You may or may not have heard, but 2016 is a big year for the parks – the National Park Service celebrates its centennial. This is cause for a grand celebration, one that’s worthy of ushering in the next 100 years of the National Park Service! Looking for something fun and fantastic to do with family and friends? The National Park Service is proud to once again join with the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, to present on April 16-24, 2016, 2016 National Park Week, a presidentially proclaimed celebration of our national heritage.

You can plan your visit by what you want to do, or where you want to go … or you can browse their event calendar and check out the special programs offered throughout the week. National parks are America’s Best Idea, and there are more than 400 parks available to everyone, every day. The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the 127 national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The others are free all of the time.

April 22nd is Earth Day, so if you want to roll up your sleeves and pitch in with a project, look for a park where you can help out. It’s a perfect time to simply get outdoors and take a walk in a park.

Also, don’t forget to check out www.nationalparkweek.org. to learn more about the 2016 National Park Week.

Throughout the country, visitors can enjoy the beauty and wonder of 84 million acres of the world’s most spectacular scenery, historic places and cultural treasures!

The Smyrna Vinings area offers multiple park units in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. These include Paces Mill, Whitewater Creek, Indian Trail and Akers Mill in the Palisades section, as well as, Interstate North and Powers Island in the Cochran Shoals section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Paces Mill is located just north of the Chattahoochee River on Cobb Parkway and just south of Paces Mill Road. Paces Mill offers 3.5 miles of trails, a shaded picnic area, as well as plenty of places to wade fish or fish from shore.

Whitewater Creek is located just east of I-75, north of Mount Paran Road and south of the Chattahoochee River. Whitewater Creek offers easy access to the river for wading fisherman as well as several miles of trails that connect to the Indian Trail unit.

Indian Trail is located east of the Chattahoochee River and can be accessed by traveling south on Northside Drive from I-285, then right on Indian Trail. Indian Trail offers several miles of trails that connect to a scenic overlook that offers excellent views of the Devil’s Racecourse Shoals.

Akers Mill is located inside I-285 and just west of the Chattahoochee River and can be accessed by heading east on Akers Mill Road from Cobb Parkway, then turning right at the wooden mill wheel onto Akers Drive. Akers Mill offers several miles of trails and scenic spots including Sandy Point, a small beach-like area that juts into the river.

Interstate North is located just north of I-285 off of Interstate North Parkway/Riveredge Parkway and west of the Chattahoochee River. The Cochran Shoals area is one of the largest and most popular in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. It is an excellent place to bike or walk along the river. There is a three-mile fitness trail that is also excellent for bird watching and wetlands discovery.

Powers Island is located just north of I-285 off of Interstate North Parkway/Riveredge Parkway and east of the Chattahoochee River. It is located just across the river from Interstate North. Powers Island offers trails, picnic tables, and two canoe/kayak launches. One launches directly onto the Chattahoochee River, while the other launches onto an offshoot that contains a kayaking course. The course is maintained by the Atlanta Center of Excellence.

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