Reviews of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Island Ford Unit (Park)

Arenee Reed

Good service...great burgers try everything

Philip Gennette

Beautiful escape within the city

Vignesh Rajan

Just visited it along with my friend. Seems like a cool place, nice trails! Perfect for a morning or evening jog! The pond right before the parking was not that well maintained. The cold breeze which blows through makes me want to go back!

Matthew Webster

Nice hike along the river. Interesting history and caves.

Richard Mills

Good time

Maurice Hayes

Where I go for peace of mind

Amanda D

My family is so glad we stopped there before we began our long road trip home It was absolutely beautiful We saw deer, turtles and waterborne all kinds of interesting trees and plenty of coves where the water is nice, calm and clear We actually drank some and it was so good The kids enjoyed the large lean to's the most I'd highly recommend but beware if the slippery beaches as you get close to the water! Oh and there is a small fee to enter

Chanki Choudhary

Nice and short walk-able trails. If you don't know where you are you can find the maps after few yards (on each intersection) Feels like you are in Smoky Mountains trails. If you don't expect much it is a nice place to relax mind and enjoy river flows.

Dilbert Office

Good treks. Especially by the river. Not enough place to enjoy with family if you are not a trekker

Samson Selvaraj

Nice place...

Na Lim Heo

Nice hike around the lake. Saw geese, ducks, deer, birds, etc. The hike was pretty shady and easy to moderate.

Niki Wagstaff

The vastness of this park is really remarkable. There are tons of areas to visit and lots of trails to hike. Whether you are looking for trees or rivers or just some fresh air, you are really going to find it here. Parking fees are pretty low, if they are even required at all. Great way to spend a weekend afternoon.

Tatyana Korsunskaya

Peaceful, clean, beautiful area to rest, have fun, walk, swim, grill, kayak.... and more. You like on a short vacation when you spend time at this place!

Shirt Off Your Back Quilts

A treasure!

Lisa Bowman

So Pretty!!! Was picking someone up in the area, lovely

Bob Ruby

National Park in Atlanta area. 48 miles of National River Trail. 84 miles of hiking trails.

Brian Sprole

Another nice park in the metro area for a hike.

Mike Hu

Thoroughly enjoy my time at this park every chance I get to visit. The rangers no staff are knowledgeable and make the experience that much more enjoyable. Facilities are clean and well maintained. The hiking trails in this park are perfect for those that want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta city. Away from cars and all the noise, you'll relax with the sound of rushing water, rustling squirrels, and chirping birds.

Poloz Utka

I spent around 2hrs to hike a trail in an easy pace.

Jerry Henderson

Nice place to sit and relax while eating lunch

Judie Pokakaa

We drove through during the shut down. It was quiet. There are people that live inside so no shenanigans. You were able to still walk some of the trails. Peaceful.

Can Erbil

we will do it again with our own kayak since it was really expensive to rent one!!!!!!

Charlie Vaughan

Excellent help and very knowledgeable. Obtained national park pass.

Kartwright Asnip

This place has a some great trails. It's family friendly, but remote enough where you still feel like you can get away from it all.

Christel Nicholson- Morris

It is so refreshing to take a walk by the Chatahoochee River. There are lots of trails, benches trash cans, decks, and vistas. The Chatahoochee is cleaner than it used to be before the River Keepers organization began to police it for litter and other environmental concerns. I also noticed there were some bat houses which is so cool and foward thinking. Bats eat so mant mosquitos, and their waste us extremely high is nutrients for trees and flowering shrubs. The River Keepers also have also installed used fishing line receptacles so fishers have a place to properly dispose of the filament , keeping it from Wildlife in an effort to prevent our feathered and furry friends from being ensnared.

Bryson Koehler

I love this park. Great trails.

Steve Nelson

Scenic getaway with good fishing

Ashutosh Shandilya

Serene and calm woods just to chill next to the sounds of flowing river. Well maintained trails. Ideal for fishing and relaxing in the river.

Vladimir Khvan

Nice place to walk. No challenge, but good for kids

masha

A very nice smaller park. With nature trails going in to Forrest and next to River. There are a few picnic tables but no playgrounds or anything like that it's pure nature. (The trails are not long)

Ina Moore

Try going there is a great experience for you and your family there's no trash you're no weird people walking around it's just an awesome place to visit

Brian Straub

Traffic in Atlanta is horrible. Im sure this place is beautiful but I've never been there. Google needs to get there act together. Just because I've been close doesn't mean I've been there. I just get stuck in traffic on the freeway. I've decided I'm giving everyone 5 stars when Google does this. I'm sick of it because I spend 2 to 3 hours a day in Atlanta traffic and Google does this to me every day

Bhavesh Ajmera

Awesome view n facilities. Not nice tracking tracks...

Gregory Stiller

The place to live. It's is so inviting. I fell in Love at first site with this Park.

Dhanalakshmi Vetrivel

Trails with beautiful views

Amelia Carchia

Beautiful! And lots of fun

miri mor mccollum

Beautiful place

Stanton Stebbins

A little slice of (natural) heaven in Dunwoody, just for a $5 parking fee!

