Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Dr. King reminded us that “everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” Let’s live out that message side by side and start the year with purpose, community, and care for the places we love.

Join us this MLK Day as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through hands‑on service to our community. We’ll spend two hours cleaning up our shared outdoor spaces, connecting with neighbors, and making a meaningful impact together. Honoring Dr. King's legacy makes it the perfect opportunity to get outside and appreciate our beautiful national recreation area while giving back. Whether you’re a regular visitor or exploring the park for the first time, it’s a great moment to enjoy the space we’re working to protect.

As part of the day, we’ll also host a Why I Serve Reflection Wall near the check‑in area at the picnic tables in front of the river view. Participants are invited to write a short note about why they chose to volunteer on MLK Day. Together, these reflections will create a powerful visual of shared purpose and spark meaningful conversations.

What to bring/wear:

• A reusable water bottle (with water, of course!)
• Close-toed shoes for walking
• Long sleeve shirt and pants (recommended)

What we provide:

• Trash pickers
• Gloves
• Trash bags

Age Requirement: CNPC requires all volunteers to be the ages of 10 and above.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to amy.nicholas@chattahoocheeparks.org

This program has been postponed. We will schedule a new date soon.

Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with us as we come together to share, preserve, and uplift the native plants that make our local ecosystems thrive. This event is dedicated exclusively to native seeds, creating a space where gardeners, nature lovers, and community members can exchange varieties that support biodiversity, pollinators, and healthy landscapes.

To participate, please bring clean, clearly labeled native seeds that are pre‑sealed in packets or envelopes. Because this event takes place inside the park, all seeds must be sealed before arrival to help protect the space and prevent accidental spills. If you’re new and don’t have seeds to contribute yet, you’re still welcome to join. Learning and connecting are just as important as swapping.

We’ll have tables set up for sharing seeds, chatting about native gardening, and discovering new species to grow in the coming season. This is a relaxed, community‑centered event meant to inspire stewardship, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the plants that belong here. Feel free to drop in anytime during the event to join us!

Let’s celebrate National Seed Swap Day by strengthening our native plant community one seed at a time.

If you have any questions please reach out to amy.nicholas@chattahoocheeparks.org

Monthly trailwork volunteer day. Join us to clean up trails at Columns Drive in the Cochran Shoals Unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

RSVP to david_a_thomas@nps.gov required.

Bring: Pants, close-toed shoes, hat, water, snacks.

This program has been postponed. We will schedule a new date soon.

Join the National Park Service for a campfire and live owl program presented on the upper deck of the Center’s Lodge. Discover new facts about the wildlife of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and their nocturnal habits. There will be a live owl program on the upper deck presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center Naturalists. Discover new facts about these fascinating native residents of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. There will be opportunities to take photographs with the birds. Join us and enjoy the ambiance and beauty of twilight on the Chattahoochee. After the program you are invited to join us on a short walk on the Three Forks Loop Trail. Join us for a wonderful winter event!

6:30 – 7:30 pm Program on Upper Deck

7:30 – 8:15 pm Night Hike (You must have a flashlight)

8:15 – 9:00 pm Marshmallow Roasting

6:30 – 9:00 pm Campfire ongoing

7:30 – 9:00 pm Kids Crafts

Live Owl Programs Courtesy of the Chattahoochee Nature Center, an environmental education partner of the National Park Service. (www.chattnaturecenter.org)

We'll have a campfire to warm up and roasting forks if you want to bring marshmallows to roast!

Location: Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, 8615 Barnwell Road, Johns Creek, Georgia, 30022. For directions see www.nps.gov/chat

Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged.

Facilities: Located in the Center’s Lodge

Difficulty: Easy level walking

Bring: This is an outdoor event. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on a forest trail. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes in the temperature and activity level. Bring water and you might include snacks. Flashlight or headlamp worn around neck or held in your hand.

Join Birds Georgia and the park's official Friends group, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, for a rewarding and meaningful day of community service. Each month Birds Georgia leads a volunteer workday focused on sprucing up the Island Ford wildlife sanctuary for the upcoming seasonal change! In partnership with Birds Georgia, we will be completing varying tasks including:

- Removing Invasive Species: Help us remove invasive plants that hinder the growth of native flora and harm local wildlife.

- Preparing the Wildlife Sanctuary for the New Season: Assist in planting and nurturing native plants to create a welcoming habitat for wildlife.

