Escaping into Atlanta’s Bamboo Forest

Getting There

The bamboo forest sits along the East Palisades Trail inside the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: about 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta in average traffic.

There are two entrances: Indian Trail and Whitewater Creek. We parked at the Indian Trail entrance. Plug this into your GPS: 1425 Indian Trail NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30327.

Keep in Mind: you’ll turn off the residential road onto a gravel road and immediately think you’re lost. You’re not. Stay on it. The parking lot is about 4 minutes down, and the road gets narrow: one car wide in spots, so slow down and be ready to pull over if someone’s coming the other way.

I went on a Tuesday morning around 10:30 and the parking lot was not packed. The other times I went it was on a weekend, so you know it was crowded.

Fees

Passes are $5 and valid for one day at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Buy ahead at Recreation.gov or scan the QR code posted at the parking lot before you head out.

The Hike and Experience

The trail markers are easy to spot and the path is straightforward: no navigation stress here. Families were out in full force when we visited, so bring the kids.

And bring the dog. The park allows leashed dogs (6 ft max), and they were everywhere. Marker 1 sits right on the bank of the Chattahoochee: shallow water, happy dogs. Sam would have loved it, but he’s gotten too old for the rooty part of the trail.

There are markers on the trails to help hikers navigate, so although the trails meander, it’s easy to find your way.

A few spots worth stopping for:

EP-1: The river bank where the dogs swim and splash while everyone else takes a breather on the shore. If you have a dog, they will not let you walk past this one.

EP-5: A rock outcropping above the Chattahoochee with a view worth sitting down for. Good picnic spot.

EP-10 to EP-14: Somewhere between these two markers you’ll hit Poppi’s Point: an overlook with skyline views of Atlanta and the river rushing below. Bring your camera. Or your easel. No judgment either way.

Marker E-26 is where the bamboo forest is.

Some Travel Tips

• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty: the trails can get muddy, and skip it altogether after heavy rain. Comfortable footwear matters more than you think on elevation.
• Don’t hike alone if you can help it.
• Stay on the trail. Charge your phone. Bring water. These should be obvious you know people can be people sometimes.
• Be honest with yourself about what you can handle before you start. Remember I took the quicker route and took my time.
• The weekends will be busy and they will tow you.