5 mile mark. There is a water fountain and trash can at the .75 mile mark. I choose to run by the river so I normally run from the Interstate North entrance where I park to the end at Columns Drive and turn around instead of taking the backside trail. Sometimes I continue to run onto Columns drive or at Interstate North, I run through the parking lot and under the highway to Powers Ferry or onto to add some distance to my runs. Overall this is one of my favorite ATL trails. I love being able to look at the river in the morning and there are lots of friendly people on the trails.

    Soothing...
    Ginette O.

    Beautiful trail that runs side by side with the Chattahoochee River. This was my first go! It's level and mostly shaded, so that's a thumbs up from this "I don't have abs" girl living in a very hot and humid Atlanta! Trail was very wide for walking/running/biking/ and social distancing. Plus, those doggies are more than welcome to tag along!

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    I really enjoyed this park. It had great trails, lovely views, and super easy parking--definitely worth checking out!

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    10 years ago

    I'd give it 5 stars but my lab Hank got eaten by an alligator there last week. Everything else about the park is great.

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    Ask the Community - Cochran Shoals Trail

    Can you fish here?

    Yes, I've seen those in waders head into the river from the east side.

    Is this area stroller friendly?

    It's very friendly for jogging strollers or those with sturdy tires. It's not paved (combination of packed dirt and gravel), so it's better for "off-road" wheels.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Cochran Shoals Trail

    This is one of my favorite walking/running/biking trails along the Chattahoochee river.

    Mentioned in 10 reviews

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    Centennial Olympic Park - 4/10/24 FYI.

    Centennial Olympic Park

    4.0(410 reviews)
    10.2 miDowntown

    Beautiful vast park! Loads of photo ops and something for everyone! Fields to lounge or play on,…read morewater falls to sit by and drown out the city sounds, a created babbling brook that has a winding path along side it, TWO playgrounds, a visitor center with public restrooms that are well maintained, and their famous water fountain that kids play in and also performs synchronized to music throughout the day! Law enforcement is always near by and we found this park to be relatively safe! Close access to major landmarks in the area and a great spot to let kids live their best childhood moments!

    Pretty but underwhelming. Maybe that's not an entirely fair takeaway but for such an iconic park, I…read morewas expecting to leave it feeling refreshing, inspired and impressed. I left grateful for the green space but not really feeling much else. For the kids, you have to realize: the Olympics put Atlanta on the map. Prior to the games, it was a mid-to-largish Southern city without much distinction.* After the games, it turned into the crowded af bastion of Southern pop culture. Atlanta's history is divided in pre- and post- games. That's why I thought that a trip here would be akin to Central, Golden Gate or Lincoln. Nope. It had some nice intentional design. Pavers. Statues. Fun water features. The Ferris wheel. The rings (the water fountain wasn't working during my visit). But... I don't know. Like I inferred above, it fell flat. Glad I saw it but I expected more. It's smaller than you imagine. Oh, and all the bathrooms were closed/locked on a Wednesday afternoon in mid-spring. I don't know what that's about. *Taking nothing away from Dr. King.

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    Centennial Olympic Park - The Fountain of Rings at night

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    Sweetwater Creek State Park

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    Today's hike at Sweetwater exceeded my expectations in every way! The weather was giving spring…read morevibes and the people were out for it ! Initially we parked in the wrong lot but that worked in our favor (where the bait and tackle shop is). There were lots of families out having picnics and fishing. We did a 1-mile loop in the area and were able to see the yurts. NOTED . Beautiful sites to take in before we ventured to the main lots with the visitor's center. Not only are the trails well marked, but there is ample parking across multiple lots. The attendant at the gate entrance was so kind, welcoming and JOYful! We ventured out on the red trail and it was gorgeous. To my surprise, the trail was full today. It seems that Sweetwater is a populated date spot!!! We saw folks of all ages out with picnic baskets, journals, coloring books, bathing suits ... it was AMAZING! We hiked to the end of the red trail and back, venturing off trail to be clear to the River only once. By far, this was one of my favorite hikes and definitely a place I'll revisit to explore some of the other trails.

    This is one of my favorite places to hike around Atlanta. There are several different trails so you…read morecan hike a couple of miles or 6 or 7 miles. The trail is really beautiful in the spring when the trees and plants are in bloom. The trailer is dog, friendly, but make sure you keep them on the leash.

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    Sweetwater Creek State Park - It was a beautiful day to be out in nature.

