Atlanta this year has received a boatload of rain, and yesterday was no different.  In a typical week this year, it is my belief we have “enjoyed” about 5 ½ days of rain, a day of clouds, and about 2 hours of sun.  I decided that today I was in charge, not the weather, and, appropriately attired, headed out in the rain with my camera to a cool, serene area close to here called Sope Creek.

In East Cobb County just north and west of Atlanta, Sope Creek and its’ surrounding area is part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and as a result has been preserved to retain its historical and recreational value.

You could spend days traversing all the trails that exist in the Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals area, all the way down to the Chattahoochee River.  It is just beautiful, and full of history as well.

Now this area isn’t for everyone; it is unlikely to please you unless you enjoy communing with nature, history, walking, bicycling, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, or just getting away.  So no, not for your Uncle Jerry.  And no need for anyone else to know about this gorgeous area.

I mentioned this is serene, yet years back this was a heavily industrialized area, in part because of the water power that could be harnessed from Sope Creek.  One of the (many) remaining artifacts in this area is the remains of the old Marietta Paper Mill, which was destroyed by the Union Army in the Civil War.  The mill used to produce paper currency for the confederacy, amongst other products such as newsprint and twine, so was considered a strategic target for the Union army.  But there were many businesses along this creek.

Ultimately, Sope Creek becomes another feed into the Chattahoochee River, which is another entire story.

Today, the area is a delight to explore.  But don’t tell anyone.