Sope Creek/Cochran Shoals Loop - Sat, Jul 11 2026

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Sope Creek/Cochran Shoals Loop


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Sope Creek Parking Lot - 3726 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067   Hike: Sope Creek/Cochran Shoals Loop  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Jul 11 2026  8:00 am >> Sat, Jul 11 2026 11:30 am
Registration Opens: Wed, Jul 1 2026 7:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jul 10 2026 4:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Christa
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Join me for a rewarding hike through two of the most beautiful sections of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area! We'll begin at the Sope Creek Paper Mill parking lot, explore the historic Sope Creek area, continue south to the scenic Cochran Shoals trails, and then return north to finish where we started.

This approximately 9-mile hike will be led at a moderate pace. We'll ease up on the climbs and technical sections, then pick up the pace on smoother terrain. Along the way, we'll gain roughly  1,000 feet of elevation, making this a fun and satisfying workout.

We'll make several short stops throughout the hike to regroup, enjoy water breaks, and take in the beautiful scenery, wildlife, and historic sites.

Is This Hike Right for You?

This is not a beginner hike. The combination of the 9-mile distance and 1,000+ feet of elevation gain requires a good fitness level. Not to mention the summer heat.

To participate, you must have previously completed  AOC D2 (or higher) hikes with at least 600 feet of elevation gain.

Meeting Information

Please arrive by 7:50 AM for parking the car and introductions. If you need to purchase a parking pass at the trailhead, plan to arrive a little earlier.

Please note:

  • There are no restrooms at the Sope Creek Paper Mill parking lot where we begin.
  • Restrooms are available later in the hike at the Cochran Shoals Columns Drive parking area.

Parking

All Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area parking lots require either:

  • $5 Daily Pass, or
  • $40 Annual Pass

Daily passes can be purchased on-site using a credit/debit card (cash is not accepted) or in advance online.  America the Beautiful National Parks Passes are also accepted.

Come enjoy a great morning of hiking, history, river views, and good company. I look forward to seeing you on the trail!


Required Items to Bring:

Water / Hydration drinks

Hiking Shoes/Boots

Snacks

CRNRA pass/America the Beautiful pass/$5 for Daypass

 

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking Poles

Your Smile


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Sope Creek Paper Mill Parking Lot

Address:
3726 Paper Mill Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30067

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.g l/zoszKDeq7P6GNWMJ8

 

 


Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.