Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Sandy Springs Georgia Family Vacations
One of the most unspoiled, scenic and historic rivers running through any major metropolitan area of the United States.
Search for: ChattahoocheeRiverNRA
Contact: Island Ford Visitor Center
1978 Island Ford Pkwy.
Sandy Springs GA 30350
Phone: 678-538-1200
Web: Visit Site
Description:
Although urban sprawl and industrial development heavily affect the Chattahoochee River in certain areas, it is nonetheless one of the most unspoiled, scenic and historic rivers running through any major metropolitan area of the United States.
The Metropolitan River Protection Act, passed in 1973, established a 2,000-foot corridor on either side of the river. In August 1978, Congress established the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) to preserve and protect the natural beauty, historic aspects and recreational value of the river and authorized the acquisition of up to 6,800 acres, most of it within easy commuting distance of Atlanta.
Today the CRNRA consists of 48 miles of river and 16 separate land units, or parks. The parks are day-use facilities only, made up of hiking trails, picnic grounds, playing fields and, during the summer, two raft/canoe/kayak rental facilities.
Where it runs through these parks, the Chattahoochee is a stocked trout stream and includes 19 other game fish. A map of all parks along the Chattahoochee River corridor is available at the CRNRA headquarters.