East Palisades Trail

East Palisades Trail is one of the signature hikes in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, offering a mix of river views, wooded trails, rocky terrain, bluffs, and the well-known bamboo forest. Its location inside metro Atlanta makes it a popular choice for visitors who want a scenic trail experience without driving far from the city.

The trail system includes easy stretches as well as more difficult sections with rocks, roots, slopes, and uneven footing. Hikers can build a shorter loop or explore more of the Palisades unit, depending on time and fitness. The river scenery is a major draw, but the same water and rock features that make the area beautiful also require caution.

Before visiting, check current National Park Service information, parking availability, and river-related advisories. Stay on marked trails, keep away from slippery rocks and steep banks, and expect busy conditions at popular trailheads on weekends and evenings.

East Palisades Trail is a popular Chattahoochee River trail with wooded paths, river scenery, rocky sections, and steep or uneven areas in places. Use caution near the river, stay back from slippery rocks and steep banks, and expect limited parking and busy conditions at peak times.

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and do not rely only on a mobile phone to find your way. Practice good trail etiquette, yield appropriately on shared-use trails, and check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, park office, or ranger office for notices about changed routes, closures, safety information, fees, and restrictions before you go.