Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · Georgia

NPS Photo/Tom Wilson

📍 StateGeorgia
🏛️ TypeNational Recreation Area
🎟️ Entry$5
🏃 Activities18
Official NPS Website →
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Protected area in Georgia, U.S.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) preserves a series of sites between Atlanta and Lake Sidney Lanier along the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, U.S. The 48-mile (77 km) stretch of the river affords public recreation opportunities and access to historic sites. The national recreation area, a National Park Service unit, was established on August 15, 1978, by President Jimmy Carter.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature’s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Get Outdoors and experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area as you have never done before.

Park Photos

Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.
Park ranger showing a group of school children the critter on his arm.
Stone ruins of the Marietta Paper Mill surrounded by lush green vegatation.
Angler in waders landing a fish using a landing net.
Trail heading off under a canopy of trees.

Activities

Operating Hours

Park Hours

The park lands and waters are open for visitation from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset seven days a week. The Island Ford Visitor Center located in historic Hewlett Lodge is open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week except Thanksgiving Day and December 25.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?

Entrance - Per Person: $5.00. Required for visitors age 16+ entering on foot or by bicycle. Valid for one day. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $5.00. Private vehicle pass admits one private vehicle and its occupants for one day. Entrance - Motorcycle: $5.00. Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

What are the best activities at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area include: Biking, Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Paddling, Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding.

What is the weather like at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?

Summers typically consist of long spells of warm, humid weather. Average highs are in the lower 90's and overnight lows range from the upper 60's to lower 70's. Winters are more variable with highs averaging from the mid 50's to lower 60's while the lows average in the mid 30's. Oftentimes, stretches of mild weather will alternate with cold spells. Spring and Autumn seasons are characterized by much variability from day to day and from year to year.

How do I get to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?

To find the Island Ford Visitor Center enter the physical address, 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, into your GPS unit or your favorite map software. Once you have arrived at the park entrance turn onto Island Ford Parkway and follow the signs to the park headquarters.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$5

Required for visitors age 16+ entering on foot or by bicycle. Valid for one day.

Entrance - Private Vehicle$5

Private vehicle pass admits one private vehicle and its occupants for one day.

Entrance - Motorcycle$5

Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Weather

Summers typically consist of long spells of warm, humid weather. Average highs are in the lower 90's and overnight lows range from the upper 60's to lower 70's. Winters are more variable with highs averaging from the mid 50's to lower 60's while the lows average in the mid 30's. Oftentimes, stretches of mild weather will alternate with cold spells. Spring and Autumn seasons are characterized by much variability from day to day and from year to year.

Directions

To find the Island Ford Visitor Center enter the physical address, 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, into your GPS unit or your favorite map software. Once you have arrived at the park entrance turn onto Island Ford Parkway and follow the signs to the park headquarters.

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Location

State(s)
Coordinates33.9970, -84.2895

Official Resources

NPS Official Website