Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Parks › Georgia › Chattahoochee River

Quick Facts

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Georgia

(678) 538-1200

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

The Chattahoochee River and its valley is a place rich in natural and cultural resources. Sometimes the river is clear, cold, and slow-moving, while at other times it is a muddy torrent, plunging through rocky shoals. The valley contains a rich, diverse mix of plants and animals that represent an environment much larger than itself. For centuries, humans have been drawn to this river valley for life's basics: food, water, and shelter as well as transportation and power to support the increasing numbers of mills and factories. By the 1970s, the resources that made the river valley a special place to so many people were being threatened.

On August 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation that set aside a 48-mile stretch of river with a series of parklands to preserve a part of the river valley for future generations. Today the river valley attracts visitors 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, reflect on a mill worker's day as a chipmunk scurries over the paper mill ruins, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon.

Map of Chattahoochee River

Latitude, Longitude: 33.987258, -84.324566

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Activities

  • Boating

    The 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is available for raft, canoe, kayak, motor boat and other small boat use year-round. Jet skis are not permitted at any time. The river remains a cool temperature year-round, rarely getting warmer than 50 F. The river within the park is open for boating from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night boating is not permitted in the park.

    The river offers excellent opportunities for leisurely paddling a raft, canoe or kayak to observe wildlife and wildflowers, do some fishing, or simple relaxing recreation.

    On days when Buford Dam is not releasing water, the river below the dam is calm "flat water" with an occasional class I/II shoals or rapids. Currents can be strong around submerged rocks and jagged tree snags that are found in the river. Rubber-soled shoes are a must for tackling slippery rocks and the occasional broken glass bottle.

    The river is accessible by boat North of Morgan Falls Dam at Bowmans Island, Abbotts Bridge, Medlock Bridge, Jones Bridge, Island Ford, and Chattahoochee River Park along Bull Sluice Lake.

    South of Morgan Falls Dam the river is accessible by boat at Morgan Falls Park, Johnson Ferry, Powers Island and Paces Mill. Even if you don't have your own boat to use, there is equipment available for rental. The Chattahoochee NRA does not rent boats directly, however there are several local vendors licensed to rent canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes for day use on the river. For a complete list, visit: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/boatrentals.htm

  • Bicycling

    Cochran Shoals area is one of the largest and most popular in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and is the only section open to bike riding.

  • Fishing

    Fishing the Chattahoochee River year-round for its trout, bass, catfish, and other species can be a great experience. The river stays a cool temperature year-round, rarely getting warmer than 50 F. The river within the park is open for fishing from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night fishing is not permitted in the park.

    Anglers need to follow Georgia fishing regulations. A valid Georgia fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older. Additionally, all resident anglers ages 16 to 64 and nonresident anglers age 16 or older must have a trout stamp.

    The Chattahoochee has restrictions on bait during certain sections of the river and in certain seasons.

  • Hiking

    There are several hiking, walking, and fitness trails through the river corridor. For more details and park highlights visitors should stop in at the park visitor center or consult maps for the specific locations they wish to visit.

  • Horseback Riding

    Visitors are welcome to ride horses in the Bowmans Island portion of the park.

  • Picnicking

    Picnic tables are located along all sections of the recreation area and offer several scenic views.

  • Water Sports

    Visitors are welcome to tube and swim in the river but should remember the water stays chilly. Jet skis are not allowed in the river.

Seasonality/Weather

Island Ford Visitor Contact Station at Island Ford is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except December 25th.

The park is open for day-use only from dawn to dusk year round. Dawn is defined as 30 minutes before legal sunrise and dusk is defined as 30 minutes after legal sunset. The sunrise and sunset hours are posted at the information kiosk located through out the park.

Visitors can expect mild winters with hot, humid summers. Very temperate spring and fall climate.

Directions

Driving

Northbound US 19 and GA 400:

* Take exit #6 (Northridge Road). * Coming off the exit, stay in the right lane, cross over GA 400, and turn right onto Dunwoody Place. * Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive. * Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

Southbound US 19 and GA 400:

* Take exit #6 (Northridge Road) * Continue straight ahead at the traffic light onto Dunwoody Place. * Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive. * Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

Phone Numbers

Primary

(678) 538-1200

Permits

(678) 538-1200

Links