Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
125 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
36
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
0
acartwr501
Prescott Valley, AZ50 contributions
Jul 2020
Such a beautiful natural area. Such a great day in floating on the river taking in all the beautiful sites of the flora and fauna! Too bad the National Park Service decided not to man this National Park. There was no ranger available to award the junior ranger badge to our daughter and when I called the Park, I got a ranger who said all the rangers were working remotely and my daughter wouldn't be able to receive the badge she worked so hard to earn.
We visited 11 National Parks on this road trip and all but Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area had a ranger available to award the Park badge to our daughter. This begs the question, what are the rangers at the the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area doing to serve the public?
We visited 11 National Parks on this road trip and all but Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area had a ranger available to award the Park badge to our daughter. This begs the question, what are the rangers at the the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area doing to serve the public?
Written 1 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CathyP1953
Myrtle Beach, SC1,402 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
A video would have been very helpful to understand the historical significance of the park. The pictures and information found along the walls were adequate, but not detailed enough. The scenery was beautiful while driving into the park. I wish we would have had more time to explore the water resources.
Written 22 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shileria
Norcross, GA50 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
I really loved this park! It was so nice to sit and just listen to the sound of the water. My son even found it to be relaxing! It was nice and peaceful!
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anmarigilicze
Debrecen, Hungary56 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
If you need some time off after work or in a weekend, this is just the place to be. I visited the river and national park last September and it was a refreshing time there. Admittedly, i just could not get enough of the sight of the tall green trees and the calm river with ducks having dinner... it was so serene.
Try it, i`m sure you`ll enjoy.
Try it, i`m sure you`ll enjoy.
Written 7 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve M
Roswell, GA60 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
I am a travel writer who covers national parks (npplan.com). I live it Atlanta and thoroughly explored the Chattahoochee River National Recreation area and have information about all the park units, trails, and the river that can be found nowhere else on the Internet except for my web site. I have nearly 350 photos as well. While the actual body of water within this 48-mile section of the Chattahoochee is owned by the federal government and operated by the National Park Service, not all of the shoreline along the river is under federal jurisdiction. Much of the river bank is private property and access to the river at these areas would be through the property owner’s approval. However, the NPS does own 15 parcels of land along the river, 13 of which can be accessed by roads. These are known as the “Park Units.” Each park unit has various amenities such as hiking trails, boat ramps, canoe launches, picnic areas, etc.
Believe it or not, this little known National Park property gets nearly as many visitors each year as does Yellowstone National Park, though the Chattahoochee River is about as mundane a river as you will run across, not particularly scenic or exciting. Nobody travels across the country to see it; it’s doubtful many people travel across Georgia to see it. It owes its 3 million plus visitors a year to the simple fact that it is the playground of Atlanta, one of the largest cities in the United States. But when you get right down to it, that’s exactly what a National Recreation Area is all about any—recreation, not scenic beauty. While some National Recreations Areas are beautiful enough to attract visitors from around the nation, most serve as a recreation area for the local population. The goal of any National Recreation Area is to preserve the area and keep it free from commercial development so that the people of today’s generations and all future generations can enjoy outdoor activities.
Unlike many parks where there are set things to see and do that take up a certain amount of time, visiting the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area is a leisurely experience with no set agenda that visitors must experience. People come to the park in their spare time for exercise and outdoor fun and adventure. National Park Planner gives visitors insight into trail lengths and difficulties, information for planning a river float trip suited to your time constraints and physical abilities, and the locations of historic ruins, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
Believe it or not, this little known National Park property gets nearly as many visitors each year as does Yellowstone National Park, though the Chattahoochee River is about as mundane a river as you will run across, not particularly scenic or exciting. Nobody travels across the country to see it; it’s doubtful many people travel across Georgia to see it. It owes its 3 million plus visitors a year to the simple fact that it is the playground of Atlanta, one of the largest cities in the United States. But when you get right down to it, that’s exactly what a National Recreation Area is all about any—recreation, not scenic beauty. While some National Recreations Areas are beautiful enough to attract visitors from around the nation, most serve as a recreation area for the local population. The goal of any National Recreation Area is to preserve the area and keep it free from commercial development so that the people of today’s generations and all future generations can enjoy outdoor activities.
