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.
Photo: NPS Photo/Tom Wilson
About
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.
Activities
BikingBoatingFishingHikingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingWhitewater RaftingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingRiver TubingSwimmingFreshwater SwimmingWildlife WatchingShoppingBookstore and Park Store
Directions
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.
Get directions →Weather
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.
News
May 14, 2026
K. Lynn Berry Selected as Superintendent of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The National Park Service has selected K. Lynn Berry as the next superintendent of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Berry will begin her new role in June.
Jan 15, 2026
National Park Service Approves Roswell Historic Gateway and Vickery Creek Unit Improvements in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
On January 9, 2026, the National Park Service signed a Finding of No Significant Impact and a Floodplain and Wetlands Statement of Finding for the Roswell Gateway and Vickery Creek Unit Access Improvements Environmental Assessment at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person$5.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle$5.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$5.00