Moderate pace D3 at Sope Creek-Cochran Shoals

Please join me for a hike at Sope Creek/Cochran Shoals CRNRA (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area). We'll start in the Sope Creek section then head south to Cochran Shoals to hike there.  Then we'll head back north to complete the hike at the Sope Creek Paper Mill parking lot. 

The hike will be at a moderate pace averaging 3.0 MPH going slower up hills and where the terrain is tricky but faster in other areas. Over the course of the 9 mile hike there will be an elevation gain of ~1000 ft. 

We will stop a few times for water breaks, to catch our breath, and perhaps to look at scenery and wildlife.

This is not a beginners hike due the 1000+ ft. elevation gain and the 9 mile distance.

To qualify, you must have completed D2 or higher hikes with the AOC with elevation gain of at least 600 ft.

We will start on time so arrive by 8:20 for greetings and a bit earlier if you need to buy a parking pass on site.  Note: There are no restrooms where we begin at the Sope Creek Paper Mill parking lot but during the hike we will pass by restrooms at the Cochran Shoals Columns Drive lot.

Note: All CRNRA parking lots require a $5 Daily Pass or a $40 Annual Pass. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online at https://www.nps.goc hat/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Daily passes can be purchased on site (cash not accepted).  America the Beautiful National Parks Passes also can be used.

Trail maps (the hike will cover portions of each of these maps - from SC1 to CS30 trail markers): 

https://crnra.vip/wp- content/uploads/Sope_Creek_2021.pdf

https://crnra.vip/wp- content/uploads/Cochran_Shoals_2021.pdf

https://crnra.vip/ wp-content/uploads/Cochran_Shoals_Interstate_North_2021.pdf

Address: 3726 Paper Mill Rd SE, Marietta, GA 30067

Google Maps link to the Sope Creek Paper Mill Parking Lot:
https://maps.app.goo.gl /zoszKDeq7P6GNWMJ8

Driving directions:

From Atlanta via I-75 North:

• Take exit 260 for Windy Hill Rd then take a slight right to merge onto Windy Hill Rd SE. Continue on Windy Hill Rd. for 0.5 mi
• Turn left onto Powers Ferry Road and continue for 0.9 mi.
• Turn right onto Terrell Mill Rd and continue for 1.5 mi
• Turn right onto Paper Mill Rd SE and after 1.1 mi, turn right onto Sope Creek Entrance

From Johnson Ferry Road going North:

• Turn left at the Paper Mill Road intersection, past the Columns Drive light.
• Stay on Paper Mill as it winds along to the Sope Creek bridge.  
• Once you cross the bridge, be alert for the Sope Creek sign on your left, about 1/4 mile from the bridge

Do not leave any valuables in your car.