This two mile long paved mixed use path follows both the Chattahoochee River and the scenic Rottenwood Creek, making an excellent quick getaway from the surrounding area. The multi-use trail is perfect for families enjoying a walk, bikers who are looking for a short, slightly hilly path, and dogs looking to get their owner some exercise. Future plans would extend this trail another two miles to Terrell Mill Road.

Parking is available at both ends of this trail. While the parking area on Interstate North Parkway is free, there are only about 10 spots. The parking lot at the Paces Mill entrance to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is much larger, but there is the standard $5/day fee for these parks. Also at this entrance is a large picnic area and boat ramp.

Beginning at the Paces Mill entrance, the trailhead is at the far end of the parking lot away from the river. The path stays level, following the Chattahoochee River for the first half a mile. At .4 miles, you will cross under I-75. Immediately afterward, the trail crosses over Rottenwood Creek where it flows into the Hooch. Here, the trails for the West Palisades parks branch off on two dirt trails to the right.

Stay on the paved path, which now follows Rottenwood Creek north, running parallel to I-75 and then Cumberland Boulevard. Cross over the creek again and shortly afterward are several areas that allow easy access to the creek to explore around and enjoy the water. At 1 mile in, the trail emerges from the tree cover it’s had so far and gaining most of its elevation in the next .4 miles over rolling hills. During the summer months, this stretch can be draining under the hot sun. Along this section, the trail connects to Cumberland Boulevard by way of a short side trail.

At 1.6 miles, the Chattahoochee park ends and the trail becomes the Bob Callan trail. Without a sign alerting the hiker to this fact, you would never know the difference. From here, the path travels under Cumberland Boulevard, I-285, and Interstate North Parkway, the latter of which is the lowest, about 7 feet high at its lowest point. Upon reaching the trail’s northern terminus, cross the bridge to the smaller trailhead or turn around and head back the way you came.