Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

About

This park's official page lists: Pet-friendly (leashed).

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Picnic areas.

At the park

• Hiking trails trail
• Fishing water

Events

• CNPC Wellness Program: Pilates in the Park
• CNPC Wellness Program: Yoga in the Park
• International Observe the Moon Night
• Forest Loop Walk at Sope Creek
• Twilight Bat Walk
• Introduction to River Kayaking!
• Critters of the Night 07:00 PM–08:30 PM · This program will take place at the Chattahoochee River Environmental Educational Center.
• Blood Rock Ridge Loop Trail 12:30 PM–03:00 PM · This program will begin near the restroom building at Paces Mill
• Create Your Own Zine Night: Write Out 2026 06:00 PM–07:30 PM · This program will take place on the patio of the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center.
• Badge Up, Pup B.A.R.K. Ranger Program 12:00 PM–03:00 PM · This pop-up program will be held near the Cochran Shoals Parking Lot off of Interstate North.
• Coffee With a Ranger: Write Where You Are 09:00 AM–10:00 AM · This talk will be held on the back patio of the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center
• Island Ford "River Ramble" Guided Hike 10:30 AM–12:30 PM · This hike will begin from the park's Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center
• Painting With a Ranger! 05:30 PM–07:00 PM · This program will take place on the patio of the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center
• Island Ford Geology Walk and Hewlett Lodge Tour 01:00 PM–04:00 PM · This program will begin at the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center, located at 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• Owl Prowl 06:00 PM–08:00 PM · This program will be held at the Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center located at 8615 Barnwell Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022
• Trout Lily Creek Loop Trail Hike 01:00 PM–04:00 PM · This program will begin from the Akers Mill parking lot, located at 2361 Akers Dr., Atlanta GA 30339
• Island Ford River Hike 10:00 AM–11:00 AM · This program will begin on the patio behind the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center, located at 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• Nutting Rock Loop Trail Hike at Jones Bridge 01:00 PM–03:00 PM · This program will begin near the bulletin boards located in the parking lot.

Before you go

First aid

In-park (mapped location) — First aid station marked on the park map. Confirm the current location with any team member on arrival.

Limits

The park does not rent boats directly but outfitters are required to obtain a permit from the park to rent rafts, tubes, canoes, and kayaks for day use on the river

Limits

Picnic areas in the park are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you have over 20 people in your group

Limits

Picnic areas in the park are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless you have over 20 people in your group

Limits

Dogs are allowed on the trails in the park but they must remain on a leash at all times

Limits

Alcohol is permitted in the park and on the river

Limits

While glass containers are discouraged in the park, they are prohibited on the river or river banks

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.

Weather & 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.

Visitor center

Abbotts Bridge Pavilion

Visitor center

Abbotts Bridge Unit Trailhead

Visitor center

Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center (CREEC)

Visitor center

CRNRA Park Store

Visitor center

CRNRA Park Store

Visitor center

CRNRA Park Store

Visitor center

Hewlett Field

Visitor center

Hewlett Field

Visitor center

Hewlett Field

Visitor center

Hewlett Lodge

Visitor center

Hewlett Lodge

Visitor center

Hewlett Lodge

Facilities on the park map

6 bench, 3 defibrillator, 5 first aid kit, 1 first aid station, 19 picnic area, 43 restroom, 29 visitor information, 9 water fountain.

History

Opened

1978

• Park opened