"It's one of the most beautiful places in our country, extremely valuable to all those who know it, who live near it, and who appreciate the quiet and seclusion and the beauty and the value of this river. It's a rare occasion when within the city limits of one of our major cities, one can find pure water and trout and free canoeing and rapids and the seclusion of the Earth the way God made it. But the Chattahoochee River is this kind of place."

President Jimmy Carter

 August 15, 1978

The Chattahoochee River and its valley is a place rich in natural and cultural resources. Sometimes the river is clear, cold, and slow-moving, while at other times it is a muddy torrent, plunging through rocky shoals. The valley contains a rich, diverse mix of plants and animals that represent an environment much larger than itself. For centuries, humans have been drawn to this river valley for life's basics: food, water, and shelter as well as transportation and power to support the increasing numbers of mills and factories.

By the 1970's, the resources that made the river valley a special place to so many people were being threatened. On August 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation that set aside a 48-mile stretch of river with a series of parklands to preserve a part of the river valley for future generations.

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, reflect on a mill worker's day as a chipmunk scurries over the paper mill ruins, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

 Directions 

Car - Start your visit to the recreation area at the Island Ford Visitor Contact Station.

Northbound GA 400 - Take exit #6 (Northridge Road). Coming off the exit, stay in the right lane, cross over GA 400, and turn right onto Dunwoody Place. Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive. Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.

Southbound GA 400 - Take exit #6 (Northridge Road). Continue straight ahead at the traffic light onto Dunwoody Place. Go 0.5 miles to Roberts Drive. Turn right and proceed 0.7 miles to the park entrance on your right.