Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Paces Mill: An Atlanta Local’s Guide

If you live in Atlanta or you’re in town for a visit, Paces Mill at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is one of the easiest ways to step out of city traffic and into the woods—without actually leaving Atlanta. While it’s not a restaurant or a soul food spot itself, many locals treat a day at Paces Mill like a classic Southern picnic outing: river views, shady trees, and food picked up from their favorite Atlanta Southern and soul food restaurants on the way.

This guide focuses on how Paces Mill works for Atlantans—how to get there, what to expect, and how to pair your visit with nearby Southern and soul food favorites.

Where Paces Mill Fits into Atlanta Life

Paces Mill is one of the most convenient river units for in-town Atlantans, especially those in:

• Buckhead
• Vinings
• Smyrna
• Upper Westside / Riverside

It sits just off Interstate 285 near the Cobb Parkway exit, across the river from the Atlanta city limits. Many Atlantans use Paces Mill for:

• Picnic-style meals along the river
• Walks, jogs, and bike rides on the flat riverside trail
• Kayaking, tubing, or rafting put-ins and take-outs
• A quick nature break before or after running errands in Buckhead, Vinings, or Cumberland

It’s part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), managed by the National Park Service, so it has a different feel than city parks like Piedmont Park or the BeltLine—more rustic, quieter, and very focused on the river itself.

Location, Access, and Practical Details

Official name: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area – Paces Mill Unit
General area: Near Vinings / Cumberland, just northwest of Atlanta

Typical access pattern for Atlantans:

• From inside the Perimeter (ITP):
  Many people come up I‑75 or Northside Parkway, then across Paces Ferry Road, or loop around via I‑285.
• From outside the Perimeter (OTP – Cobb County, Smyrna, Marietta):
  Most drivers use Cobb Parkway or 285 and drop down toward the river.

Because this is a National Recreation Area, you can generally expect:

• Daily parking fee (usually per vehicle) or
• America the Beautiful / National Parks passes to be accepted

Fees may change, so it’s smart to check the current rate posted at the entrance kiosk when you arrive or confirm beforehand.

What You’ll Find at Paces Mill

Paces Mill is designed for simple, low-key river access. You’re not going to find food vendors or restaurants in the unit itself, so planning your Southern or soul food stops before or after your visit is key.

Common features you’ll encounter:

• Parking area close to the river
• Restrooms (typically basic, park-style facilities)
• Boat ramp / river access for kayaks, rafts, and tubes
• Flat riverside trail suited for walking, jogging, and casual biking
• Grassy and wooded areas suitable for blankets or lightweight chairs

Typical Activities Atlanta Locals Enjoy Here

1. Walking and jogging
   The riverside trail is relatively flat compared with many intown green spaces, making it approachable for casual walkers and families.

2. River paddling and tubing
   Outfitters that operate along the Chattahoochee often use Paces Mill as either a drop-off or pick-up point, depending on water levels and trip type.

3. Picnics and casual outdoor meals
   Many Atlantans bring takeout from nearby restaurants and treat Paces Mill as their “dining room with a view.”

4. Fishing
   The Chattahoochee River is known regionally for trout fishing; local anglers often access the river at Paces Mill, especially early in the morning or toward evening.

Pairing Paces Mill with Southern and Soul Food in Atlanta

While Paces Mill itself does not serve food, it can be the centerpiece of a day that’s very Atlanta—and very Southern. Many locals structure their outing around a stop at a favorite Southern or soul food restaurant before or after their river time.

Here are common ways Atlantans combine food and Paces Mill:

1. Takeout Picnic Before You Hit the River

Pick up food from a soul food or Southern-style restaurant elsewhere in Atlanta, drive to Paces Mill, and eat by the river:

Popular styles of food that work well for this:

• Fried chicken and sides (mac and cheese, collards, cornbread)
• BBQ plates packed to-go (pulled pork, ribs, baked beans)
• Meat-and-three style meals that travel reasonably well
• Biscuits, sandwiches, and hand pies that are easy to eat outdoors

If you’re coming from areas like West Midtown, Downtown, or the Westside, it’s easy to:

• Grab soul food or Southern takeout near the city center
• Drive up Northside Drive, I‑75, or Paces Ferry to the river
• Eat before a short walk or a paddle

2. River First, Southern Comfort Food After

In summer, especially on hot days, a lot of Atlantans:

1. Start early to walk, fish, or float the river
2. Finish by midday when the sun gets intense
3. Head to a sit-down Southern or soul food restaurant to cool off and refuel

This works particularly well if:

• You’re planning a long paddle trip and want a hearty meal afterwards
• You’re visiting from out of town and want to combine a “green space” stop with a classic Atlanta food experience in the same day

What to Bring for a Southern-Style Picnic at Paces Mill

Because there are no restaurants on-site, coming prepared makes a big difference—especially if you’re planning to enjoy Atlanta’s Southern and soul food along the river.

