The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, invite people everywhere to enjoy, explore, learn, share, and give back to America’s nearly 400 national parks during National Park Week 2012.
Celebrating the theme, “Picture Yourself in a National Park” National Park Week will run from Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 29. 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 for FREE!
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.
At Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area the $3 entrance fee will be waived during National Park Week.
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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