West Palisades: Paces Mill Hike Guide

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is home to some of the best hiking trails in metro Atlanta, and the West Palisades Paces Mill hike is no exception. If you’ve already explored the nearby East Palisades Trail, famous for its bamboo forest, this scenic riverside trail should be next on your list.

The West Palisades area is divided into two main hiking sections: Akers Mill and Paces Mill. While both offer beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River, they provide slightly different experiences depending on what you’re looking for.

Part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee National Recreation Area is located along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River across 15 separate units in metro Atlanta. This area has 66 miles of hiking trails and offers diverse views of riverfront hiking across the city and the surrounding suburbs.

Paces Mill Trail Overview

Paces Mill is a 3.6-mile round-trip hike that is ideal for a wide range of visitors, from casual walkers to families with strollers. One of the biggest advantages of this trail is that much of it is paved, making it one of the more accessible hikes in the Atlanta area for wheelchairs, bikes, and strollers.

The trail follows alongside the Chattahoochee River, offering peaceful water views for most of the route. Along the way, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge and pass underneath a highway overpass for an unexpected but uniquely urban-meets-nature moment that makes this trail stand out from others in the area.

Trail Overview

  • Trail Name: West Palisades – Akers Mill & Paces Mill

  • Distance: 4.9 miles of Hiking trails available

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Location: Atlanta

  • Family-Friendly: Yes

  • Dog-Friendly: Yes

  • Entrance Fee: $5 or $40 for an annual pass

What You’ll See on the Trail

This area is also a great spot for wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for deer, squirrels, and birds like the striking blue heron, which are often seen along the riverbanks.

Akers Mill vs. Paces Mill

If you’re deciding between the two West Palisades sections, here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Akers Mill Trail: A more rugged, 4-mile round-trip hike with dirt paths, rocky bluffs, and a bit more elevation. Great if you want something slightly more adventurous.
  • Paces Mill Trail: A flatter, more accessible 3.6-mile route with paved paths, ideal for a relaxed walk, biking, or bringing kids along.

 

Happy Hiking!

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