Official page of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Park Service. Today the river attracts us for different reasons.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a series of parklands along a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River--a place rich in natural and human history, each influenced by the river's pervasive force. Usually clear, cold, and slow-moving, the river sometimes plunges as a muddy torrent through its rockbound shoals. For centuries people have been drawn to the river for food and transport
06/18/2026
Dust off your trail shoes!
Thanks to Chattahoochee National Parks Conservancy, the beautiful, new trails at Island Ford are ready to be hiked, ran, and heel-clicked all over. There are a few temporary closures you might notice as the finishing touches are being placed, but there’s no need to wait any longer!
We look “Island Ford” to seeing you! :)
06/18/2026
We've got a great slate of programs for you this Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21!
Email [email protected] or visit chattahoocheeparks.org/events to find out more and sign up!
SATURDAY:
Learn to Fish - Adults and children are invited to try their hand at casting, fishing, knot-tying, and earning a Junior Ranger Angler badge at Island Ford Pond! We provide all gear; please register for a 9 - 10 am or 10:30 - 11:30 am slot at chattahoocheeparks.org.
NOTE OUR SATURDAY 6/20 KAYAK AND CAMPFIRE PROGRAMS ARE CANCELLED BUT FISHING IS STILL ON!
SUNDAY:
Wetlands Wander Guided Hike - Join a Ranger to explore the beautiful creek and wetlands of Cochran Shoals. Meet at the Interstate North trailhead. 9 - 11:30 am.
05/07/2026
Spring is a beautiful time to explore the park. It’s also an important time for wildlife.
April and May bring blooming flowers, migrating birds, and warmer weather to the park. They also mark an active season for coyotes, which may be raising pups nearby.
Coyotes are a natural part of this ecosystem, and keeping dogs on a leash helps protect pets, wildlife, and other visitors. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally trigger defensive behavior from wildlife if they approach too closely.
For everyone’s safety:
🐾 Keep dogs on a leash
🐾 Give wildlife plenty of space
🐾 Stay aware of your surroundings while exploring
Thank you for helping protect the park and the wildlife that call it home.
NPS Photo - Trail camera photo of coyote
04/16/2026
Enjoy this beautiful Spring weather with some programs in the park!
SATURDAY, 4/18:
*9 am - 12 pm - NPS Volunteer Trail Restoration Day @ Columns Drive (register with [email protected] in advance)
*11 am - 3 pm - Junior Ranger Day @ Johnson Ferry North (drop-in activities)
*7:30 - 9:30 pm - Ranger Campfire Program: TURTLES! 220 Million Years of Successful Design @ Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center (CREEC)
SUNDAY, 4/19:
1:30 - 3:30 pm - "Geology Hikes Around Atlanta" Geology Talk and Park Geology Walk @ Island Ford with Dr. Bill Witherspoon (registration required)
THURSDAY, 4/22:
6 - 8 pm - Earth Day Community Cleanup with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy @ Paces Mill
FRIDAY, 4/22:
11 am - Tree ID Through the Seasons with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and Trees Atlanta @ Paces Mill
SATURDAY, 4/25:
*2 - 3 pm - Sound Bathing at Island Ford with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy @ Island Ford
*7:30 pm - Movie on the 'H***h: The Lorax with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy @ Island Ford
Find out more and register for both National Park Service and Friends group programs at chattahoocheeparks.org/events!
04/13/2026
New Positions Open!
Join Our Team This Summer and Fall
Are you passionate about connecting people to nature, history, and outdoor recreation? Join the U.S. National Park Service team at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and help us protect and share this beautiful park.
Currently open:
Seasonal Park Ranger (Interpretation), GS-5 and GS-7 positions
- Application window is 4/9 - 4/20/2026
These positions are for local applicants only. This is your chance to work with the U.S. National Park Service and make a difference!
Visit USAjobs.gov for details on these and other NPS positions, to create an account, and to upload your application materials:
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/864184300
https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/864186200