Nature photographers travel extensively looking
for places to photograph that are truly wild. Many of us remember a
day in
the not too distant past when we could travel by car a short 20 minutes
and escape our urban or suburban
surroundings. Sadly, in most of our major cities, population growth
has consumed much of these “close-in” wilderness areas. So, it
comes as a great treat that those of us who live in the Atlanta, GA area
are fortunate to be able to visit a string of National Parks only about
15 miles outside of downtown. Even better, if you are in the area on
business or pleasure, you too can now share our little secret --- “The ‘hooch.”
The Chattahoochee National Recreation Area (http://www.nps.gov/chat/pphtml/maps.html)
is a true “string of pearls” running up the banks the Chattahoochee
River from about the Northern Perimeter (I-285) to well beyond the
towns of Roswell and Alpharetta, GA. Large sections of land along the
riverbank have been preserved as either National Park or some form
of city/state park or preserve. While not a completely contiguous park
(the occasional sub-division or golf course intrudes), the string-of-pearls
is none-the-less a marvelous resource for hikers, joggers, fishermen,
bird watchers, and yes, even nature photographers. The entire park
is divided into about a dozen different areas and I have traipsed over
many of them in search of good photos.
I. Favorite Areas
Gold Branch: This is perhaps my most favorite pearl in the string.
Within minutes of leaving this sparsely attended park, you can easily
believe that you are 100 miles from the nearest town. As you follow
the trail up and down a series of hills, make your way towards the
River or, more appropriately, “the lake” since, at this
point, the River has been dammed and the resulting lake --- Bull Sluice
Lake – makes for excellent habitat for migratory birds. I have
seen many Great Blue Heron, Egrets, Geese, Ducks, and Osprey along
with a raft of smaller birds. The slow moving water and the numerous
inlets make for some marvelous scenery.
Sope Creek: Located on Paper Mill Road,
Sope Creek affords excellent opportunities to photograph a wonderfully
pristine creek (especially
in the fall) as well as a pre-Civil War paper mill complex which
now stands in beautiful ruins along both banks of the creek. Avian
wildlife
abounds and patient waiting will likely provide you with a great
photographic opportunities.
East/West Palisades: This is the “closest-in” of the pearls
and should not be missed. This park is aptly named as the rock cliffs
that overhang the river provide for some exceptional views – especially
on the East Palisades side. Be prepared for some strenuous hikes along
very narrow trails carved into the rock face (note: I would not try
this one after a rain storm or if the rocks are wet). However, should
you take the challenge, your walk will be rewarded with some great
shots.
Vickery Creek: The story of Vickery Creek is the story of the beginnings
of the town of Roswell, GA. Follow the trails to the old mill dam for
some fantastic shots. The pre-Civil War dam provided the power to the
local cloth mills right up into the early part of the 20th century.
Unfortunately, certain areas along the creek itself are crisscrossed
with various runs of above-ground sewer pipe which distract from some
of the vistas. But, most of the park and the creek is pristine and
is well worth the short trip.
Johnson Ferry: Located at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road and
the Chattahoochee River, this park straddles the river on either
side of the road. I enjoy the “North” park more as it
provides some excellent opportunities to shoot both open meadows
and swampy bottom land. Geese, ducks, and hawks are common. Also,
if you enjoy shooting in the fog, the natural temperature inversion
caused by the river and the surrounding hills creates lots of opportunities
for fog shots, especially in the winter months.
II. Getting There
From downtown Atlanta, head north up I-75 about 15 miles. The first
in the series of parks (East and West Palisades) start in the area
where the Chattahoochee River and I-75 intersect just inside the I-285
perimeter. Parking is $2/day or an annual pass can be purchased. Call
ahead to the visitor information desk or refer to the website like
above for more specific information.
III. Bottom Line
If you are looking for close-in, unspoiled beauty and have a few hours
to kill before your next business meeting, family function, or just ‘cause
you are passin’ through, you owe it to yourself to head over
to the ‘Hooch --- just be sure to bring your favorite camera,
sturdy shoes, $2.00 for parking, and your practiced eye. I promise
that you will not be disappointed.
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