Unlike many parks where there are set things to see and do that take up a certain amount of time, visiting the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area is a leisurely experience with no set agenda that visitors must experience. People come to the park in their spare time for exercise and outdoor fun and adventure. National Park Planner gives visitors insight into trail lengths and difficulties, information for planning a river float trip suited to your time constraints and physical abilities, and the locations of historic ruins, boat ramps, and picnic areas.
Written 8 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BurkhardNagel
Florida Panhandle, FL104 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Pedestrians have to be very careful on the trails. Park authorities have marked special trails with NO BIKES signs, which had been destroyed by anonymous persons, then rebuilt. The bikers on these trails are somewhat rude towards runners and walkers. I had even the experience when one biker shouted at me to shut my f...... mouth, when I complained about his rude attitude. He was approaching me with high speed downhill from behind on a small trail and nearly gave me a blow with his bike. Trails are small and rocky in certain areas, so they leave space for one person only. A few bikers start to shout from a certain distance from behind, when they approach you. These trails are absolutely overcrowded by bikers during weekends and during the weekdays afternoons. This is no recreation area for walkers, this is a challenge to master for people who like to take a meditative walk out in the woods. The nature itself is truly beautiful, but because of the rude attitude from bikers towards people who like to walk, I can only give it a poor rating. Hopefully, the park authorities will find a way to stop these reckless bikers from threating harmless walkers.
Written 8 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trek-Always
Alpharetta, GA2,520 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Sope Creek is a 12 mile long stream located in Cobb County. It is a significant tributary of the Chattahoochee River. A section of Sope Creek runs through the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Sope Creek Ruins are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and are easily accessible within the park's trail system.
There is a trail parking area at 3760 Paper Mill Road SE, in Marietta. The trails are beautifully maintained, well marked, there are periodic maps along the trails, biking is allowed on some of them, and all trails are easy to moderate. There is a 6-mile loop trail that can be completed in 2-3 hours. There is a $3 parking fee at the trail head and the parking lot can be crowded on nice days, and on weekends.
This is part of the National Park System. Wonderful place to go.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
There is a trail parking area at 3760 Paper Mill Road SE, in Marietta. The trails are beautifully maintained, well marked, there are periodic maps along the trails, biking is allowed on some of them, and all trails are easy to moderate. There is a 6-mile loop trail that can be completed in 2-3 hours. There is a $3 parking fee at the trail head and the parking lot can be crowded on nice days, and on weekends.
This is part of the National Park System. Wonderful place to go.
If this review is helpful then please indicate so below.
Written 22 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ozzielewis
Atlanta, GA131 contributions
Apr 2013
We live in walking distance from this park and we feel very lucky to have such a treasure nearby. There is a flat, wide trail along the Chatahoochee under a canopy of trees. Along this trail are interesting granite formations which are like shallow caves. There is evidence of ancie t people living in the caves! There are also several trails in the hilly area that is next to the main trail. Here there are creeks running through the forest. You can walk or jog on the trails-just be aware of the tree roots that could cause one to stumble.
Many people fly fish in the shallow areas in the river (if the water is not too high) or fish from the shore. Dogs are allowed on allowed on leashes. There is a field at the head of the trail with a picnic area and room for multiple games of frisbee or ball. There is also a boat launch.
The ranger station has a lot of info and bathrooms and water fountain. The rangers are very knows able and can give you lots of background on the plants and animals to look for.
People often get lost in our neighborhood trying to find the park because on a map it may look like you can enter the park from the end of Northridge Rd. in fact, you can only enter the park from Dunwoody Place. (The road from Northridge has a gate only accessible for walkers and park ranger vehicles). There is a parking lot with either a long stairway or a long ramp to get down to the river area.
