Hikers and runners in Sandy Springs are meeting their fitness goals and moments of Zen challenges at the East Palisades Indian Trail, 1425 Indian Trail NW in Sandy Springs.

This section of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area boasts rugged, all-dirt trails with rocky sections and steep inclines leading to several high-elevation river overlooks. The park features historic ruins as well as numerous trail segments and sections, all easily navigable using various trail maps and posts throughout the park.

East Palisades also features a unique and calming Bamboo Forest full of 30-foot-tall bamboo stalks.

The nearby river is popular with kayakers for its Class 1 and Class 2 whitewater rapids resulting from sharply angular rocks visible as boaters travel the river’s path.

Park trails and waters are open for day-use only from dawn to dusk. Two different parking lots are available but plan ahead if meeting a group since but both lots are relatively small.

Details and maps www.tinyurl.com/SSEastPalisadesTrail and http://go.usa.gov/DNCA.

About the Author

Keep Reading

An image of fallen DeKalb firefighter Preston Fant is displayed as metro Atlanta firefighters and the community come together for a memorial service in his honor at Truist Park, Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Atlanta. The 21-year firefighting veteran died Sept. 8 after battling a fire at a film company warehouse. He became trapped in the blaze while trying to rescue another firefighter. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / Arvin.Temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com