Tucked away just a short drive from the skyscrapers of downtown Atlanta, the Bamboo Forest offers a serene escape into a lush, exotic landscape that feels worlds away from the urban hustle. Located within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Sandy Springs, this is one of Atlanta’s hidden gems.
If you’re planning on visiting, this article will tell you what to know before you go to the bamboo forest located at the East Palisades portion of the area’s national park.
What Is The Bamboo Forest at East Palisades?
The Bamboo Forest at East Palisades is a part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. If you’re feeling adventurous, walking to the forest is the way to go.
Spanning nearly 4 miles in a loop, the bamboo forest is one of the best trails in the Atlanta area. It typically takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to finish.
This area is popular for hiking, running, and walking, so expect to see other outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is open year-round and offers beautiful scenery. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your adventure.
When we entered the bamboo forest, it took about 2o minutes to walk there after entering the Chattahoochee River National Park Area. We took a lot of pictures and heard rushing water in the background.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter the Bamboo Forest?
Because the bamboo forest is a part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, you’ll need to pay the per-person fee to enter. At the time of this writing, an annual pass was $40 and a day pass was $5. Visit recreation.gov/ for the latest fee information.
Where Is The Bamboo Forest at East Palisades?
The bamboo forest at East Palisades is located at East Palisades Unit – Indian Trail, 1425 Indian Trail NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30327. Here’s a map to help you find it.
You can get to the bamboo forest via the East Palisades Trail, but there is more than one way to access it. Another entrance is at 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW Atlanta, Ga. 30327.
How Long Is the Hike To the Bamboo Forest in Atlanta?
The hike of the bamboo forest at East Palisades is approximately 3.9 miles. Once you get moving, you’ll find that it is mildly challenging in certain parts, but overall, it’s not that bad of a trek.
Getting There and AccessReaching the Bamboo Forest is straightforward, but plan ahead as the drive takes you through residential neighborhoods. The trail is about a 20- to 25-minute drive from downtown Atlanta, depending on traffic. Use GPS for precision, as the entrances can be tricky to spot.
- Primary Entrances: There are two main parking areas for the East Palisades Trail:
- Indian Trail Entrance: 1425 Indian Trail NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30327. This is the closer access point to the bamboo but has more limited parking (about 20-30 spots).
- Whitewater Creek Entrance: 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327. This option offers more spaces and is slightly farther from the forest but easier for larger groups.
From either entrance, the bamboo is reachable via a side trail marked around E-26 on the East Palisades loop. Download the AllTrails app or a park map in advance for navigation, as cell service is reliable but signage can be sparse in spots. Public transit isn’t practical; driving or ridesharing is recommended.Fees and HoursAs part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (managed by the National Park Service), entry requires a fee. Current rates include:
- Day Pass: $5 per person (valid for seven days).
- Annual Park Pass: $40, covering unlimited visits to this and other units in the recreation area.
Children under 16 enter free, and passes can be purchased online via Recreation.gov or at the parking lot kiosks using QR codes (cashless payment preferred). Note that fees apply per vehicle in some cases, but always confirm on the official site for the latest. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, roughly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in September, but check nps.gov/chat for exact times based on the season. Free entry days occur on federal holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Veterans Day, though these draw larger crowds.The Trail: Difficulty, Length, and What to ExpectThe full East Palisades Trail is a 4.9-mile loop with a moderate difficulty rating, featuring an elevation gain of about 540 feet—enough to provide a solid workout with steep inclines and declines that will “set your glutes on fire,” as one reviewer put it. Plan for 1.5 to 2.5 hours round-trip to the bamboo and back, depending on your pace and stops. The bamboo grove itself is about a 20- to 30-minute hike from the entrances, making it accessible for shorter visits.Highlights along the way include:
- Stunning river views from Poppi’s Point overlook, where you can glimpse parts of Atlanta’s skyline.
- Sandy beaches and swimming holes for a quick dip (water shoes advised for rocky areas).
- Wooden bridges over creeks, ruins of an old mill, and natural tree bridges.
- Picnic spots and granite caves for breaks.
The trail is well-maintained with shaded paths, but expect some rocky, narrow sections and potential downed trees (rangers clear them regularly). It’s beginner-friendly overall but not stroller-accessible due to the terrain. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll likely see plenty of off-leash pups at the river beaches.Best Time to Visit and Weather ConsiderationsSeptember is an ideal time to go, with milder temperatures (highs in the 80s°F) and fewer crowds than peak summer weekends. Early mornings (before 10 a.m.) or weekdays are best to beat the heat and secure parking—lots fill up by mid-morning on Saturdays. Avoid midday in warmer months, as humidity can make the hike challenging. The bamboo provides natural shade, but the forest stays lush year-round, even in winter when other foliage thins.Check the weather forecast, as Georgia’s afternoons can bring sudden showers. The Chattahoochee River’s water levels fluctuate, so if you’re into kayaking or fishing nearby, monitor USGS river gauges.Tips for a Great Visit: What to Bring and Safety NotesTo make the most of your trip:
- Essentials: Sturdy hiking shoes (trails are uneven), at least one water bottle per person (no fountains on the trail), bug spray (mosquitoes and ticks are common), and sunscreen. Pack snacks or a picnic— you’ll work up an appetite.
- For Photos: Bring a camera or phone tripod; the bamboo’s height creates dramatic, filtered light perfect for Instagram-worthy shots. Climb boulders in the grove for unique angles, but stay on marked paths.
- Safety First: Watch for poison ivy along the edges—stick to the trail. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are rare but possible in wooded areas, so keep an eye out. No swimming advisories due to currents; supervise kids and pets near the river. Restrooms are available at parking lots but not on the trail.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash to preserve this natural wonder. The area is patrolled by park rangers, so follow rules to avoid fines.
Final Word
The bamboo forest is an amazing sight to behold. We’re so glad it’s only about 25 minutes outside Atlanta, which means we can drive there easily.
Are you an outdoors fan? Check out these parks to walk or jog in.
Get out and about in Georgia’s largest city. Check out the best things to do this weekend.