Many people fly fish in the shallow areas in the river (if the water is not too high) or fish from the shore. Dogs are allowed on allowed on leashes. There is a field at the head of the trail with a picnic area and room for multiple games of frisbee or ball. There is also a boat launch.
The ranger station has a lot of info and bathrooms and water fountain. The rangers are very knows able and can give you lots of background on the plants and animals to look for.
People often get lost in our neighborhood trying to find the park because on a map it may look like you can enter the park from the end of Northridge Rd. in fact, you can only enter the park from Dunwoody Place. (The road from Northridge has a gate only accessible for walkers and park ranger vehicles). There is a parking lot with either a long stairway or a long ramp to get down to the river area.
Written 2 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tjeason
Raleigh, NC490 contributions
Mar 2013 • Family
Easy access to this part of the trail, there is a lot of parking. The trails are marked, so you can find your way around. There are several ways to get to the water, some more difficult than others. Kids had so many rocks to climb on right along the water. Next time, we'll allow more time to go further down the Creek. We mainly stayed around the Mill, which was really a nice area. Recommend for young kids, because there were lots of flat rocks they can easily get on without getting too close to the water.
Found this link showing pictures and describing some history of the area:
http://marietta.patch.com/articles/a-trail-through-time#photo-6037509
Found this link showing pictures and describing some history of the area:
http://marietta.patch.com/articles/a-trail-through-time#photo-6037509
Written 14 March 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacob k
1 contribution
Nov 2022
The address to the CNRA is 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs Georgia. IT IS NOT 1978 ISLAND FORD PARKWAY!
Written 19 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I will be driving from Jacksonville FL and want some rafting fun in the Chatacoochee river.
Does this recreation area offer rafting facilities? If no, is this recreation near a a rafting facility?
I have only 2 days for this trip, so how can i combine rafting, hiking and some Atlanta sightseeing.?
Written 29 June 2022
There were no facilities for rafting at the Cochran Shoals area of the park although it is in Atlanta. I didn't get out towards Sandy Springs so they may have something out there I don't know.
Written 30 June 2022
Jaime S
Marietta, Georgia
Are there trails and walking paths that are paved? Looking to take a stroller that doesn't handle dirt roads that well at all.
Written 24 March 2017
kmm66101 above has a good take on this. There are some paved walkways and there are some rougher dirt paths to hike.
I have seen a lot of people hiking with toddlers but its a lot of work without the stroller so I suppose you'll be limited to the main visitor center area, mostly.
Written 25 March 2017
I am planning to visit this place for wildlife-watching and photography, say from 0800 hrs to 1130 hrs in morning. I would like know the following:
How long are the trails at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?
Any specific trails that are must visit for birds & wildlife?
Written 24 November 2016
fs.usda.gov/activity/conf/recreation/natureviewing
This web site has additional information about wildlife in the natural area. Hiking by the water and wetlands, one can see mammals, many species of bird (including water fowl), and amphibians. I like the trails off Johnson Ferry Road. Sope Creek offers many kinds of trails, some fairly rugged.
Written 25 November 2016
Where is the best place to rent an canoe/kayak? I see that there are different areas...
Written 3 August 2016
I do not kayak, tube, canoe or swim in the river. I just don't trust the water quality. The river is the trash bin for Georgia! The hiking is great, however!
Written 4 August 2016
I bought an annual Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area pass, after buying the daily pass now and then.
Do I leave it on my dashboard when I am hiking? The daily pass was paper and you hung it from your mirror. This is more like a credit card and fits in your wallet. The parks I visit do not have any rangers on duty. Thanks.
Written 8 May 2016
I got a "hanger" from the CRNRA hqs at Island Ford. I would just lay it on the dash with perinent info up.
Written 8 May 2016
I know my only little girl you see here died on this river because of non-communication between three important parties and not enough education and information given to the public about the dangers of the river as well as the fun.
Written 24 July 2015
So sorry to read of your tragedy and loss.
Written 27 July 2015
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