Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — Attraction in Sandy Springs

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...

I have been in love with Island Ford Nature Park from my 1st visit 30 yrs ago. The trails are relatively easy to maneuver for the average person. There are 3 parking lots to the left of the main entrance inviting a different way down to the trails, which all connect. I prefer the 2nd & 3rd parking lots because I always have my dogs with me & they are a little easier to manage with my bad back. During the summer months, it's our salvation due to the heat & humidity. There is always a forgiving amount of shade from the trees on one side of you and the spectacular never ending Chattahoochee River along with its wildlife on the other side of you as you navigate along the river's trail. It's fun to see people in the summer hanging up hammocks on the trees to relax & kids & adults maneuvering onto the giant rocks in the river to fish & picnic. Once in a while at sundown, it's very magical to spot some friendly deer! My dogs love every minute of it (tempting to let them run free but please do not do this!) I got a ticket (deservedly) when I couldn't resist letting one of my retriever mix dogs enjoy her freedom on a quiet off hours day. Early evening, be careful to bring a flashlight as it can turn dark very quickly. Avoid hitting deer as you will see them often crossing the road. Speed limit 25 mph. Check out the caves, but I will let you find them on your own! There are picnic tables, a dock for kayaks, and a historical building with a descriptive wild life &...

"Tell others what I LOVE about this place" ?? That's impossible. How can I possibly love anything that cant love me back??? So besides being impossible Google maps is going to the extreme. Miss Susie and I enjoyed the trails and cool water much. It was holding material so temp was a little higher then usual. Miss Susie is my adopted rescue which I do love, as she demonstrates her love for me. See how love works? What disappointed me was watching several others in sit in kayaks drinking alcohol and not wearing a PFD. Even if just wading. That is a lack of common sense and no love of one self or the child they have with. And a complete lack of any respect for First Responders and the S&R people who have to find the body. It's not always about you and how you feel wearing a PFD. It's about RESPECT for others and public resources used looking for your bloated body. People drown all the time in this river, the rocks are very slippery and when the water is heavily stained footing cant always be seen. A perfect situation to knock one self out and drown. Wear a PFD. And if you pack it in, pack it out. That means dont throw you trash on the trail or in the water. And that includes bait jars, lure wrappings, worm containers and hooks as children can be injured. Respect. Respect others. Seems to be a lack of understanding what Respect and what Love is. One is a demonstration...