Basic picnic essentials:

• 🧺 Insulated bag or cooler to keep food and drinks safe
• 🧴 Hand wipes or sanitizer, since you’ll be handling food outdoors
• 🧻 Napkins, paper towels, and utensils (many takeout spots include these, but not always enough)
• 🥤 Plenty of water, even if you’re bringing sweet tea or other drinks

If you’re bringing hot soul food or Southern dishes:

• Choose sturdy containers that won’t leak (ask your restaurant to double-wrap saucy items).
• Consider arriving at Paces Mill soon after picking up your food so it’s still fresh.
• Pack a small blanket or folding chairs, since picnic tables may be limited at busy times.

Food etiquette at Paces Mill:

• Use trash cans provided and be prepared to pack out anything you brought in if bins are full.
• Keep food secured; local wildlife (especially squirrels and birds) quickly learn where picnics happen.
• Avoid feeding wildlife—this changes their behavior and can create issues for future visitors.

When to Visit Paces Mill (From an Atlanta Perspective)

Atlanta’s weather and traffic patterns shape how locals use Paces Mill.

Time of Day

• Mornings:
  Cooler, less crowded, especially appealing for trail walks, runs, or quiet river views.
• Midday:
  Can be warm and bright, especially in late spring and summer; good for quick picnics under shade.
• Late afternoon / early evening:
  Popular for after-work or after-school visits, especially for people in nearby neighborhoods and office areas.

Time of Year

• Spring (March–May):
  One of the best times to visit—moderate temperatures, trees leafing out, and good picnic weather.
• Summer (June–September):
  Very popular for tubing and paddling. The river water stays relatively cool, but the air can be hot and humid.
• Fall (October–November):
  Comfortable temperatures; leaves change color, making the riverside trail especially scenic.
• Winter:
  Quieter, but still used by locals for walks, runs, and fishing on milder days.

Quick-Glance Summary for Atlanta Visitors

Safety and Comfort Tips for Atlanta Users

To make your Paces Mill trip smoother:

• Watch the weather. Atlanta storms can move in quickly, especially during summer afternoons.
• Check river conditions. Water release schedules upstream can affect river levels and flow; outfitters and park info are helpful sources.
• Dress for the South. In warm months, consider breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
• Respect the river. The Chattahoochee can look calm but have strong currents; many locals use life jackets when paddling or tubing.

How Paces Mill Compares to Other Atlanta Green Spaces

If you’re planning your time in Atlanta, here’s how locals often think of Paces Mill compared to other well-known spots:

• Piedmont Park: More urban, more amenities (restaurants nearby, events, playgrounds), less wild.
• Atlanta BeltLine: Heavily used path with restaurants, public art, and dense development.
• Chattahoochee River – Paces Mill: Quieter, more natural, focused on the river and low-key recreation, minimal commercial presence.

That’s why many Atlantans pair a restaurant-heavy day around the BeltLine or Midtown with a river-focused day at Paces Mill—using soul food or Southern meals as the link between both experiences.

Using Paces Mill as Part of Your Atlanta Food and Nature Day

If you’re trying to plan a day in Atlanta that captures both local food culture and local nature, Paces Mill fits naturally into an itinerary like:

1. Late breakfast or early lunch at a Southern or soul food spot in or near the city.
2. Drive up to Paces Mill for a few hours of walking, paddling, or relaxing by the river.
3. Evening meal back in town, possibly at another Southern, BBQ, or soul food restaurant to round out the day.

For locals, Paces Mill often becomes that “repeatable” spot: easy enough to reach after work or on a weekend, calm enough to feel like a break from Atlanta’s pace, and flexible enough to pair with whatever Southern comfort food they’re craving that week.