Bamboo Forest An Easier Way

Ever wanted to visit the bamboo forest of East Palisades without the tricky cliff walking, steep hills, and difficult parking at East Palisades? Then join me on a hike starting on a residential street and do about a mile of paved hiking on Northside Drive (no sidewalk), part of Riverview Drive and a fairly easy 2 mile walk on CRNRA trails to the bamboo forest and back. We will start at the benches in the cul-de-sac in front of 25 Old Powers Place, NW, Sandy Springs Georgia. We will make our way to a trailhead on Riverview Drive and hike down to the river and turn right to reach the bamboo forest and the end of the trail. We will spend some time enjoying the beauty of the river and bamboo forest. We will then return the way we came. Although this is a D1 there is some elevation, roots, and mud if recent rain. PS. We will be cutting through a neighbor’s backyard with his permission. If you need to use the restroom stop at the McDonalds on Northside Drive.

If using GPS put in 25 Old Powers Place, NW, Sandy Springs GA. You will see the cul-de-sac. Park on the street. If you need street by street directions call Gerrilyn but basically, come inside the perimeter (I-285) on Northside Drive passing a McDonald’s until you get to the traffic circle (about one half mile inside 285). Exit the traffic circle at Old Powers Ferry, then make the first right onto Old Powers Place, and drive to the end of Old Powers Place. Parking on the the street is fine. Just don't block any driveways.

There are no bathrooms but if coming from 285, you will pass a McDonald's where you can stop on your way to Old Powers Place. While this is is not a difficult hike, there is a long gradual uphill and downhill. We will stop as needed to catch our breath or for water. We will also stop for views or to admire the bamboo forest. The path to the bamboo forest is flat but very eroded and rooty. And it may be muddy. Time allotted is approximate.