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.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
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.…
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Georgia. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
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
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
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…
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 Palisades West
Welcome to the western half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades to visit a…
Exploring Gold Branch
Escape the crowds with a short drive to Gold Branch in east Cobb County. Hike down to Bull Sluice Lake…
Chattahoochee Cycling
What are you waiting for? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has bike trails to ride just outside the city. Some…
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,…
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…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful