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Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · GA

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.

Official NPS page →

Entrance Fees

An entrance pass is required to enter Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Entrance passes are valid for one day.

Annual passes are valid for one year.

Upcoming Events

Vickery Creek Magnolias and Ridge Top Hike

Sep 13, 2026 · Lower gravel parking area at Johnson Ferry North, 301 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia 30068

International Observe the Moon Night

Sep 19, 2026 · Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, 8615 Barnwell Rd, Johns Creek, GA, 30022. Parking is limited. Please carpool and arrive before 7:30 to ensure you can get parked before the program begins.

Forest Loop Walk at Sope Creek

Sep 20, 2026 · Sope Creek parking lot, Cochran Shoals Unit 3760 Paper Mill Road; Marietta, Georgia 30068. We will meet at the bulletin board.

Twilight Bat Walk

Sep 24, 2026 · 152 Columns Dr, Marietta, GA 30067, Cochran Shoals unit.

Introduction to River Kayaking!

Sep 26, 2026 · Hewlett Field, Island Ford Unit, 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA, 30350.

Things to Do

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 next park's Junior Ranger.

Chattahoochee Cycling

What are you waiting for? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area has bike trails to ride just outside the city. Some paved miles for people on their road bikes and some miles for the mountain bikers. Just remember to share the trails with pedestrians.

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, and cyclist in their cool p-jays.

Exploring Gold Branch

Escape the crowds with a short drive to Gold Branch in east Cobb County. Hike down to Bull Sluice Lake to wet a line or have a picnic in the woods. If you wish, take a nice long hike to really get away from the crowds.

Exploring Palisades East

Welcome to the eastern half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades visit a rock shelter, view the shoals, or enjoy the river first hand.

Exploring Palisades West

Welcome to the western half of the Palisades Unit. There are few places better than the Palisades to visit a rock shelter, view the shoals, or enjoy the river first hand.

Visitor Centers

  • Island Ford Visitor Center

Source: National Park Service.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA