Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Official page of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Today the river attracts us for different reasons.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a series of parklands along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River--a place rich in natural and human history, each influenced by the river's pervasive force. Usually clear, cold, and slow-moving, the river sometimes plunges as a muddy torrent through its rockbound shoals. For centuries people have been drawn to the river for food and transport

ation and for power to sustain the mills, factories and homes built along its banks. People come to float down the river, hike the trails along its banks, play touch football in the meadows, and simply relax. In its role as and outdoor classroom, the park promises to expand your horizons through nature walks exploring its plants and birds and the river.

"My job is just...tree." - this Park Ranger, probably. Do you ever wonder what the day-to-day lives of different types o...
08/26/2026

"My job is just...tree." - this Park Ranger, probably.

Do you ever wonder what the day-to-day lives of different types of park rangers actually look like? It's not always just a walk in the park!

To celebrate , we proudly present 'NPS: Behind the Scenes'. Come out and join us to learn about all the different moving parts of the National Park Service at this interactive, ranger-led evening program!

This program will start at 7:00 pm, Thursday 8/27 on the patio behind the park's Visitor Center, located at 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA, 30350.

While this program is free to attend, normal entrance fees are required.

To learn more about this and other public programming, visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/calendar.htm. We'll see you at the river!



Image Credit: NPS Photo

Get ready for National Park Week! National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed celebration that encourages ...
08/20/2026

Get ready for National Park Week! National Park Week is an annual Presidentially proclaimed celebration that encourages the public to discover the places, programs, experiences, and stories of the National Park Service. We have a full slate of events for recreation, learning, reflection, and inspiration!

Please visit chattahoocheeparks.org/events to find out more, unless otherwise noted.

August 22, Kickoff Day:
- Junior Ranger Day at Island Ford, Hewlett Lodge, 9am - 12 pm
- NPS Paddle Clean-Up with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, 8am - 1 pm (*Register with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper at chattahoochee.org)

August 23: Ranger-Guided Wildflower Walk at Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive) with NPS + Botanist Steve Boling, 9 - 11:30 am

August 25: Fee-free day to celebrate the 110th birthday of the National Park Service

August 26th: B.A.R.K. Ranger Day - celebrate National Dog Day by stopping by our Visitor Center at Island Ford and learning how to responsibly enjoy Chattahoochee River NRA trails with your pet. Earn a certificate, get sworn in, and learn how to get a free Chattahoochee River B.A.R.K. Ranger collar badge!

August 27: Evening "NPS Behind the Scenes" Ranger Program at Island Ford, 7 - 8 pm - Interactive and Family-Friendly Program on the patio behind the lodge!

August 29: Guided Wildflower Walk at Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive) with NPS + Botanist Steve Boling, 9 - 11:30 am

August 30: Ranger-Guided Mulberry Creek Loop Hike @ Johnson Ferry North, 9 - 11:30 am

Hope to see you in the park!

You're invited to our birthday party! 9 am - 12 pm this Saturday at Island Ford!-Guided tours of historic Hewlett Lodge-...
08/13/2026

You're invited to our birthday party! 9 am - 12 pm this Saturday at Island Ford!

-Guided tours of historic Hewlett Lodge
-Guided hikes of the newly restored Island Ford trails
-Junior Ranger Angler + Fishing on the river (16+ must have license)
-Arts, crafts, live animals and fun with the National Park Service, Chattahoochee ---Nature Center, and other park friends
-Junior Ranger and B.A.R.K. Ranger for our 4-legged friends!

For full event information, check out our calendar at nps.gov/chat

Also upcoming for National Park Week:
August 22: Junior Ranger Day at Island Ford
August 23: Guided wildflower walk at Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive)
August 27: Evening "NPS Behind the Scenes" Ranger Program at Island Ford
August 29: Guided wildflower walk at Cochran Shoals (Columns Drive)

Free and fun this weekend! Friday, July 24, 7:30 - 9:30 pm @ CREEC (8615 Barnwell Rd, Johns Creek)Campfire Program: Natu...
07/24/2026

Free and fun this weekend!

Friday, July 24, 7:30 - 9:30 pm @ CREEC (8615 Barnwell Rd, Johns Creek)
Campfire Program: Nature Art + Historic Uses of Plants
Come make art, learn about different historic uses of plants for food, pigment, and medicine, and BYO marshmallows to roast over the campfire. Bonus twilight hike along the Chattahoochee!

Saturday, July 25, 8 - 9:30 am @ Johnson Ferry North (301 Johnson Ferry Rd SE, Marietta)
Morning Bird Walk
Come scope and learn about birds and this beautiful park unit before the day heats up. Binoculars provided.

Saturday, July 25, 10 am - 12 pm @ Vickery Creek, City of Roswell Old Mill Park
History Hand-Craft: Textiles
Join us for this drop-in activity near the old mill and covered bridge to learn about the history of cloth production along the Chattahoochee and try out weaving by hand, the pre-industrial way! Note that parking in the City of Roswell park can be crowded and limited. You can also park at our Riverside Dr. Vickery Creek lot and hike on over!

