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.
Photo: NPS Photo/Tom Wilson
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons.
- LocationSandy Springs, GA
- Entrance $5 private vehicle
- HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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Weather now84°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Arts
- Birds
- Bridges
- Fish
- Forests and Woodlands
- Industry
11 more topics
- Mills
- Photography
- River and Riparian
- Ruins
- Scenic Views
- Tortoises and Turtles
- Trails
- Transportation
- Urban America
- Water Trails
- Wetlands
Things to Do
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Be A CHAT Junior Ranger
Fee applies
by the Island Ford Visitor Center to pick up your Junior Ranger Booklet and get to work on becoming the next park's Junior Ranger.
Learn more about Be A CHAT Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Chattahoochee Cycling
Fee applies
What are you waiting for? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has bike trails to ride just outside the city. Some paved miles for people on their road bikes and some miles for the mountain…
Learn more about Chattahoochee Cycling on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop
Fee applies
The Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop is a true multi-use trail. You'll find mothers pushing strollers, joggers avoiding the afternoon traffic, and cyclist in their cool p-jays.
Learn more about Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Exploring Gold Branch
Fee applies
Escape the crowds with a short drive to Gold Branch in east Cobb County. Hike down to Bull Sluice Lake to wet a line or have a picnic in the woods. If you wish, take a nice long hike to really get…
Learn more about Exploring Gold Branch on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Exploring Palisades East
Fee applies
Welcome to the eastern half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades visit a rock shelter, view the shoals, or enjoy the river first hand.
Learn more about Exploring Palisades East on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Exploring Palisades West
Fee applies
Welcome to the western half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades to visit a rock shelter, view the shoals, or enjoy the river first hand.
Learn more about Exploring Palisades West on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 6 of 6
All 18 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Watching
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Biking
- Swimming
- Junior Ranger Program
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Canoeing
- Freshwater Swimming
- Gift Shop and Souvenirs
Show 6 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Island Ford Visitor Center
Facility
The Island Ford Visitor Center is located in the historic Hewlett Lodge. Here you will be able to purchase your Annual Park Pass as well as any of the passes in the…
8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA (678) 538-1200 Directions
Details
The Island Ford Visitor Center is located in the historic Hewlett Lodge. Here you will be able to purchase your Annual Park Pass as well as any of the passes in the America The Beautiful series. While there pick up maps, obtain the latest information on the park, or pick up a souvenir from the Eastern National store.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise to Sunset · Park Hours
Hours details
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Park HoursDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
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.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Entrance fees
- $5Private Vehicle
- $5Motorcycle
- $5Per Person
Fee details
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Per Person$5
Required for visitors age 16+ entering on foot or by bicycle. Valid for one day.
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Private Vehicle$5
Private vehicle pass admits one private vehicle and its occupants for one day.
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Motorcycle$5
Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Passes
- $40Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Frequent visitors may save money with an annual entrance pass. The park annual pass admits the cardholder and the other persons in a private vehicle to the park. You may purchase the pass online or in person at the Island Ford Visitor Center. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
Address
8800 Roberts DriveSandy Springs, GA 30350
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
84°F
Sunny · feels like 79°
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Today
85° 62°
Sunny3% rain
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Tomorrow
88° 65°
Sunny2% rain
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Wednesday
89° 67°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 1 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
9 coming up-
CNPC Wellness Program: Yoga in the Park
Event page for CNPC Wellness Program: Yoga in the Park (opens in a new tab)About
Join the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy for Pilates in the Park, a free monthly wellness event held on the second Wednesday of each month from April through October at 6 p.m. Set in the peaceful field near the parking lot at Powers Island, this all‑levels class offers a refreshing way to unwind, move, and connect with nature along the Chattahoochee River. This wellness program is dedicated to building equitable opportunities for all individuals to enjoy programs like this in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Participants should bring their own mat and come ready to enjoy an hour of mindful movement in one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this community event is a perfect mid‑week reset in the heart of the park.
Bathrooms and water fountains are available near the parking lot.
What to bring:
- Water bottle
- Mat or towel
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Twilight Bat Walk
About
Join the National Park Service for a walk through the park as the setting sun meets the cool dark that welcomes bats out of their homes. Come learn about bat behaviors from pup to grown-up, what challenges they face, and what we can do to help them. During our walk, we will identify what bats are present around us in real-time and keep our eyes out for spotting them! Make sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, closed-toed shoes, and weather appropriate clothing.
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Critters of the Night
About
Bring your own marshmallows and come sit around a campfire with a ranger. We will talk about the nocturnal critters that roam the park in the dark and go on a brief guided night-hike afterwards. Fun for the whole family!
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Blood Rock Ridge Loop Trail
About
Join the National Park Service for a leisurely hike along the river, across scenic Rottenwood Creek, and through the forest around Blood Rock Ridge. This is a wonderful opportunity to view the local wildlife in action as well as see the unique geology that makes up the Chattahoochee River. During the hike, our Ranger will also share local tales and anecdotes alluding to the rich human history of the area (including how Blood Rock Ridge got its name)!
Show 5 more events
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Create Your Own Zine Night: Write Out 2026
About
In celebration of Write Out 2026, a partnership of the National Park Service and the National Writing Project, learn how to make a nature-inspired zine and create your own!
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Badge Up, Pup B.A.R.K. Ranger Program
About
Bring your pup out to the park to get sworn in as a B.A.R.K. Ranger! Demonstrate responsible practices in the park to a park ranger and earn your furry friend a B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate. To earn a keychain, make sure you bring a way to post your new B.A.R.K Ranger on social media!
Make sure to bring your dog's leash and waste bags!
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Coffee With a Ranger: Write Where You Are
About
In celebration of Write Out 2026, a partnership of the National Park Service and the National Writing Project, learn how to make a nature-inspired zine and create your own! Bring any preferred crafting materials to make your own zine!
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Island Ford "River Ramble" Guided Hike
About
Description: Join National Park Service Ranger Jerry Hightower for a walk around Island Ford Pond and the banks of the Chattahoochee, as well as an optional tour through the historic Hewlett Lodge. During this program, you will have the opportunity to see the various elements that make up the incredible environment of the Chattahoochee! This could include the oak-hickory forest near the river, former indigenous peoples’ rock shelters, or some of the great blue herons and ospreys that call the river home. After the walk, join us for a brief tour of the historic Hewlett Lodge.
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Island Ford Unit, 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA, 30350. Meet in front of the Visitor Center.
Facilities: Restroom and water fountain at the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center
Bring: Water, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and sunscreen are recommended.
Registration: chattahoocheeparks.org
Limit: 30
Program is free. Park entrance pass ($5 daily or $40 annual) required. To avoid delays, we recommend purchasing a pass in advance here: https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/2626/create/reservation
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Painting With a Ranger!
About
Come learn about the role of visual art in telling the stories of National Parks while documenting your perspective of the changing natural world around us through watercolor. Supplies provided, no painting experience needed!
Photos
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All that is left of the Marietta Paper Mill is a few stone walls in the woods. Hike to the ruins and you'll get a closeup of Sope Creek that was harnessed by the mills. — NPS/David Ek -
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Getting There
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
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.
Mailing address: 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
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