Most of Paces Mill, the last river take-out at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), will close until the end of May 2025 for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and the New Day Palisades rehabilitation project.
“With the flooding that occurred at Paces Mill from Hurricane Helene, the entire site needs extensive cleaning to remove approximately three inches of silt,” Superintendent Ann Honious said in a news release. “In addition, the restroom will be assessed for damages and repaired, downed and damaged trees removed, and site furnishings cleaned and relocated.”
Honious said since the recovery will extend into the start of New Day Palisades construction, it made sense to close Paces Mill now.
The news release said the closure will include Paces Mill parking lot north of Highway 41, the main boat ramp, and restrooms. While the Highway 41 northbound entrance will be closed, trails in the Palisades unit will remain open and accessible from the Bob Callan Trailhead and the Akers Mill parking lot.
The $15.8 million New Day Palisades rehabilitation design and construction project is in partnership with Cumberland Community Improvement District. The project will improve visitor safety and circulation with a new parking lot, upgrade the trail system, develop new restrooms and visitor information. The project includes a meadow and bioswales to create sustainability along the Chattahoochee River. Construction of phase one at Paces Mill is scheduled to begin mid-October.
CRNRA said the Paces Mill boat ramp south of Highway 41 will remain open during this phase of rehabilitation. This is the last take-out for river users but will not have available parking.