- Supporting Habitat Restoration: Learn about the importance of biodiversity and contribute to establishing a sanctuary for birds, bees, butterflies, and other local fauna.

Why Volunteer?

- Make a Difference: Your efforts will directly contribute to the health and beauty of our wildlife sanctuary.

- Learn and Grow: Gain valuable knowledge about invasive species, native plants, and wildlife habitats.

- Meet Like-Minded Individuals: Connect with fellow volunteers who share your passion for nature and conservation.

What to Bring:

- Gardening gloves

- Comfortable outdoor clothing

- A reusable water bottle

- A positive attitude and a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Age requirement: All CNPC volunteers must be 10 or older to participate in volunteer tasks.

This volunteer workday is in partnership with Birds GA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and habitat protection of bird species in Georgia.

This event will take place rain or shine, however it will be rescheduled in the event of severe weather including thunderstorms or flood warnings. Participants will be notified by email the morning of the event (or sooner) should an event need to be rescheduled due to weather.

Note that Island Ford trails are closed for rehabiliation. More project info at chattahoocheeparks.org/iftrails.

Friday, February 20th

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Gold Branch Unit

Celebrate Georgia Arbor Day with us by giving back to the forested trails of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Arbor Day is all about honoring the trees that sustain our ecosystems, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by helping care for the landscapes that make this park so special. Containing 20% of Metro-ATL's greenspace Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has a very important job to protect the wellbeing of environment and public health.

The National Park Service's public volunteer program, in collaboration with park Friends group Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, invites our community to get their hands dirty in the dirt to help support the trail system of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Our park has a very well loved trail system that sees a lot of foot traffic, over 3 million sets of foot prints each year! With all that foot traffic we need to ensure we can upkeep our trails so remain accessible and minimize environmental impact.

Please consider joining us for this event to support the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area through stewardship.

Volunteer Activity:

Volunteers will assist with trail upkeep and restoration, which may include removing debris, pruning overgrowth, smoothing trail surfaces, and enhancing the safety and accessibility of popular hiking paths.

What We’ll Provide:

• Gloves
• Tools for trail work (rakes, loppers, etc., limited supply)
• Trash bags (for light litter cleanup)

What to Bring / Wear:

• Closed-toe shoes (required)
• Long pants and weather-appropriate layers
• Refillable water bottle
• Bug spray and sunscreen

Age requirement: all volunteers must be above the ages of 12 for trail restoration. All minors must have a guardian present at check in + may be required to stay for the duration of the event.

Join the National Park Service for one of the most scenic walks in the entire park.  Enjoy the beautiful forest, grand vistas of Thornton and Devil’s Racecourse Shoals, and the dramatic palisades created by the Brevard Fault.  We will descend the ridge, loop around at the base of Thornton Cliffs, walk past Diving Rock Beach to Sandy Point, and return up the ridge.  Winter is the very best time to appreciate the extraordinary topography of the Palisades Unit of the park. 

Location:  We will meet in the parking area bulletin board; Entrance to the park at 3608 Akers Drive SE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30339

Facilities: Located at Devil’s Stair Step, three quarters of the way thought the hike

Difficulty: This walk is leisurely with a steep trail leading to the floodplain and back to the parking lot.  These walks are quite slow with numerous stops to discuss items of interest along the way.

Note: This walk is not suitable for very young children.

Bring:  Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on a forest trail.  Dress in layers so that you can adjust to changes in the temperature and activity level.  A hat, scarf, and gloves might be a good idea. Bring water and you might include snacks.  You may wish to bring binoculars and a hand lens.

Limit:  30 persons

Join park Friends group Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy for a welcoming group hike at the scenic Settles Bridge Unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.CNPC's hiking community events are designed to bring people together creating a supportive space for anyone who wants to enjoy the trails with others. This monthly hike is especially helpful for those working toward their CRNRA Hiking Challenge who may be looking for a hiking buddy or hoping to complete the full trail loop of each unit. Whether you're checking off miles for the challenge, exploring Settles Bridge for the first time, or simply joining because you love being outdoors with community, you’re in the right place.

What to expect

• A friendly, guided hike along the Settles Bridge loop
• A relaxed, social atmosphere perfect for meeting fellow hikers
• A supportive group for those completing the CRNRA Hiking Challenge
• A pace suitable for most experience levels
• Time to enjoy river views, forest scenery, and wildlife

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water and personal essentials
• A sense of community and a willingness to connect

Community hikes are all about building relationships, supporting one another, and enjoying the beauty of the Chattahoochee together!