Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Island Ford Unit

1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, USA

Address:	1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, USA
Phone:	+1 678-538-1200
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM 9AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Steve Markos

I am a travel writer for National Park Planner and I live near the the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The park is comprised of a 48-mile stretch of the river that starts below the Buford Dam near Cumming, Georgia, and ends close to the junction of I-75 and I-285, about ten miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. 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. 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. For complete information on trails, paddle trips, watercraft launches, historic ruins, and picnic areas, please visit National Park Planner (npplan).

Maurice Pierre

Even on the most wintery of days in Atlanta, I was able to make it out to the scenic and easily accessible Chattahoochee River National Park. This jewel in the middle of the city is the perfect place to be immersed in the relaxing properties of nature. The NPS staff were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The park itself was easy to navigate, and relatively easy to hike trails are given even more atmosphere by the presence of the river and the creatures that live there. In the event your internal compass becomes compromised, there are numerous maps on the grounds to help you follow the path. This National Park provides a beautiful environment for many outdoor activities, appropriate for all seasons and all age groups. On my next visit Ill either be trying my luck at fishing, or paddling down the river. Whether you have a couple hours or the entire day, by yourself or with friends and family, it would be well spent at the Chattahoochee River National Park.

Linda Szatmary

Quiet trails along the river. Wear sturdy shoes/sneakers, sunhat, bug spray and sun protection. We were looking for a fishing spot, however we need a handicapped helpful place. The trail down to the river is not for a rugged 4 wheeler walker. I went a short distance and realized, I was putting myself in jeporady. It looks like a fun place to walk and go fishing. We were told by a local vendor, that he had great luck with trout and bass. Maybe next time. If there are 5 handicapped parking spots, do handicapped ppl fish ? Yes. Handicapped ppl pay taxes...could we get a ramp ????

Carla Christian

Nice hilly trails with nice views oh the river. I saw some good places to swim but not sure about the safety of it cleanliness wise. I saw many fishermen wading here. Theres a cool large overhanging rock thats interesting to see. Theres a lot of water fowl that hang out on the rocks in the river. The trails are well maintained and marked. Also lots of poo stations with bags in the parking lots. Im looking forward to going in the spring when its more green. The views were very good without the vegetation though. Dont forget to post the $3 parking fee.

Elad Asulin

OK so this is a VERY nice park with a great river access. Only thing is if you come with a kayak then be prepared for shallow water which can often damage the fiberglass ones so I would use hard plastic ones instead. In terms of fishing do not expect much but you can easily get some yellow fin small fish, nice experience for kids. Park rangers are often touring the park and feels very safe and clean, plus they are super nice. Keep in mind that it is also a residential area so noise need to be kept to minimum. Enjoy!

Alex McCarthy

Well, we were way down yonder on this river, and something about hoochie coochie, and we rented some canoes, and brought like 3 million beers and some beef jerky. Got wasted and sun burned. Fell in the river. Sunk our canoes. Pulled them back out again. Paddled down to our pull out point, and it was totally awesome. You could take a little kid or your dog. The rapids arent even as strong as flushing your toilet. Watch out for middle aged drunken, boat sinking idiots though. eh.. hemm..

Erica Bibbey

This is a wonderful trail along the Chattahoochee River. While it is not a mountain trail, the trail has some nice slopes and hills which give the trail a little bit more of a challenge as opposed to merely a walk in the park. The views of the Chattahoochee at Island Ford are absolutely beautiful. This is a must see trail for those who have not hiked here before. Perfect for hikers of all skill levels, children and dogs.

Stephen Feather

The ranger on duty was very friendly and helpful. Marked as handicap accessible and it really is. You could get a wheel chair down to view the river via the ramps. The path upstream is very wide and clear, many caves below rock outcroppings. The paths are well marked, with a guide post w/ map at intersections. NPS parking fee required.

Kevin Cook

I live near the river, and love taking my dog for hikes in the various NRA parks in the area. My favorite is the Gold Branch, but Vickery Creek and Island Ford are also very nice. While these dont compare with the trails up in north Georgia, its great to have some nice trails so close to a major Metropolis.

Bonnie Bergkessel

Its really beautiful here! You can bring your rafts or kayak or various other water craft and get on the Chattahoochee from their ramp. Their main building has a nice restroom and sitting area, and the park rangers were there to help with any questions. Ill be going back!

Mike

Stopped to get out of traffic for a little while and grab a quick hike on the 3.4 miles of trails that lead right to the river. Saw several people fly fishing a few catches. Was within 10 feet of a large doe. plenty of place for a picnic or outdoor activities.

Kirsten Gross

Always easy to park and it has some great rocks for relaxing on and good hammock spots. I also use the boat launch regularly for my kayak but its a little walk through the field to get your kayak from the driveway. The sunsets are always relaxing.

Ricardo Nojima

There are lots of great hiking trails with access to the river if your dog enjoys getting his feet wet. Super easy to get to just off of exit 6 on 400. Doubles as a traffic free shortcut for cyclists going between Dunwoody and Roswell.

Nishtha Sharma

One of the best parks I have been to.. I went for canoeing with my friend and had the most amazing time. The sun rays falling on the river looks angelic with all the trees that surrounds it. Would love to go there again!!!

Stefan Attaway

Nice and safe, except for the boat rentals, buy an inflatable or borrow a plastic boat, the vendor there has lost its moral compass and one of the shuttle drivers lost his mind and was yelling and arguing with customers.