Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Atlanta's Natural Escape
Escape to nature in the heart of Atlanta: Hike, paddle, fish, and explore the historic beauty of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is a 48-mile stretch of protected river that flows through metro Atlanta, offering a natural escape with opportunities for hiking, fishing, paddling, and exploring historic sites [2, 7, 23]. With 15 separate park units, the CRNRA provides diverse landscapes and activities for all ages and skill levels [3, 5].
A brief summary to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- 1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, Georgia, 30350, US
- +1678-538-1273
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Purchase a park pass online in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons [9, 20].
- Check the river flow rate before planning water activities to ensure safe conditions [6].
- Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails range from paved paths to steep, technical terrain [3].
- Visit the Island Ford Visitor Center for maps, park updates, and souvenirs [4, 7, 11].
- Be aware that cash is not accepted at the park; bring a credit or debit card for fee payment [9, 20].
Getting There
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Driving
If driving from Atlanta, take I-75 North or GA-400 North to reach various units of the CRNRA. For the Island Ford Visitor Center, take GA-400 N to I-285 W, then take exit 26 for Glenridge Dr toward Johnson Ferry Rd. Turn left onto Johnson Ferry Rd NE, then turn left onto Roberts Dr. Finally, turn onto Island Ford Pkwy. Parking is available at the visitor center and other unit parking lots [13, 17]. A daily pass costs $5 per vehicle, which can be purchased online [4, 9].
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Public Transport
MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority) provides bus service to areas near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area [17]. From the Arts Center Station in Atlanta, take the CobbLinc bus route 10 towards Akers Mill Rd at Galleria Dr [18]. From there, you can access the Akers Mill Access Point. The bus fare is $2.50 [16, 18]. From this access point you may have to walk or bike to other areas within the park.
Discover more about Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Illinois State Monument
26.0 km
Honoring Illinois soldiers at Kennesaw Mountain, this monument offers a peaceful reflection on Civil War history within a beautiful national park.
Oakland Cemetery
26.9 km
Explore the serene charm of Oakland Cemetery, a historic landmark in Atlanta showcasing stunning Victorian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site
40.2 km
Discover the historical significance and scenic beauty of Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, where Georgia's Civil War history comes to life.
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
47.2 km
Explore ancient Native American history at Etowah Indian Mounds, Georgia's best-preserved Mississippian culture site, with mounds, trails, and a museum.
Chattahoochee River
77.9 km
Explore the Chattahoochee River: A scenic Georgia waterway offering history, recreation, and natural beauty in the heart of Coweta County.
New Echota State Historic Site
81.8 km
Explore the capital of the Cherokee Nation at New Echota State Historic Site, where history comes alive amidst reconstructed buildings and poignant stories.
Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home
84.3 km
Explore the rich heritage of the Cherokee Nation at Chieftains Museum, a historical treasure in Rome, Georgia, featuring authentic artifacts and captivating stories.
Fort Mountain Lookout Tower
95.3 km
Discover history and breathtaking views at this beautifully restored CCC fire tower in Fort Mountain State Park, near Chatsworth, Georgia.
Chief Vann House Historic Site
97.7 km
Explore Georgia's best-preserved Cherokee plantation home, the Chief Vann House, and discover the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation.
Scull Shoals Historic Site
99.6 km
Explore the remnants of a 19th-century mill town at Scull Shoals Historic Site, where history and nature intertwine in scenic Watkinsville, Georgia.
Unmissable attractions to see
Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
1.0 km
Explore the heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: history, trails, and river adventures await!
Don White Memorial Park
2.9 km
A scenic Roswell park along the Chattahoochee River, offering outdoor activities, river access, and a peaceful retreat for all.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park
5.4 km
Discover scenic river views, outdoor activities, and a touch of history at Sandy Springs' Morgan Falls Overlook Park. A perfect escape!
Chattahoochee Nature Center
5.8 km
Explore Georgia's natural beauty at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Discover trails, wildlife, and educational exhibits for all ages in Roswell, GA.
Jones Bridge Park
8.4 km
Escape to nature at Jones Bridge Park in Peachtree Corners: scenic river views, hiking trails, and outdoor activities await!
Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins
11.7 km
Discover the historic Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins in Marietta, GA: a scenic blend of nature and Civil War history along the Chattahoochee River.
Cochran Shoals Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
12.9 km
Explore scenic trails, historical ruins, and abundant wildlife at Cochran Shoals, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area's most popular unit.
East Palisades Unit - Indian Trail
15.5 km
Escape to nature in Sandy Springs with scenic trails, river views, and a unique bamboo forest at the Chattahoochee River's East Palisades.
East Palisades Trailhead
16.3 km
Escape to nature within Atlanta: Hike scenic trails, discover a bamboo forest, and enjoy river views at the Chattahoochee's East Palisades.
Paces Mill
17.6 km
Explore Atlanta's natural side at Paces Mill: Hike scenic trails, paddle the Chattahoochee, and discover local history in a revitalized park.
Piedmont Park
22.6 km
Explore Atlanta's iconic Piedmont Park: a vibrant green space offering recreation, events, and a rich history in the heart of the city.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
24.7 km
Discover the legacy of Jimmy Carter through interactive exhibits, historical documents, and serene gardens at his Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.
