East Palisades - The Cave and The Moon

The theme of this hike is to experience a (hopefully) tranquil evening in one of the most varied and interesting trails on the CRNRA.  This hike will be an easy D3 at a moderate pace with short rest breaks at the top of each hill and at some of the beautiful places on this trail.  We will slow down a bit as it gets dark so no one twists an ankle.

The sun sets at 7:53 pm and the park rules require us to be out of the park 1/2 hour after that (I checked).  Because of that constraint, we must start on time, so please know how to get there (or ride with someone who does) and arrive a few minutes early.

This is a good hike for your first D3.    

We will start at the lower (whitewater creek) parking lot and warm up with a short out and back downstream crossing the small suspension bridge.  Then we will take the valley trail below the rock wall.  Being well warmed up by then, we start our first real climb, zig-zaging a bit as we make our way over to the bamboo grove by the river.  Next will be another climb to the overlook for a brief rest while listening to the Devil's Race Course Shoals below the cliff.  Then we will descend and arrive at the cave before sunset for a snack break and a good group photo.  Finally, the highlight of the trip: a peaceful walk on the wide, flat trail along the river as darkness falls and a near half moon guides our way.

A headlamp or flashlight is required since the last part of the hike will be almost dark.   However, if we leave the lights off and let our eyes gradually adjust to the twilight, we'll actually see (and hear) more of the important stuff!

Please note the physical address and the directions mentioned below are approximate, the best way to get to the parking lot is by using the GPS co-ordinates.

GPS co-ordinates:  33.877793, -84.442004

Approximate Physical Address - 4059 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
(look for the entrance gate nearby)

From I -285 East
- Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road. 
- Right on Northside Drive.
- Go through the Powers Ferry intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (Caution light).
- Right on Harris Trail and .9 mile to Whitewater Creek Road.
- Right and entrance will be on the right (.1 mile).

From I-285 West
- Take exit 22, Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.
- Straight to second traffic light.
- Left on Northside Drive, through the Powers Ferry Road intersection for 1.6 miles to Harris Trail (caution light).
- Right on Harris Trail and .9 miles to Whitewater Creek Road.
- Right and travel.1 mile to the entrance on the right.

From I-75 North
- Take exit 256, Mt. Paran Road.
- Right on Mt. Paran Road to first traffic light (Harris Trail)
- Left on Harris Trail to Whitewater Creek Road
- Right about .4 miles to the unit which is on the left.

From U.S. 41 (Cobb Highway South)
- Travel to Mt. Paran Road
- Right on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
- Go about .3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
- Go .4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

From U.S. 41 (Cobb Highway North)
- Travel to Mt. Paran Road
- Turn left on Mt. Paran Road, go to the first traffic light (Harris Trail) and turn left.
- Go about .3 miles turn left onto Whitewater Creek Road.
- Go .4 miles to the unit, which is on the left.

Bring 3$ cash for parking unless you have an annual pass for the CRNRA (which you can purchase here:  http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm )

Trail Map (PDF) - http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/TrailMapPalisadesEast.pdf