Sope Creek (Cobb County, Georgia)

For the first time in many years, I'm not planning to by the National Park Service's America the Beautiful pass this year. However, I still want to hit a few sites. With dinner plans tonight, I don't have a lot of time and so, I'm going to try to make the best of limited time and the NPS day pass I bought for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area today. The first stop will be a short hike at the Sope Creek unit..

I guess a lot of other people had similar ideas. Whether they are trying to get a hike in before tonight's rains come or just out for some fresh air with that special someone on this Valentine's Day, I can't say. Regardless though, there are quite a few people here. I take the only remaining parking spot available and quickly start making my way down towards the old paper mill ruins along the creek itself.

While close to home, I do love this little park. The walls of the mill add a distinctive character to it. I spend a couple of minutes finding a good angle to take a shot and then head up to the road and across the creek to the other side, which has a few more ruined structures. I follow this side trail parallel to the shoal-heavy creek all the way to the gulch where Cross Creek joins Sope Creek. There is the ruin of a large multi-room structure here and it makes find point to turn back, as crossing the gulch would not be an easy task.

Heading back the way I came, I pass the main ruins and head into the hills and hollows of the park. The trails here are always well maintained and I make quick work of them. Eventually, I reach Sibley Pond, where a young couple is spending their valentines day on the wooden dock, complete with rose petals spread all over. I nod at the young gentleman and he returns the gesture.

After walking around the pond, I return to the parking area. I only put in 2.2 miles here today, but I'm going to hit another unit of the park before heading home. It's always nice to return to this area. The ruins give it a historic feel, which I appreciate.