National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Southeast

About Chattahoochee River

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: Southeast
State: Georgia
Designation: National Recreation Area
Entrance fee: $5, private vehicle

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Chattahoochee River.

Entrance fees

$5 Private Vehicle Private vehicle pass admits one private vehicle and its occupants for one day.
$5 Per Person
$5 Motorcycle

Passes

$40 Annual Entrance - Park

Hours

Park Hours

Mon: Sunrise to Sunset
Tue: Sunrise to Sunset
Wed: Sunrise to Sunset
Thu: Sunrise to Sunset
Fri: Sunrise to Sunset
Sat: Sunrise to Sunset
Sun: 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.

Weather and when to go

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.

Getting there

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Phone: (678) 538-1200
Email: chat_superintendent@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/chat

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Chattahoochee River

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Chattahoochee River

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Exploring Palisades East

Hiking · about 2.7 hours

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.
Exploring Palisades West

Hiking · about 2.7 hours

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.
Exploring Gold Branch

Hiking · about 2.7 hours

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 h…
Chattahoochee Cycling

Biking · about 45 min

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 mile…
Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop

Biking · about 45 min

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.