Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.

National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

visit on nps.gov

Info

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.

Park Photos

Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.
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Great Blue Herons are plentyful along the river. Look towards the tree tops along the river to spot their nest. If you're lucky the whole will be home.

Credit: NPS Photo/Tom Wilson

Two adult Great Blue Herons stand watch over their 3 young chicks in the nest.
Park ranger showing a group of school children the critter on his arm.
Stone ruins of the Marietta Paper Mill surrounded by lush green vegatation.
Angler in waders landing a fish using a landing net.
Trail heading off under a canopy of trees.

Activities

  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • River Tubing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Fees

Passes

Operating Hours

The park lands and waters are open for visitation from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset seven days a week. The Island Ford Visitor Center located in historic Hewlett Lodge is open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week except Thanksgiving Day and December 25.

DayHours
Wednesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Monday
Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday
Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday
Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday
Sunrise to Sunset
Friday
Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday
Sunrise to Sunset

Weather info

Summers typically consist of long spells of warm, humid weather. Average highs are in the lower 90's and overnight lows range from the upper 60's to lower 70's. Winters are more variable with highs averaging from the mid 50's to lower 60's while the lows average in the mid 30's. Oftentimes, stretches of mild weather will alternate with cold spells. Spring and Autumn seasons are characterized by much variability from day to day and from year to year.

Events