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    Glenwood Park

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    4.8(8 reviews)
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    Glenwood Park is a mixed-use development which opened in 2005 in East Atlanta. If traveling from…read moredowntown on I-20 eastbound, Glenwood Park is just off exit 59B (Memorial Drive, Glenwood Avenue). If traveling westboard towards downtown, take exit 60 (US 23, Moreland Avenue). This low key neighborhood, sandwiched between Grant Park and East Atlanta Village, is sort of "hidden." I think if you asked the average metro Atlantan if they've heard of Glenwood Park, they'd probably say no. Glenwood Park opened the same year as Midtown's Atlantic Station. Like Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park is all about urban and sustainable living. Unlike Atlantic Station, Glenwood Park isn't big. It's relatively small at just under 30 acres in total size. It's a lot quieter and isn't as commercialized. The property feels more residential than anything with quiet streets and wide sidewalks with nicely manicured lawns. After about a decade of existence, the development still looks great. There's a park/greenspace with a picturesque pond and a beautiful fountain. The community collects almost two-million gallons of its own well water per year in order to irrigate the park and street trees. There's a community garden where residents can reserve plots filled with high quality, organic soil. There's a dog park, playground, and neighborhood pool. One courtyard features a little stone fountain and full-sized bocce ball court. The layout was designed with pedestrians in mind, though there's plenty of free street parking and parking lots located on the development. It's clean and feels safe. The Atlanta BeltLine runs through the neighborhood in a north-south line. Food-lovers probably know Glenwood Park because of its restaurants, Gunshow, The Shed at Glenwood, and Vickery's Bar & Grill. Local celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie opened Gunshow in 2013 with fellow chefs Andreas Muller and Joey Ward. It may very well be *the* best restaurant in Atlanta. It's certainly one of the most fun and unique with it's American-style dim sum. You can read my review of Gunshow here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/gunshow-atlanta-2?hrid=_Zvxkqv86FBPQtUBysU21Q. The Shed at Glenwood is a modern farm-to-table restaurant with seasonal fare. Vickery's, known for its cocktails and burgers, opened its second Atlanta location in Glenwood Park. Drip coffee shop also has a location here.

    I'm not sure how to review a neighborhood but it shouldn't be too hard. This place is great -…read morebungalow style houses, flats, condos, townhomes and great neighbors. There are a handful of retail businesses on the south end of the neighborhood that we frequent and the usual smattering of intown amenities - proximity to downtown, Virginia Highland, Starlight Six Drive-In. You get the point. Since moving here in 2009 we have made so many good friends and really love where we live. There's a community garden, a pool/gym and a dedicated dog park free to residents (as of this writing). A brownfield redevelopment and product of Green Street properties, GWP is home to the 2005 Southern Living Idea House. Many of the homes are distinct in design, presentation and vary in style but all still flow together. Most lots are very small but we managed to eke out a wonderful front flower garden and transform the triangle shaped garden in the back into a treed and flowered sanctuary. We tried our hand at gardening in the community garden but the summer Atlanta sun and invasive weeds had us handily beat by mid July. In October each year, the Hotoberfest beer festival is held in and around the main park (now Brewer Park) drawing a few thousand people to the neighborhood. Less exciting but nearly as big a draw (maybe stretching here) is the annual garage sale. A handful of movies have been filmed here including the Blind Side and Hall Pass as is part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (one of them lives here as of this writing). Like other neighborhoods that started mid real estate boom but not finished before the bang, there are empty lots, foreclosures and short sales. The last builder to get going has long ago gone out of business and a few independent developers have put up new homes but it remains to be seen if the original vision of Green Street and the first residents will be fulfilled. However, this remains a one-of-a-kind neighborhood south of I-20 and a great alternative to the stunning but prohibitively expensive homes in Morningside, Virginia Highland and the handful of other established intown neighborhoods. Being so close to everything available in Atlanta has spoiled us for going to festivals (Inman Park, Dogwood, Summerfest, Shade), the drive in and so much good food + drink in walking distance (you hear me $2 PBR at ten places I can walk to). The EAV and Grant Park are both short walks and great neighborhoods in and of themselves. The Zoo and Turner field are less than 3 miles away as are dozens of the best restaurants in Atlanta. The beltline trailhead is just across I-20 so you can walk off all the beer and carbs. Definitely kid friendly, we've seen at least six newborns arrive since we moved here. The little ones have a playground, a music class and no shortage of friends to grow up with. We will be adding our own in February 2012 so we're planning on being in Glenwood Park for the foreseeable future.

    Photos
    Glenwood Park - If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second.  :)

    If you look very closely, you will see the rainbow going through the water...at Glenwood Park right this second. :)

    Glenwood Park - Outdoor bocce ball court.

    Outdoor bocce ball court.

    Glenwood Park

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    Cochran Shoals Trail - parks - Updated May 2026

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