Great Blue Herons are plentyful along the river. Look towards the tree tops along the river to spot their nest. If you're lucky the whole will be home.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area · GA
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.
Park report
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesRestrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Akers Mill
Alert: Park Closure
How this is rated
Poor: closures/hazards · Fair: cautions/noticesIsland Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
Fee: Entrance - Per Person
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$5
Fee: Entrance - Private Vehicle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$5
Fee: Entrance - Motorcycle
How this is rated
Good: free · Fair: ≤$20 · Low: >$20$5
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available18 activities
Park Name
InfoChattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Designation
InfoNational Recreation Area
State(s)
InfoGA
Phone
Info678-538-1200
chat_superintendent@nps.gov
Pass: Annual Entrance - Park
Info$40
Operating Hours
InfoThe 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.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Island Ford Visitor Center
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Biking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Boating
InfoAvailable
Activity: Fishing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Hiking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Paddling
InfoAvailable
Activity: Canoeing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Kayaking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Stand Up Paddleboarding
InfoAvailable
Activity: Whitewater Rafting
InfoAvailable
Activity: Junior Ranger Program
InfoAvailable
Activity: Tubing
InfoAvailable
Activity: River Tubing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Swimming
InfoAvailable
Activity: Freshwater Swimming
InfoAvailable
Activity: Wildlife Watching
InfoAvailable
Theme: Archeology
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Ruins
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Arts
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Photography
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Industry
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Mills
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Transportation
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Bridges
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoSummers 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 av
Getting There
InfoTo 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 entr
GPS Coordinates
Info33.9970° N, -84.2895° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website