Where To Go For Local H20
Decatur Metro | May 18, 2010 | 10:48 am
For those who love that gritty, salt sea air, living in a landlocked city can be challenging. Certainly not challenging compared to being in a city with abnormally high unemployment or rampant crime, but you know, everyone needs to relax now and then.
For those Atlantans that need a beach chair and a crisp paperback embedded with sand to really kickback, it takes a good 4 hour travel commitment – be it by car or air – to hear waves crashing on the sand.
But of course, there are other, smaller bodies of water out there amongst the forests, hills and sprawl that can help quench that desire for watery bliss. For some, they may not be equivalent to the seaside (or Seaside for that matter), but sometimes a little white-water noise can go a long way.
All this tedious set-up is just a roundabout way of asking: When you’re in need of a water fix and can’t afford to take a couple days off to head to a coast, where do you go?
Rivers, lakes, streams, ponds (I suppose) are all fair game.
Photo of Sweetwater Creek above courtesy of Georgia State Parks website.
Cloudland canyon is an enjoyable spot. Hike to the bottom of the canyon and you have a spectacular view of 2 waterfalls.
I like the area along the Chattahoochee between Powers Ferry and Cobb parkway. In my opinion, this is the nicest, easily accessible water around. There are two parking areas, but because it’s part of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, there’s a small fee. The hiking trails and water are fairly scenic for a city and you really can forget you’re in said city. This is the southern end of the area that Cleon paddles through.
Those who grew up here will remember that that the jumping rock is there. When the water is low-ish, you can walk out on the rocks — many are big enough for a picnic. There’s also a “beach” on the southside. You’ll see rafters, kids, dogs and yet it remains pretty peaceful.
High Falls State Park–about a 45-minute drive south on I-75. Lake, river, crashing waterfall, whitewater for kayaking, camping, hiking, etc.
Is that the park where folks slide down rocks into the pools below? I think my wife and I went there a few years back. I had completely forgotten about it!
It’s the park that you use to be able to slide down the rocks. It’s banned now.
Arabia Mountain State Park seems to be a fairly well-kept secret right here in Dekalb County. Lots of water (streams and creeks) but no real water activities. . It’s a very easy <30 minutes east on I-20 from Decatur. I've had good luck bringing some old shoes for my kids to wear and splash around for a few minutes in some spots in the water – |(
There are definitely spots along some of the larger sections of the creek that you could sit in the sun relax and actually feel like you've gotten away from the city for an afternoon (IMHO) and assuming you aren't watching kids around the water.
PLUS – the awesome bike trail leads all the way back to Stonecrest Mall! <-Sarcasm intended.
The trails around Emory – especially the section that goes from the lullwater preserve to Houston Mill and a bit beyond that is a very relaxing hike by the water – not too many safe places to actually play in the water – but a close in town retreat for a few hours.
Where is the best place to access the park at Emory and/or the trails? and where does one park?
The best place to park without risk is Hahn Woods. You can then walk under the bridge and follow the trail into Lullwater. If you go in the other direction, the creek is nice too.
(sorry didn’t see this thread immediately). In terms of accessing the Emory park, it is accessed best from Clifton, just north of the railroad that goes under Clifton, south of Houston Mill. Parking can be challenging, especially during work days. During weekends (and evenings), many of the Emory parking decks (but not all) are open without fee, but you have to look for which ones. I usually park at one close to it and walk the 5 minutes to the entrance of the park.
About 45 minutes from my husband’s hometown of Asheville (he grew up there, so he calls it his hometown) is Sliding Rock State Park, in the beautiful Pisgah Forest. We’ve taken our nieces & nephews there many a hot summer day, and the water is bracingly chilly even on the hottest days of the year. Kids (the real and the adult kind) love sliding down the big flat rocks into the (not too deep) pool at the bottom– makes for hilarious photos! There are shady picnic areas, toilets (not great, but at least they flush & are supplied with paper), and lots of trails to hike, if that’s your thing. Bring food, though– really no places to get it that are very close by.
I love that place! Went a few years back & almost forgot about it.
Also about 40 mins away is Sweetwater Creek State Park (just west of Six Flags off I-20). It makes for a nice casual hike alongside some rapids and the ruins of an old textile mill.
Whoops. Just realized the photo above is of Sweetwater creek.
Another neat spot Johnson Park, tucked away in North Druid Hills. It’s small, but it crosses over a creek at a few points and there’s one area that’s pretty secluded and somewhat beach-like.
Good call. Johnson Park is awesome and not many people know it even exists!
We take canoes up to Morgan Falls and paddle down to 285 or paces ferry. It’s a nice day trip and there’s a cool jumping rock.
There’s also the “edge of the world” rapids on the Amicalola River. It’s a nice place to swim/fish/hang out, although it’s been pretty crowded the last few times I went.
Semi – thread hijack here:
Can anyone who grew up in this area share some spots to catch (and release of course…) tadppoles or crayfish (sorry – crawdads)? The only place that I’ve seen them is at the Arabia MTN “frog pond” but it is against the rules to take anything from that park.
I figure the water quality is not good close in but there must be some decent ponds not too far outside the perimeter. I also realize it is probably late for the year.
An Eric,
I recommend you wait for several days of constant rain and then go Medlock Park. Plenty of crayfish showed up during the flooding.
There’s a tiny beach of sorts up at Redtop Mountain State Park.
When I’m really in need of water, I go to one of the Gwinnett playground parks. Mountain Park is the closest, but Bogan Park in Buford is open year-round.
this is why i bought a house with a pool.
1) The lake at Stone Mountain Park. Drop in your rowboat or kayak. Take a picnic. Check summer schedule regarding times when private craft are allowed on the water.
2) The Chattahoochee River. This National Park is a treasure. Shoot The ‘Hootch! (Not after a heavy rain, though…)
3) Peavine Creek…at the end of my street (and yours, too, probably). Crawfish.
I took my kayak to Black Shoals Lake yesterday (http://www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=3363). It was my first time, after stumbling across it a few weeks ago. It’s a beautiful lake/reservoir for boating and the pier is quaint. There are trails to take you around the water. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed. The cost of admission is $5/person for non-Rockdale residents and an additional $5/boat. Still, for the beauty and low traffic the cost seemed adequate.
Another spot is Yellow River. It’s great for picnics and just lounging.
(was behind on the blog, and didn’t see this thread until now)
Tons of locations in north Georgia for fresh water, just 1-2 hrs away.
I totally agree with comment about Cloudland Canyon. Vogel, Unicoi, Fort Mountain, and Black Rock Mountain State Parks also have lakes (some man-made). For flowing water, there are literally 100+ waterfalls and their streams in north Georgia accessible in the National Forest (and State Parks). Not to be doing much self-pimping, but if you need ideas of where to go in north Georgia I have 200+ photos I’ve taken up there (mostly but not exclusively waterfalls) on my Flickr set (many of which are geo-tagged for location):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mcmillend/sets/72157594235152063/