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For those new to the Atlanta area, there is a series of amazing parks and hiking trails along the Chattahoochee River, collectively known as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. This area spans over 48 miles along the Chattahoochee River.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is home to some of the best hiking near Atlanta. However, each unit of the recreation is not created equal. They each have a different unique element.
This post will serve as a directory for all of the great hikes and things to do in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
We plan to visit each “unit” and provide a detailed account of what each spot offers.
Is There a Fee to Enter The Recreation Area?
Yes, there currently is a $5 daily entrance fee to enter any one of the parks associated with the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. If you are a frequent visitor, you may purchase an annual pass.
Upon visiting one of they parks, use the QR code and simply make a daily or annual payment.
Where is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?
The recreation area actually spans multiple counties and suburbs of Atlanta.
The units of the recreation area or found along a stretch of 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River and extends between Lake Lanier and Atlanta.
Map of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Units of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The naming conventions used or not used for the various units of the recreation area is confusing. Let us try to clear that up. All of these destinations are part of the recreation area. A few of the parks are quite large and have different parking locations. Here they are from north to south:
- Bowman’s Island Trail is a just under 4 mile out and back trail that is near Lake Lanier in Sugar Hill, Ga.
- Settles Bridge Trail is a about a 2.5 mile loop hike near Buford, Ga.
- Abbots Bridge Park is located in Duluth. The park features a boat ramp, fishing access and about .2 mile out and back trail.
- Medlock Bridge Park is located in Duluth. The park features a boat ramp, fishing access and about 1.3 miles of hiking trails.
- Jones Bridge Park is located in Johns Creek and features about 4.5 miles of hiking. At the park, you will also find a boat ramp and canoe launch.
- Island Ford Park is located in Sandy Springs and features an amazing 5 mile hike. Most of the hike border a wide section of the Chattahoochee River. Along the way, you will see many rock formations.
- Vickery Creek Trail in Roswell is one of the best hikes in the metro Atlanta. The trail features two historic mills, a large waterfall, a covered bridge and over 4 miles of shady, densely wooded trails. No wonder, this hike is a popular in town hiking spot.
- Allenbrook in Roswell, is a short loop trail around the Allenbrook house. This park is adjacent to the Vickery Creek unit.
- The Gold Branch Trail is a hiking trail in Roswell. It features a little over a 3 mile loop that borders Blue Sluice Lake along the Chattahoochee River. Along the trail are some moderate elevation climbs.
- Johnson Ferry North & South are two shorter hikes along the Chattahoochee river in Marietta.
- Cochran Shoals Trail includes multiple parking locations at Sope Creek, Columns Drive, Interstate North and across the river at Powers Island. The longest loop known as Cochran to Sope will be about 8.5 miles. You are able to do as much or little of the Cochran Shoals trail as you wish. You may also bike most of the the trail system.
- Palisades East Trail is a trail on the east side of the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs. The trail is a 3.3 mile loop trail. Sometimes this trial is referred to as the bamboo forrest.
- Palisades West Trial is a trail on the west side of the Chattahoochee River in Cumberland, GA. The trail is about a 4 mile loop.
For more information please visit the national park service website to find up to date information on trail status and trial maps.