Escape to East Cobb For Outdoor Adventure (3/4)

When it comes to parks and recreation, very few do it better than East Cobb. While many home buyers are initially drawn to this area for its small-town feel, award-winning schools and close-knit community, East Cobb’s expansive green spaces, trails and Chattahoochee River access offer an unexpected appeal and provide for a wide variety of outdoor activities, increasingly important to residents, home buyers and visitors of all ages.

While it may feel like you are a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life, East Cobb is only twenty miles from downtown Atlanta. Situated between Marietta and Roswell, East Cobb’s southern border includes the famed Chattahoochee River. Originating as a cold water mountain stream in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Atlanta’s main artery of the river flows through 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), including a number of easily accessible spots in East Cobb.

Offering an abundance of activities for nature lovers, people from all over Metro Atlanta flock to these areas along the river to enjoy paddling, fishing, hiking, running and biking while taking in the natural surroundings and beautiful views of the water and wooded landscape. In East Cobb, both the Johnson Ferry North and Sope Creek areas of the CRNRA offer wonderful hiking trails and picturesque views. The Johnson Ferry North location also has a boat launch. Whether you want to take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon, be sure to visit these hot spots in East Cobb and the surrounding area.

• Gold Branch: A great trail system for hiking, Gold Branch sits along the Chattahoochee River between Sandy Springs and Roswell. Part of the CRNRA, this trail system plunges up and down through beautiful wooded areas and follows the riverbank along the water. You will be treated to views of Bull Sluice Lake, where aquatic and wildlife abound. With an ultimate climb of approximately 390 feet, Gold Branch provides a range of trail options surrounded by an easy 3.3+/- mile loop making it easy to modify for varying lengths and levels of difficulty.

• Cochran Shoals: Hike, walk, run or bike the level, scenic trails at Cochran Shoals park. Catch stunning views of the Chattahoochee River and explore scenic woodlands, wildlife-filled marshes and sweeping grasslands. The broad, level gravel trails are perfect for putting in miles. Whether out for a run or a scenic stroll, you will enjoy mile after mile of photo-worthy sights and prime trails. It is no wonder that Cochran Shoals is one of Atlanta’s all-time most popular and draws weekend crowds of runners, hikers and mountain bikers by the hundreds.

• Sope Creek: Tucked into a neighborhood just outside Atlanta, Sope Creek Park offers a blend of history and serenity, delivering over three miles of scenic hiking, mountain biking and running trails. The park’s extensive pathways explore the stone ruins of a paper mill destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War, now standing in multi-story, castle-like ruins. Compared to other parks in the CRNRA, like the ultra-popular Cochran Shoals Trail, Sope Creek is usually less crowded, offering a quiet, local escape from the city’s whirlwind of traffic, noise and concrete.

• Johnson Ferry: This great beginner-friendly trail explores a particularly scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River. It catches beautiful river views, visits a small waterfall and large cave outcropping and explores a marshy, wildflower-filled wetland. While not the most popular trail in the CRNRA or the longest, highest or most strenuous, this 1.8+/- mile loop runs nearly level, making it a great easy day hike or beginner running trail. And its abundant sights and diverse landscapes make it a great nature walk with kids or pets.

In addition to all the fun that the Chattahoochee River offers, East Cobb is also home to some of Cobb County’s most popular parks. From organized baseball, softball, football and soccer leagues to tennis, swimming, playgrounds and more, there is something for everyone through East Cobb’s extensive parks and recreation facilities and programs. Pack a picnic lunch and spend some time exploring the acres of green space and amenities at a few of these local favorites.

• East Cobb Park: Centrally located, this 20+/- -acre park offers so much more than just a place to enjoy a picnic, meet up for a play date at the playground or walk around soaking in the perfect Georgia weather. The park offers an outdoor stage and outdoor classrooms, plus pavilions that are available to rent for birthday parties, social events and more.   

• Fullers Park: Connected to East Cobb Park by a pedestrian bridge, Fullers Park is an active community park with wooded trails, multiple fields, courts, a playground, batting cages and a recreation center offering many options for indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. A new multi-purpose field with artificial turf opened in Spring 2021.

• Mabry Park: Mabry Park opened on May 2, 2019. It is East Cobb’s newest and one of the largest parks in the area, with 26.5+/- acres of beauty. The park features a playground, walking trails, a community garden, pavilions, a pond with an overlook bridge and plenty of trees and open meadows.

• Hyde Farm: Located on the northwest bank of the Chattahoochee River near Johnson Ferry lies the 135+/- acre Hyde Farm. In existence since the 1830s, the land, farm and buildings have been preserved as an educational and recreational facility. Take a journey back in time as you walk along the terrace gardens past the old farmhouse or drink from the working well. It is hard to imagine you are right around the corner from all that East Cobb has to offer.

When the weather is good, all of these wonderful outdoor destinations will keep you busy, but what happens when the forecast calls for rain? Before you cancel your plans, many of East Cobb’s parks have covered pavilions and indoor recreation facilities that allow you to have fun, rain or shine. But if all else fails, these indoor recreation options are just minutes away.

• Shopping at The Avenue at East Cobb
• Xdrenaline Trampoline Park and Fun Zone 
• Mountasia Family Fun Center
• Marietta Museum of History
• Dave & Buster’s
• Marietta Cobb Museum of Art
• Skating at Atlanta Ice Forum or Atlanta Ice House
• Picture Show at Merchants Exchange
• Marietta Fire Museum
• iFLY Indoor Skydiving