A paved new Chattahoochee River trail is scheduled to debut this week as evidence a project aiming to bring millions of metro Atlantans closer to the river is both functional and feasible. 

The Riverview Park Trail, scheduled to formally open with a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning, marks the completion of the northern section of the Chattahoochee RiverLands Showcase Trail.

The Chattahoochee RiverLands project is an ambitious, 100-mile linear park concept that would link 20 cities and seven counties along the river through metro Atlanta.

Trust for Public Land officials are scheduled to join Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton and Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield in opening the half-mile, multi-use trail this week, which TPL officials call “tangible progress” toward realizing the RiverLands visions.

Functionality of the Riverview Park Trail beside the river in Smyrna. Chattahoochee RiverLands/Trust for Public Land

Overview of the riverside park and trail (bottom, in red) in relation to residential construction and other area investments in recent years. Google Maps

The trail weaves through the 12-acre linear park and expands Chattahoochee River access for walkers, runners, and bicyclists, with scenic views and shaded areas. 

Situated just north of U.S. Highway 78 (Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway) in Smyrna, on the western banks of the river, the park neighbors hundreds of newer residential units at complexes such as The Eddy at Riverview and Series at Riverview Landing. 

How the trail passes a Riverview Park parking area. Chattahoochee RiverLands/Trust for Public Land

According to TPL officials, more than 1,000 nearby residents will be well-positioned to enjoy the trail. 

“As new families move into Smyrna and the region grows,” reads a project description, “the trail will become a welcoming place for neighbors and visitors alike to engage with the river and one another.”

Once it’s completed, the Cobb RiverLands Showcase project will span three miles, connecting Riverview Landing with destinations farther south, including Discovery Park and Mableton Parkway, with a goal of “demonstrating what connected public access along the full [100-mile] corridor can look like,” per TPL.  

Location of the completed new trail at Smyrna's Riverview Park (6275 Riverview Road SE). Chattahoochee RiverLands/Trust for Public Land

...

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Cobb County news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)