Island Ford Unit: Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Explore the heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: history, trails, and river adventures await!
Island Ford, nestled in Sandy Springs, GA, serves as the central hub of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). Home to the park headquarters and visitor center in the historic Hewlett Lodge, it offers diverse outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing along the Chattahoochee River [2].
A brief summary to Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
- 8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, Georgia, 30350, US
- +1678-538-1200
- 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
- Start your visit at the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center to get maps, park information, and purchase your park pass [3, 5].
- Bring your fishing gear and try your luck in the Chattahoochee River, a stocked trout stream [2].
- Hike the 5.5-mile trail that loops along the river and through the woodlands [2, 4].
- Check the sunrise and sunset times posted at the information kiosk to plan your day, as the park is open from dawn to dusk [2, 3].
- Purchase your park pass online in advance or at the Island Ford Visitor Center (credit or debit card only) [5, 23].
Getting There
-
Driving
To reach the Island Ford Unit, navigate to 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350. Once you arrive at the entrance, turn onto Island Ford Parkway and follow the signs to the park headquarters [3]. Parking is available in the park lots [16]. A daily pass costs $5, or an annual pass can be purchased for $40 [5, 15]. Keep in mind that this is an entrance fee, not a parking fee [23].
-
Public Transport
The Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority (MARTA) provides bus service to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area [16]. Bus lines 85 and 87 stop near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area [6]. From the bus stop, follow the signs to Island Ford [16]. The bus fare is approximately $2.50 [6]. Upon entering the park, make sure to purchase a park pass for $5 [5, 15].
Discover more about Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Illinois State Monument
25.6 km
Honoring Illinois soldiers at Kennesaw Mountain, this monument offers a peaceful reflection on Civil War history within a beautiful national park.
Oakland Cemetery
27.6 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
39.6 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
46.4 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
78.1 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
80.8 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
83.5 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
94.3 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
96.7 km
Explore Georgia's best-preserved Cherokee plantation home, the Chief Vann House, and discover the history and culture of the Cherokee Nation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
1.0 km
Escape to nature in the heart of Atlanta: Hike, paddle, fish, and explore the historic beauty of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Don White Memorial Park
1.9 km
A scenic Roswell park along the Chattahoochee River, offering outdoor activities, river access, and a peaceful retreat for all.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
5.0 km
Explore Georgia's natural beauty at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Discover trails, wildlife, and educational exhibits for all ages in Roswell, GA.
Morgan Falls Overlook Park
5.2 km
Discover scenic river views, outdoor activities, and a touch of history at Sandy Springs' Morgan Falls Overlook Park. A perfect escape!
Jones Bridge Park
8.8 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
11.6 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
13.0 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
15.7 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
16.6 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
17.8 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
23.3 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
25.5 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
26.4 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
26.4 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
26.7 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
95.7 km
Experience authentic American cuisine at Pete's Place in Blue Ridge, GA - where every meal feels like home.
The Dogwood
96.6 km
Discover The Dogwood in Blue Ridge – A perfect blend of delicious breakfast fare, craft beers, and lively music awaits you.
Black Sheep Restaurant
96.6 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
96.8 km
Experience delicious food and vibrant drinks at Chester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA.
Misty Mountain Hops LLC
96.9 km
Experience the best craft beers and live music at Misty Mountain Hops LLC in beautiful Blue Ridge, GA.
Southern Charm Restaurant
96.9 km
Experience authentic Southern cuisine in Blue Ridge at Southern Charm Restaurant – where every meal tells a story.
Harvest On Main
97.0 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
97.3 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Rum Cake Lady in Blue Ridge - A culinary delight featuring sandwiches, pastries, and traditional flavors.
High Ridge Peddler
97.7 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
18.8 km
Explore Georgia Gifts & More, a charming shop in Tucker offering unique books, candies, and exquisite gift baskets for every occasion.
Vinings Jubilee
19.1 km
Explore Vinings Jubilee, Atlanta's charming shopping mall featuring unique boutiques, delightful dining, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
The District at Howell Mill
22.5 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
24.5 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
46.4 km
Explore Whistlestop Shops in Auburn, Georgia for unique local crafts, handmade gifts, and a warm Southern shopping experience.
Shops at Hampton Oaks
48.6 km
Explore the Shops at Hampton Oaks, where shopping meets dining in a vibrant atmosphere in Fairburn, Georgia.
Uniquely Gifted
61.9 km
Explore Uniquely Gifted in Fayetteville, GA for an enchanting collection of gifts, metaphysical supplies, and unique jewelry.
The Nest
70.8 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
75.0 km
Discover unique treasures and Southern charm at A Southern Accent, a delightful gift shop in Peachtree City, Georgia.
The Farmhouse
79.5 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
79.8 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
96.8 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
96.8 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
96.9 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
97.0 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
14.6 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
17.9 km
Experience Atlanta's upscale nightlife at the St. Regis Bar, where exquisite cocktails and elegant ambiance await in Buckhead.
Canoe
18.9 km
Experience exquisite American cuisine amidst breathtaking views of the Chattahoochee River at Canoe, one of Atlanta's premier dining destinations.
The Boro Inn
97.0 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
97.1 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
97.1 km
Experience the best of Southern cuisine at Hook & Eye, where local flavors meet warm hospitality in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
The Blue Coyote
97.1 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
97.5 km
Experience the perfect blend of delicious grill cuisine and breathtaking lake views at Boat Dock Bar & Grill in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
