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Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek
4.7 ★★★★★ 91 Google reviews · Running trail in Marietta, Georgia · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek'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.
Scenic creekside park, featuring mountain biking and hiking trails, plus ruined mills.
What runners say about Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek
“The trails are well kept and there are a lot of maps throughout for people new to the trail.”
“Parking can be a problem if you go on weekends/beautiful days.”
“Kids love to play on the rocks in Sope Creek near the ruins (don't forget to take a towel) - easy walk there.”
Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek is a part of Chattahoochee National Recreational Area. It is beautiful with many shaded trails. Some to be shared by mountain bikers and hikers, others for only hikers with no bikes allowed. There is a small lake and naturally Sope Creek is on the edge of the area with its Mill ruins.
One of my favorite places to run! The trails are well kept and there are a lot of maps throughout for people new to the trail.
Beautiful shaded scenery, well-maintained trails. Small parking fee (best to buy the annual pass for all the sites). Lot can be full on weekends of good weather. Bikes on some trails, dogs, running. Kids love to play on the rocks in Sope Creek near the ruins (don't forget to take a towel) - easy walk there.
Great place to ride a mountainbike, hike or walk the dog. When I ride, I try to be as accommodating and friendly as possible due to the variety of users here, but all users should practice good etiquette and be respectful of the others. No bathrooms at the upper (Paper Mill) parking lot, though.
Trail conditions & character
“Parking can be a problem if you go on weekends/beautiful days.”
“There is no entrance fee but rather parking fee per car, not person.”
“Trails for walking/jogging, pet friendly, interesting historic ruins, creek, easy to get to.”
Plan your run at Cochran Shoals Unit Sope Creek
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(770) 952-0370
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 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.
Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
4.7 ★★★★★ 921 reviews
19th century stone paper mill destroyed during the Civil War overlooking a creek with trail access.
Sope Creek Mountain Bike Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 86 reviews
Hilly, kid-friendly spot for hikers and cyclists that features mountain-biking trails and creek views.
Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 756 reviews
Park trail for biking & moderately challenging hikes with scenic views of the river.
Terrell Mill Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,182 reviews
A soccer field & 4 softball fields, picnic pavilions, a playground & a tennis center.
McFarlane Nature Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 128 reviews
Nature preserve with walking trails and open fields for picnics and group events.
Powers Island Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 116 reviews
Kid-friendly spot for hiking and tubing trails, with kayaking rentals.