Herb Walk: Island Ford Trails
Island Ford Trail, part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area just north of Atlanta, is a winding path that offers both natural beauty and a sense of retreat from the city’s pace. The trail meanders along the Chattahoochee, where the sound of rushing water keeps steady company. Hikers encounter rocky bluffs, hardwood forests, and wide river overlooks—making it a favorite spot for birdwatchers, anglers, and those seeking quiet reflection in a wild-feeling place so close to suburbia.
For an herbalist or plant enthusiast, Island Ford is a living classroom. Along the shaded paths grow familiar southeastern species—oak, hickory, and pine overhead, with ferns, mosses, and seasonal wildflowers carpeting the understory. In spring and summer, the trail hosts medicinal plants like goldenrod and jewelweed, while autumn brings vibrant displays of berries and seed heads. The varied terrain, from riverbanks to upland ridges, supports a wide diversity of plants, making it a rich environment for both study and inspiration.
The weather in Atlanta has been hot, humid, and with rain aplenty. The frequent showers have brought forth an unbelievable amount of fungi, with milky caps and amanitas in particular to be found everywhere you look. Below is a sample of some of my discoveries on this hike.
