Explore Parks
All ParksExploreActivitiesAlertsNewsroom
This site was made with love by Ben Myatt|API
National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Park ClosureFeb 25, 2026

Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Powers Island and Akers Mill

View →
Park ClosureDec 11, 2025

Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026

View →
Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.

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 Swimming
Wildlife Watching
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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

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.   

Dec 7, 2025

Chattahoochee River NRA and Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Kick Off Trail Transformation Project at Island Ford Headquarters

On Dec. 7, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area launches a trail system transformation at the Island Ford unit. Visitors should be prepared for trail closures at Island Ford from January 5 until Spring of 2026.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Seeks Public Comment on Orrs Ferry Site Management Plan
Nov 21, 2025

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Seeks Public Comment on Orrs Ferry Site Management Plan

The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a Site Management Plan for the Orrs Ferry unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person$5.00
Entrance - Private Vehicle$5.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$5.00