Trekking New (and old) Trails at Cochran Mill (and Maybe Cupcakes)

While I've done many hikes at Cochran Mill over the last 12 months, the city of Chattahoochee Hills (which maintains the park and trails) has worked very hard laying out new trails, rerouting some old ones, and generally really improving everything about the park.  This means I’ve got some new trails to learn!  I’ll plan on a quick paced, no frills hike to cover just about all the trails – the ones I know very well and the ones that will be new to me.  I know the general area very well and will also be supplied with a wonderful trail map and GPS.  We will take a break for lunch and snacks once we have explored the West Side trails - then head over to the East Side for the rest of our hike. 

Some disclaimers… due to the pace we’ll maintain and the distance we’ll cover this is not a hike for beginners.  Also, be prepared for at least 1 or 2 creek crossings, nothing major – and I will give folks time to change shoes.  Cochran Mill Park now charges $5.00 per vehicle for parking, but with all the improvements they have made, it is well worth the cost.  We may also pay a short visit to the Cochran Mill Nature Center during the 2nd half of our hike. There you’ll see live animal exhibits, an awesome goldfish pond, birds of prey and more.  There is an additional cost of $3.00 to visit the Nature Center, However, you can use their restrooms or enjoy the front porch for free.  Trust me... the $8.00 you may spend for parking and the Nature Center will be well worth it!

We have now earned our (optional) lunch and cupcakes!  We'll have a short drive of only 7 miles over to the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery in Serenbe GA.  The B.E.D. Bakery won an episode of Cupcake Wars, but you'll also find they have a great organic lunch menu as well. After the hike, it is optional if you would like to join us for some lunch and cupcakes, but I do hope you can come along for our well-earned lunch and tasty desserts.  

Cochran Mill Park

6875 Cochran Mill Road, Palmetto, GA 30268

     Proceed south on I 85 until Exit 69 (South Fulton Parkway), which is a couple of miles south of the airport exit. Proceed on South Fulton Pkwy approximately 14.7  miles to Cochran Mill Rd. Turn right on Cochran Mill Rd. and proceed about a quarter of a mile. The parking lot will be on your left.  There is a $5.00 parking fee per vehicle.

Directions to the Blue Eyed Daisy from Cochran Mill Park

1. Turn right onto Cochran Mill Rd go approx. 4 miles

2. Turn right onto Hutchesons Ferry Rd go 2.1 miles 

3. Turn left onto Atlanta Newnan Rd go .9 miles 

4. Take the 1st right onto Selborne Lane 

*Destination will be on the left .7 mi but we will park in a public area just before the Bakery.

Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery

Selborne Ln

Palmetto, GA 30268

Here is a link to the official map of the trails: 

http://chatthillsga.us/Assets/Files/CMP-trailmap_041813.pdf