Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at Paces Mill: Atlanta’s In-Town River Escape

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area at Paces Mill is one of the easiest ways to feel far from Atlanta without leaving the city. Located in Vinings, just northwest of Buckhead and a short drive from Midtown, this unit of the national recreation area is a go-to spot for walking, paddling, fishing, and riverside picnics.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting and want a simple way to experience the Chattahoochee River, Paces Mill is one of the most accessible starting points.

Where Paces Mill Fits in the Atlanta Outdoors Scene

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is made up of several separate park units stretching along the river north of Atlanta. Paces Mill is:

• One of the closest river access points to central Atlanta
• Popular for day trips before or after work
• A key put-in/take-out spot for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting
• Managed by the National Park Service (NPS)

Location & basics:

• General area: Vinings / Northwest Atlanta, near the I‑75 and I‑285 interchange
• Typical uses: Walking, jogging, picnics, fishing, relaxing by the river, launching small boats
• Park management: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, National Park Service

Parking, trails, restrooms, and boat ramps here are designed for easy, short visits just as much as for longer days on the river.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Because Paces Mill is so close to major highways, it’s a practical option whether you live in Midtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or Smyrna.

Driving and Parking

Most visitors drive.

• From Midtown/Downtown Atlanta:
  Typically via I‑75 North, then local roads into Vinings
• From Buckhead:
  Often via I‑75 or surface streets like Northside Parkway and Paces Ferry Road
• From Smyrna/Cumberland:
  A quick hop using Cobb Parkway (US‑41) and local roads

On-site parking is in a designated lot managed by the National Park Service. Expect:

• A daily parking or entrance fee (commonly handled via machines or digital payment)
• Busy conditions on weekends, holidays, and warm afternoons
• Potential need to arrive earlier in the day during peak summer or leaf season

If you’re planning to bring a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, the lot is close enough to the boat ramp that loading and unloading is relatively straightforward.

What You Can Do at Paces Mill

Paces Mill offers a mix of water activities and easy land-based recreation. You can treat it as your main destination or as a starting point for longer trips along the Chattahoochee.

Walking, Running, and Relaxing Along the River

Paces Mill includes riverside paths and short trails that are well-suited for:

• Leisurely walks before or after work
• Short runs if you live or work nearby
• Birdwatching and wildlife viewing—you may see herons, ducks, turtles, and more
• Riverside benches and open areas to sit, read, or just watch the water

The terrain is generally easy and family-friendly, with flat or gently sloping paths.

Picnicking

Paces Mill is a popular picnic spot for Atlanta residents.

Typical amenities include:

• Picnic tables and open grass areas
• Shaded spots under trees
• Convenient access to restrooms (in most seasons and normal operating hours)

Because it’s close to Vinings restaurants and shops, many locals grab food nearby and bring it into the park.

Water Activities at Paces Mill

Paces Mill is part of the “Hooch” culture in Atlanta—locals using the river for tubing, kayaking, rafting, and paddleboarding when weather and river conditions allow.

Launching Kayaks, Canoes, and Paddleboards

There is a boat launch that provides easy access to the river for:

• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
• Small inflatables designed for river use

Common trip styles that involve Paces Mill:

• Point-to-point float trips with Paces Mill as a take-out or put-in in combination with other CRNRA units upstream or downstream
• Short out-and-back paddles starting and ending at Paces Mill when you want a quick paddle without arranging shuttle logistics

If you’re planning a full river trip, Atlanta-area paddlers often coordinate:

• Which access points they’ll use (e.g., other CRNRA units upstream)
• Transport/shuttle between launch and take-out
• Vehicle parking at each access point

Tubing and Rafting

While a lot of the heavily advertised tubing happens at units farther north of the city, Paces Mill still serves as an access point for short, casual floats when water levels and conditions are favorable.

Keep in mind:

• Tubes and inflatables should be appropriate for river use, not just pool toys
• Life jackets (personal flotation devices) are strongly recommended and may be required for certain age groups and vessel types under Georgia boating regulations
• The water is often cool even in summer, since the river is fed from reservoirs upstream

Many Atlantans treat tubing and short rafting trips here as a half-day activity—often pairing it with lunch in Vinings or shopping in the Cumberland area.

Fishing at Paces Mill

The Chattahoochee through metro Atlanta is known for trout and other game fish, and Paces Mill is a convenient fishing access point.

If you’re considering fishing:

• You need a valid Georgia fishing license
• Regulations on seasons, size limits, and tackle apply and are set by state authorities
• Many local anglers use waders and fish from the shoreline or shallow areas
• The cold water released upstream can make the river surprisingly brisk, even on hot days

People who live in neighborhoods like Vinings, Smyrna, Buckhead, and Sandy Springs often choose Paces Mill for quick early-morning or late-afternoon visits before or after work.