Georgia Aquarium
25.7 km
Explore the wonders of the aquatic world at the Georgia Aquarium, home to thousands of animals, interactive exhibits, and a commitment to conservation, in the heart of downtown Atlanta.
World of Coca-Cola
25.7 km
Experience the history, taste the world, and unlock the secrets of Coca-Cola at this iconic Atlanta attraction. A must-see for all ages!
Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
26.0 km
Walk in the footsteps of a civil rights icon at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta, Georgia.
Essential places to dine
Pete's Place
96.6 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at Pete's Place in Blue Ridge, GA - where every meal feels like home.
The Dogwood
97.4 km
Discover The Dogwood in Blue Ridge – A perfect blend of delicious breakfast fare, craft beers, and lively music awaits you.
Black Sheep Restaurant
97.5 km
Experience delicious American cuisine at Black Sheep Restaurant in Blue Ridge - where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill
97.7 km
Experience delicious food and vibrant drinks at Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA.
Misty Mountain Hops LLC
97.7 km
Experience the best craft beers and live music at Misty Mountain Hops LLC in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA.
Southern Charm Restaurant
97.8 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine in Blue Ridge at Southern Charm Restaurant – where every meal tells a story.
Harvest On Main
97.9 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Harvest On Main in Blue Ridge - where fresh ingredients meet family-friendly dining.
Rum Cake Lady Cuban Food Downtown Blue Ridge
98.2 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Rum Cake Lady in Blue Ridge - A culinary delight featuring sandwiches, pastries, and traditional flavors.
High Ridge Peddler
98.6 km
Experience Southern hospitality and delicious local cuisine at High Ridge Peddler in Blue Ridge, Georgia - a must-visit dining destination.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Georgia Gifts & More
17.7 km
Explore Georgia Gifts & More, a charming shop in Tucker offering unique books, candies, and exquisite gift baskets for every occasion.
Vinings Jubilee
18.8 km
Explore Vinings Jubilee, Atlanta's charming shopping mall featuring unique boutiques, delightful dining, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
The District at Howell Mill
21.9 km
Explore The District at Howell Mill, Atlanta's vibrant shopping mall with diverse stores, delicious dining, and a lively atmosphere for every visitor.
Wild Oats & Billy Goats
23.6 km
Explore Wild Oats & Billy Goats: A unique gift shop and boutique in Decatur, GA, showcasing local artistry and one-of-a-kind treasures.
Whistlestop Shops
45.9 km
Explore Whistlestop Shops in Auburn, Georgia for unique local crafts, handmade gifts, and a warm Southern shopping experience.
Shops at Hampton Oaks
48.2 km
Explore the Shops at Hampton Oaks, where shopping meets dining in a vibrant atmosphere in Fairburn, Georgia.
Uniquely Gifted
61.2 km
Explore Uniquely Gifted in Fayetteville, GA for an enchanting collection of gifts, metaphysical supplies, and unique jewelry.
The Nest
70.2 km
Explore The Nest in Peachtree City, a unique gift shop offering a diverse selection of home goods and charming gifts for every occasion.
A Southern Accent
74.3 km
Discover unique treasures and Southern charm at A Southern Accent, a delightful gift shop in Peachtree City, Georgia.
The Farmhouse
78.9 km
Explore The Farmhouse in Senoia, Georgia, for unique gifts, stylish women's clothing, and charming home goods that embody Southern hospitality.
The Woodbury Shoppe
79.2 km
Explore The Woodbury Shoppe in Senoia, GA for unique gifts and local artistry that captures the spirit of Southern charm and heritage.
P J's Rusted Buffalo
97.7 km
Explore a charming gift shop in Blue Ridge, GA, featuring unique handcrafted items and local artwork that capture the spirit of the region.
Owl's Nest
97.7 km
Explore Owl's Nest, a captivating boutique in Blue Ridge, Georgia, showcasing local crafts, unique gifts, and home decor that celebrate the region's artistry.
Dunworkin Blue Ridge
97.7 km
Discover unique clothing and accessories at Dunworkin Blue Ridge, where quality meets style in the heart of Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
Olive + Pine
97.8 km
Explore Olive + Pine in Blue Ridge, GA, where unique fashion meets Southern charm in a delightful boutique experience.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ray's on the River
14.4 km
Experience unparalleled fine dining at Ray's on the River, where exquisite American cuisine meets breathtaking riverside views in Sandy Springs.
St. Regis Bar
17.2 km
Experience Atlanta's upscale nightlife at the St. Regis Bar, where exquisite cocktails and elegant ambiance await in Buckhead.
Canoe
18.6 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee River at Canoe, one of Atlanta's premier dining destinations.
The Boro Inn
97.9 km
Discover the charm of The Boro Inn, a historic bar in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where delightful drinks meet a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Fightingtown Tavern
98.0 km
Experience the best of Blue Ridge dining at Fightingtown Tavern, where flavor meets hospitality in a cozy atmosphere.
Hook & Eye at Hampton Inn Blue Ridge
98.0 km
Experience the best of Southern cuisine at Hook & Eye, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
The Blue Coyote
98.0 km
Experience Southern hospitality at The Blue Coyote, your go-to American bar and grill in Blue Ridge, Georgia, featuring live music and sports entertainment.
Boat Dock Bar & Grill
98.3 km
Experience the perfect blend of delicious grill cuisine and breathtaking lake views at Boat Dock Bar & Grill in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