Sunday, July 26, 9 - 11:30 am @ Island Ford (1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs)
Island Ford River Ramble
Join a Ranger for a guided hike of our newly renovated trails and enjoy a peaceful morning along the river at our headquarters unit. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Free kayak programs this Saturday, 7/18! 10 - 11:30 and 12:30 - 2 on Island Ford Pond. Register at chattahoocheeparks.or...
07/17/2026

Free kayak programs this Saturday, 7/18!

10 - 11:30 and 12:30 - 2 on Island Ford Pond.
Register at chattahoocheeparks.org/events. Walk-ups welcome as space allows!
For ages 12+ with adult.
Bring a water bottle and beat the heat with some splashy fun!

Coming up:
7/23, 8 - 9:30 pm - Twilight Bat Walk @ Cochran Shoals - Columns Drive
7/24, 7:30 - 9:30 pm - Campfire: Making Art with Nature @ CREEC
7/25, 8 - 9:30 am - Morning Bird Walk @ Johnson Ferry North

Cool events for hot days at the park!July 9: Evening Bird Walk @ Interstate North, 6:30 - 8:00 pmJuly 11: Sunrise Guided...
07/08/2026

Cool events for hot days at the park!

July 9: Evening Bird Walk @ Interstate North, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
July 11: Sunrise Guided Hike @ East Palisades - Indian Trail, 6 - 9 am
July 11: Intro to Kayaking @ Island Ford, 9:30 - 11:30 am & 12:30 - 2:30 pm
July 11 & 18: Volunteer Trail Restoration @ Various Units, 9 am - 12 pm
July 12: Guided Hike @ Johnson Ferry North, 9 - 11:30 am
July 18: Introduction to Fly Fishing @ Island Ford, 9 - 11 am
July 18: Intro to Kayaking @ Island Ford, 10 - 11:30 am & 12:30 - 2 pm

For more info and to register, visit https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/events

You’ve probably heard that way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, it gets pretty hot. 😅 This week, like much of the easte...
07/01/2026

You’ve probably heard that way down yonder on the Chattahoochee, it gets pretty hot. 😅

This week, like much of the eastern United States, we are under a heat advisory with “feels-like” temperatures up to 107°F (41.7°C) possible. While we are so fortunate to have a robust tree canopy in metro Atlanta to help combat the extreme heat, here are some ways to stay safe:

•💧 Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Replenish electrolytes through things like electrolyte beverages or fruit.
•🌳 Be Careful with Outdoor Activity: Review the forecast to find the coolest times of day, typically near dawn and dusk; avoid strenuous activities during peak heat.
•❄️ Keep Cool: Wear breathable clothing and ensure access to a ventilated, cooler place, whether it’s a home, library, or public cooling center; a shady, breezy outdoor space; or a good piece of cool water to play in! (We recommend the Chattahoochee, but we’re biased.)
•👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Check on vulnerable groups: Everyone has different heat limits, from older adults to children, those with various health risks, and your pets.

FREE upcoming park opportunities to enjoy the cooler side of the ‘Hooch:

July 9: Evening Bird Walk
July 11: Intro to River Kayaking
July 11: Sunrise Guided Hike
July 12: Morning Guided Hike
July 18: Introduction to Fly Fishing
July 18: Intro to Kayaking (Pond)

Information and registration for all programs at https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/events!

Dust off your trail shoes!Thanks to Chattahoochee National Parks Conservancy, the beautiful, new trails at Island Ford a...
06/18/2026

Dust off your trail shoes!

Thanks to Chattahoochee National Parks Conservancy, the beautiful, new trails at Island Ford are ready to be hiked, ran, and heel-clicked all over. There are a few temporary closures you might notice as the finishing touches are being placed, but there’s no need to wait any longer!

We look “Island Ford” to seeing you! :)

We've got a great slate of programs for you this Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21!Email chat_interpretation@nps.gov or vi...
06/18/2026

We've got a great slate of programs for you this Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21!

Email [email protected] or visit chattahoocheeparks.org/events to find out more and sign up!

SATURDAY:

Learn to Fish - Adults and children are invited to try their hand at casting, fishing, knot-tying, and earning a Junior Ranger Angler badge at Island Ford Pond! We provide all gear; please register for a 9 - 10 am or 10:30 - 11:30 am slot at chattahoocheeparks.org.

NOTE OUR SATURDAY 6/20 KAYAK AND CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS ARE CANCELLED BUT FISHING IS STILL ON!

SUNDAY:
Wetlands Wander Guided Hike - Join a Ranger to explore the beautiful creek and wetlands of Cochran Shoals. Meet at the Interstate North trailhead. 9 - 11:30 am.

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the park. It’s also an important time for wildlife.April and May bring blooming fl...
05/07/2026

Spring is a beautiful time to explore the park. It’s also an important time for wildlife.

April and May bring blooming flowers, migrating birds, and warmer weather to the park. They also mark an active season for coyotes, which may be raising pups nearby.

Coyotes are a natural part of this ecosystem, and keeping dogs on a leash helps protect pets, wildlife, and other visitors. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally trigger defensive behavior from wildlife if they approach too closely.

For everyone’s safety:
🐾 Keep dogs on a leash
🐾 Give wildlife plenty of space
🐾 Stay aware of your surroundings while exploring

Thank you for helping protect the park and the wildlife that call it home.

NPS Photo - Trail camera photo of coyote

Address

1978 Island Ford Pkwy
Sandy Springs, GA
30350

Telephone

+16785381200

Website

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