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Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 756 Google reviews · Running trail in Marietta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park trail for biking & moderately challenging hikes with scenic views of the river.
What runners say about Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
“Not unique scenery but lush and beautiful like so many other Atlanta and mountain hikes.”
“Our go to trail to walk our dog and also a great flat trail for running.”
“It's partially shaded so I would suggest glasses and a large brim hat for sun shade.”
Spacious trail I have ever walked on. Didn’t need to compete with the bikers. So quiet and shaded. Great Summer location to hike. Little short only 3 miles. But will be back to try those intermediate level trails. Should add up to 5 miles.
A beautiful local trail which next to the Chattahoochee River. Great for a walk, jogging, or biking near dinner time. The major route is not challenging.
Wonderful path perfect for walkers and cyclists alike. The parking situation is kind of crazy though, if you do not live nearby you may have trouble getting a spot.
Beautiful place with great trails and the gorgeous, lazy Chattahoochee River. So many people though. Take the back trails, it’s less crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“Not unique scenery but lush and beautiful like so many other Atlanta and mountain hikes.”
“Cochran Shoals is walkable and beautiful for people of all ages PLUS their dogs!”
“There were beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River and at one of the parking locations, it's a nice place to enter the river for tubing.”
“The paths are so broad , with a few water fountains along the way for drinking; there is a restroom station as well which is clean!”
“We just did a 3 mile loop and spent some time at the lake with the geese.”
“It's partially shaded so I would suggest glasses and a large brim hat for sun shade.”
“Gravel paths so wear good traction shoes.”
“Our go to trail to walk our dog and also a great flat trail for running.”
“The paths are so broad , with a few water fountains along the way for drinking; there is a restroom station as well which is clean!”
Plan your run at Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 678-538-1200
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Marietta
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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