Typical Facilities and Amenities

While exact features can change, visitors generally find the core amenities they’d expect from a national recreation area unit.

Quick Overview of Key Features

Because Paces Mill is within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, conditions and services are overseen by the National Park Service, which may post signs about current closures, water issues, or safety advisories.

River Safety and Local Conditions Atlanta Residents Should Know

The Chattahoochee is an incredible resource, but it’s still a natural river running through a major metro area. Taking simple precautions is important.

Water Levels and Weather

In the Atlanta area, Chattahoochee water levels and flow can change due to:

• Upstream dam operations
• Heavy rainfall in the region
• Seasonal patterns

Before you paddle, wade, or float:

• Check for current river conditions and any posted warnings at the access point
• Observe the water visually—if it seems unusually high, fast, or muddy, reconsider your plans
• Be prepared for cool water temperatures, even on hot days

Life Jackets and Boating Rules

If you’re on the water:

• Wear a properly fitted life jacket (personal flotation device), especially for children and non-swimmers
• Follow Georgia boating laws for vessel types, required equipment, and age-based requirements
• Use appropriate footwear; the riverbed can be rocky and slippery

Families in metro Atlanta often treat Paces Mill as a beginner-friendly area for kids to learn about rivers, but still keep a close eye on children and stay within easy reach.

Respecting Wildlife and the Park

Common best practices around Atlanta’s river parks include:

• Staying on marked trails to reduce erosion
• Packing out all trash—including fishing line, food wrappers, and cans
• Giving wildlife space, avoiding feeding animals, and not disturbing nesting areas
• Keeping dogs leashed where required and cleaning up pet waste

These habits help keep Paces Mill enjoyable and accessible for Atlanta residents over the long term.

Fees, Passes, and Practical Planning

Because Paces Mill is part of a national recreation area, visitors typically pay a daily fee or may use a national parks pass if eligible.

What to Expect with Fees

Common patterns include:

• Daily entrance/parking fee per vehicle
• Options for annual passes to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Acceptance of certain national-level passes at the park

Payment methods at many Atlanta-area federal recreation sites now often include:

• On-site machines or kiosks
• Mobile or online payment systems where available
• Clearly posted signs explaining how and where to pay

Checking current fee information before you leave home helps avoid surprises—especially if you’re planning to meet friends there.

When to Visit

In the Atlanta area, Paces Mill usage tends to follow recognizable patterns:

• Weekday mornings: Quieter, popular with locals walking, running, or fishing
• Afternoons and weekends (spring–fall): Busier, especially with families and groups
• After work on hot days: A common time for short paddles and riverside hangs

If you’re hoping for less crowding, consider:

• Arriving early in the morning
• Visiting on weekdays when possible
• Avoiding major holiday weekends

How Paces Mill Compares to Other Chattahoochee Spots Near Atlanta

Metro Atlanta has multiple access points to the Chattahoochee River, each with its own character. Paces Mill is especially useful if:

• You want fast in-town access from central and northwest Atlanta
• You’re looking for a short outing rather than a full-day, far-north river trip
• You prefer simple logistics for casual walks, picnics, or quick paddles

Other units farther north may offer:

• Longer, more rural-feeling stretches of river
• Different fishing or paddling experiences
• Additional or different trail systems

However, for many city residents in Atlanta proper, Paces Mill is the most practical “after work” or “half-day” Chattahoochee option.

Tips for Atlanta Visitors Using Paces Mill as a One-Day Adventure

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to see the Chattahoochee without leaving the metro area, Paces Mill works well as a single-stop outdoor experience.

Consider this simple plan:

1. Late morning or early afternoon:

   • Drive to Paces Mill, pay the fee, and walk along the river.
   • Take photos, watch wildlife, and enjoy the shaded paths.

2. Optional water time:

   • Arrange with a local outfitter (based elsewhere along the river) or bring your own vessel if you’re experienced and properly equipped.
   • Keep the paddle or float time modest if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

3. Post-river meal:

   • Stop by nearby Vinings or Cumberland for lunch or dinner.
   • Many visitors pair time at the river with shopping or dining at Cumberland Mall or The Battery area.

This makes Paces Mill a convenient way to experience a natural side of Atlanta without driving far into the suburbs or North Georgia.

Key Takeaways for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

• Close to town: Paces Mill is one of the nearest Chattahoochee River access points to central Atlanta.
• Versatile use: Ideal for short walks, picnics, paddling, and fishing, without needing a full-day commitment.
• National Park Service site: Basic amenities, daily fees, and clearly posted rules apply.
• Water awareness: River conditions can change; check for signs and use life jackets and common-sense safety.
• Urban nature escape: For many Atlantans, Paces Mill is the easiest way to get a true river experience without leaving the city.