The trail levels after a steady climb, crossing Rottenwood Creek over an elevated bridge.Ī small waterfall cascades over large boulders below the bridge, shaded by a towering highway bridge.Īt 1.5 miles, the trail exits park land – there is a sign to let you know this. Rottenwood Creek drops far below the trail to the right. Along this section, the trail connects to Cumberland Boulevard by way of a short side trail. During the summer months, this stretch can be draining under the hot sun. The path meanders through switchbacks, beginning a steep climb towards Akers Mill Road. Several side trails depart on the trail’s right, offering access to the creek bed, a popular swimming hole for dogs. Signs of urban life begin to creep back through, particularly the apartment buildings that can be viewed from the trail. This stretch of the West Palisades is remote, and makes for a great trail run or fantastic urban hike up to Akers Drive.Īt about 1 mile in, the terrain changes from relatively flat to hillier as it slopes up to meet I-285. Several dirt side trails depart on trail right, diving into the forest along the river’s banks. The trail crosses a wooden boardwalk and then crosses the creek via a large wood and metal bridge.Ĭan see (and hear) above ramp for I-75 North to Cumberland Blvd. Following the contours of the tumbling Rottenwood Creek on the left.

The paved trail crosses a bridge spanning Rottenwood Creek before arcing northwest. Views of the Chattahoochee River open wide after the trail ducks out from under the towering overpass, and the river’s flow is often glassy and reflective in this stretch.Īll TRD images so far today in this post.Īfter you cross under I-75, the turns left and leaves the river, now following Rottenwood Creek instead.īoardwalks and bridges break up the monotony and are great spots to pause and take it in. The highway’s enormous concrete supports tower cathedral-like over the wide, smooth-flowing river, a juxtaposition of nature and urban infrastructure. The trail passes under a highway overpass at just over. The trail begins its journey on a wide, porous concrete path paralleling the Hooch, as the river is fondly known. The trail begins at the Palisades Trailhead of the Chattanooga NRA at Paces Mills. The trail is a natural escape from a busy urban lifestyle and is popular with everyone from moms pushing strollers to eager morning cyclists and older folks taking afternoon strolls. The south segment is 2 miles long: the portion of the trail on national park land is called the Rottenwood Creek Trail while the urban 0.5 mile on the western end is known as the Bob Callan Trail. I traveled the southern section of Rottenwood Creek with my daughter and her boyfriend a few weekends ago. Who has found a large Rottenwood Tree at the start of the trail. OK TRD has passed his partial Cherokee Blood to his daughter. Rottenwood Creek was named for Rotten Wood, a local Cherokee Indian. It is a tributary to the Chattahoochee River. Rottenwood Creek (also spelled 'Rotten Wood Creek') is a stream in Cobb County in the U.S. TRD panoramic under Interstate North Parkway. Another tributary of the Hooch, turns out to be worthy of a separate Natural Wonder mention. Not gonna list them all, but I did find a hidden wonder with our last post on the palisades right here in Cobb County Georgia. My gosh, I find 12 more Georgia Natural Wonders on tributaries of the Hooch. Hell, we spent 9 Georgia Natural Wonders on the Hooch. We did the Chattahoochee River all the way down from Buford Dam over the past few months. Quick & Easy Ways to.Georgia Natural Wonder #186 - Rottenwood Creek

The GNIS Feature Detail Report for Rottenwood Creek does not include property ownership information. You do have a right to access goverment property that is open to the general public. Note that you do not have the right to enter private property without the owner's permission.

Rottenwood creek ga