Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Image credit: picture by Martin Bravenboer licenced under Attribution License.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a picturesque park located in the state of Georgia, encompassing a 48-mile stretch along the Chattahoochee River. The park is managed by the National Park Service and preserves various natural and cultural resources for visitors to explore and enjoy.

The recreation area is primarily situated in the northern part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, covering parts of Cobb, Fulton, and Gwinnett counties. It offers a serene escape from the bustle of the city, as well as a chance to appreciate the diverse ecosystems found along the river.

The area has a rich historical background, with evidence of ancient Native American settlements dating back thousands of years. European settlers later arrived and established various communities along the river, taking advantage of its water resources for power and transportation. Notably, the area played a crucial role during the Civil War, with several battles and skirmishes occurring nearby.

Visitors to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area have a wide range of activities to choose from. One popular attraction is hiking, with over 50 miles of trails available for exploration. These trails wind through lush forests, rocky bluffs, and along the river's edge, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Fishing is another favorite pastime in the area, with the Chattahoochee River known for its bountiful trout population. Anglers can try their luck casting a line and potentially catch some of these prized fish.

For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the park offers picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Additionally, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, allowing visitors to peacefully navigate the calm sections of the river.

While in the area, visitors may also want to explore nearby attractions such as the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. These attractions offer opportunities to learn more about the region's flora, fauna, and environmental conservation efforts.

In summary, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Georgia is a beautiful park that offers a variety of activities for visitors to engage in. With its prime location, rich history, and abundant natural resources, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a respite from urban life.

Location

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is located in the northern part of the state of Georgia. Stretching for 48 miles along the beautiful Chattahoochee River, the park covers a diverse geographical area. It begins in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering picturesque vistas of rolling hills and dense forests. Moving south, the park transitions into the Piedmont region, characterized by gently sloping hills and diverse wildlife habitats. Finally, the recreation area enters the Coastal Plain, known for its flat terrain and expansive wetlands. This varied geography creates a stunning landscape that attracts visitors from near and far, seeking outdoor adventures and opportunities to immerse themselves in the unique natural splendor of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Address & Contact

8800 Roberts Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Driving Directions
Phone: 678-538-1200
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is in May or October. In May, the average maximum temperature is 81°F, the average minimum temperature is 59°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 3.7 inches. This month offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities, and it is also when the park receives its highest number of visitors.

Alternatively, October is also an ideal time to visit. The average maximum temperature in October is 74°F, the average minimum temperature is 52°F, and the average monthly precipitation is 3.6 inches. This month offers similar weather conditions to May, with slightly cooler temperatures. Despite being a popular month with visitors, the park still sees a manageable average visitor count.

By choosing to visit during either May or October, visitors can enjoy comfortable temperatures and a lower chance of encountering large crowds, making it an optimal time to experience Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Things to do and learn in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area are: Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Hiking Boating Fishing Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Whitewater Rafting Tubing Swimming Stand Up Paddleboarding Freshwater Swimming River Tubing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Animals Birds Archeology Arts Industry Transportation Fish Tortoises and Turtles River and Riparian Trails Water Trails Photography Forests and Woodlands Scenic Views Wetlands Ruins Mills Bridges Urban America

Amenities

Visitor Centers

Island Ford Visitor Center

The Island Ford Visitor Center is located in the historic Hewlett Lodge. Here you will be able to purchase your Annual Park Pass as well as any of the passes in the America The Beautiful series. While there pick up maps, obtain the latest information on the park, or pick up a souvenir from the Eastern National store.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Island Ford Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

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DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Roswell

A stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Roswell places you in the heart of Roswell, within a 5-minute drive of North Point Mall and Archibald Smith Plantation Home. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-out. Planning an event in Roswell? This hotel has facilities measuring 12000 square feet (1115 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1075 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Web: Link

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Center

Located in Atlanta (Dunwoody), Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Center is within a 5-minute drive of Art Institute of Atlanta and Perimeter Mall. Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour business center, and express check-in. Planning an event in Atlanta? This hotel has facilities measuring 5000 square feet (465 square meters), including conference space. A train station pick-up service is provided at no charge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1030 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Roswell

Located in Roswell, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Roswell is in the suburbs, within a 10-minute drive of North Point Mall and Ameris Bank Amphitheatre. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 575 Old Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Web: Link

Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta - Perimeter Center

With a stay at Sonesta ES Suites Atlanta - Perimeter Center in Atlanta (Dunwoody), you'll be a 2-minute drive from Art Institute of Atlanta and 6 minutes from Murphey Candler Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. This aparthotel has 2 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4601 Ridgeview Rd, Atlanta, Georgia 30338
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell, an IHG Hotel

With a stay at Holiday Inn Atlanta/Roswell, an IHG Hotel in Roswell, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Archibald Smith Plantation Home and Teaching Museum North. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Roswell? This hotel has facilities measuring 4100 square feet (369 square meters), including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 909 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Web: Link

Studio 6 Roswell, GA - Atlanta

Located in Roswell, Studio 6 Roswell, GA - Atlanta is a 5-minute drive from Archibald Smith Plantation Home and 5 minutes from Teaching Museum North. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9955 Old Dogwood Rd, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody

With a stay at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody in Atlanta (Dunwoody), you'll be a 4-minute drive from Art Institute of Atlanta and 5 minutes from Murphey Candler Park. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Atlanta? This hotel has 576 square feet (54 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4565 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30346
Web: Link

Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody

Located in Atlanta (Dunwoody), Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center/Dunwoody is within a 5-minute drive of Art Institute of Atlanta and Murphey Candler Park. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 4695 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30346
Web: Link

The Luxe Suites of North Atlanta

A stay at The Luxe Suites of North Atlanta places you in the heart of Atlanta, a 4-minute drive from Art Institute of Atlanta and 5 minutes from Murphey Candler Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2000 Asbury Square, Atlanta, Georgia 30346
Web: Link

Motel 6 Roswell, GA - Atlanta

Located in Roswell, Motel 6 Roswell, GA - Atlanta is within a 10-minute drive of Archibald Smith Plantation Home and Teaching Museum North. Featured amenities include laundry facilities and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 9955 Old Dogwood Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076
Web: Link

News and Alerts

Date issued Details
2026-04-21Restrooms and Water Fountains Unavailable at Akers Mill
Restrooms and water fountain at Sandy Point (Akers Mill, West Palisades) are closed until repairs are complete.
2026-03-29Island Ford Trail Closures Winter 2025-2026
All trails at the Island Ford Unit of CRNRA will be closed December 8 - 11. Crews will be felling hazardous trees; for visitor safety and project efficiency please stay off the trails. The Visitor Center remains open 9am - 5pm. Trails will be open until January 5. From January 5 through Spring 2026, Island Ford trails will be closed as we improve the trail system and add 2.2 miles of new trails. For more information, visit chattahoocheeparks.org/iftrails. More
2026-01-15National 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.    More
2025-12-07Chattahoochee 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. More
2025-11-21Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area REquests Public Comment on Orrs Ferry Site Management Plan
National Park seeks comments on site plans for new Orrs Ferry unit. More
2025-11-21Chattahoochee 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. More