About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Required for visitors age 16+ entering on foot or by bicycle. Valid for one day.
Private vehicle pass admits one private vehicle and its occupants for one day.
Valid for 1 day. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Operating Hours
The 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.
Activities
Getting There
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
Frequent visitors may save money with an annual entrance pass. The park annual pass admits the cardholder and the other persons in a private vehicle to the park. You may purchase the pass online or in person at the Island Ford Visitor Center. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Exploring Palisades East
Welcome to the eastern half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades visit a rock…
Besides hiking
Be A CHAT Junior Ranger
by the Island Ford Visitor Center to pick up your Junior Ranger Booklet and get to work on becoming the…
Exploring Gold Branch
Escape the crowds with a short drive to Gold Branch in east Cobb County. Hike down to Bull Sluice Lake…
Exploring Palisades West
Welcome to the western half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades to visit a…
The trails offer opportunities for jogging, bird watching, informal sports, plant identification, water quality study or quiet moments. The river…
Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop
The Cochran Shoals Fitness Loop is a true multi-use trail. You'll find mothers pushing strollers, joggers avoiding the afternoon traffic,…
Chattahoochee Cycling
What are you waiting for? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has bike trails to ride just outside the city. Some…
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…
Hours: Additional services offered: Passport Cancellation Station, Jr. Ranger Books and Badges and B.A.R.K. Ranger Certificates and Badges
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