Trail Report: Riverwalk Atlanta
Hidden along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, behind Whittier Mill Park, lies one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets: the Riverwalk trails. These hand-cut, volunteer-maintained paths offer an experience that feels remarkably remote despite being within city limits.
Trail Overview
These trails are unique in that they’re unmarked and informal - part of their charm is in the exploration. While this guide will give you an overview, the best approach is to arrive with an adventurous spirit and be ready to discover your own path. The network weaves along the Chattahoochee River, providing constant reminders of Atlanta’s most significant natural feature.
What to Expect
The trails here are raw and natural, maintained by dedicated volunteers. As such, it’s crucial to:
- Respect the trails and pack out what you pack in.
- Be mindful that these are volunteer-maintained paths, if there’s been a storm look out for downed trees and thank anyone you see working to clear them.
Seasonal Highlights
Each season brings its own magic to Riverwalk:
- Spring: The forest floor transforms into a carpet of wildflowers
- Summer: Lush vegetation grows shoulder-high, creating green tunnels
- Late Summer: Watch for the massive Joro spiders
- Fall: The hardwood canopy explodes in a spectrum of autumn colors
- Winter: Bare trees open up views and the trails roll fast
Bike Choice
While you can tackle these trails on any off-road capable bike, they offer two distinct experiences:
- Gravel Bike: My personal favorite way to ride here. The “underbiked” experience adds an extra element of excitement and makes even simple trails feel engaging.
- Mountain Bike: Definitely faster and more capable, allowing you to push harder through the technical sections.
Getting There
The trails are accessible from Whittier Mill Park. Park here and explore the network of trails that extend behind the park along the river.