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 it's a little walk through the field to get your kayak from the driveway. The sunsets are always relaxing.

Lydia Abdulahi

I love the trails here! They are great for trail running as well! I like being beside the river. There are plenty of spots to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery. Trails can get kind of confusing. Also, the parking can be confusing as well. Parking is $5 bit I recommend getting a park pass because it works at other parks as well!

RONALD M

Fresh Air and Nice Trails

Jeffrey Tennant

Great fun, good fishing

Grant Inscoe

Limited parking long walk to the boat launch but otherwise a great place to put in the river if you plan to take out at Morgan Falls.

Boris Vinnik

I may go as far as stating that this place is one of my most favorite places on the face of the planet, especially in proximity to a city, very well kept. Gorgeous.

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. There's a cool large overhanging rock that's interesting to see. There's 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. I'm looking forward to going in the spring when it's more green. The views were very good without the vegetation though. Don't forget to post the $3 parking fee.

Rodyna L Zabbit

This is the physical address of the Main Entrance to the Island Ford Unit, off of Roberts Road. After entering and following road signage along Island Ford Parkway to its end, you'll find the Hewlett Lodge, and where the Park Headquarters, Visitor Contact Station and Eastern National bookstore are located. This is also where you obtain and submit your Junior Ranger booklets, and also obtain your National Park Passport stamp!

Fogbound Penguin

This place is a hidden gem. Had no clue it was here

praghathi s

Very clean waters and peaceful place to relax and enjoy a holiday.

Norm Prince

Awsome.

Tiger Kim

calm and beautiful place

Ivan Alexander

Beautiful trails, well kept by the Park Service. Good for hiking or trail running, with a good mix of climbs and flat areas, a picnic space and nice views of the river.

Dorothy Graham

Absolutely beautiful. Restrooms were closed Sunday afternoon, so left early in search of a restroom at a service station.

Blade Schaekel

Beautiful! And so close to Atlanta

Stephen Nelson

We had been running here for decades. Beautiful, serene park with trails

Monique Ellis

Love walking there! Even if it's raining!

Guillermo Martinez

Countryside within the city

Ernie Stedman

This park is absolutely beautiful! Great hiking trails and facilities. Love it here!

Tara Winters

Great hikng spot with hikes for most any fitness level. Also beautiful river views and woods. Perfect for families!

Edward Sandfort

Beautiful wood, well maintained trails, great views. Can take a little effort, not recommended if you have trouble with endurance. Restrooms at base are clean.

Adam Teja

My happy place! Tax dollars well spent.

Edward Guerra

Nice spot. Pack out your garbage, please, thanks

David Zion

Great place to have fun on the river...!

Chad Adler

Beautiful scenery and views of the river. Trails are limited, but perfect for a short hike. Great place to picnic, fly fish, or enjoy many riverside views.

Brett Charap

Beautiful setting. Well maintained.

Emily Wolff

Wonderful! Beautiful river and an easy hike. Pay attention to the trees and caves along the trail. Lots to see! Would for sure be back! For more information and pictures, please Visit Em’s National Park Adventures on FB

Tim Nichols

We love our river walk, Roswell does a fantastic job of maintaining a great community treasure

DARRYL HENRY

best place to take a peaceful hike with the fam

Asvikaa Raakhavan

Good place

Andy Mac

I love to go here at least once a week and enjoy my lunch. Nobody messes with anyone. It's very peaceful.

Abhisheik Sharma

Nature, flowing river, fishes, butterflies,Bbq.good weekend picnic spot.

Michael Byrd

Enjoyed the beautiful scenery and trout fishing. Will definitely be going back when I'm up there.

Jada Edwards

Beautiful gem in the middle of a big city! Love it. In summer, be prepared for humidity that will soak you as much as the river....

Joshua Gillies

Beautiful park with a superb staff. Trails are well kept and the river is just stunning.

Chirag Venkatesan

Beautiful place to hike close to Roswell! There is a lot of interlinking trails, so you can make the hike as short or long as you'd like. Passes close to the hooch and you can see plenty of geese and some people fishing for trout. Definitely recommended for a quick hike close to the city!

Anna Patterson

Pretty place and loved my companions on my hike (my son and daughter)

Nishtha Gaul

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!!!

Dustin Simoneaux

Very nice trail!

Lewis Karlan

Good place to paddle in the ATL area, the pics shown are after a few days of rain.

Galli

Great hiking area!!

Dionne S

Great park. Peaceful with beautiful views.

Jitka Kacerova

Green paradise of forest for hikers, dogs and kayakers. Lots of wild geese, blue jays, squirrels, we also saw a snake. Great for a long walk along the river.

Robert Neville

Really I like so much good nature.. Loved this place which in inside the city ..

Michael Chen

It's a great place to do a bit of nature seeing. It's a walking trail, not a hike. There are some upward hills, but nothing too strenuous that would tire you out. It's covered by a lot of trees, so plenty of shade. There's also a path that follows along the river, so it's pretty cool. If you're looking for something quick with just a hint of nature, this is definitely something to check out. It's also free, except for the parking.

Miguel Viera

Awesome Trial, river is Beautiful...

Chuck Schulze

Very beautiful place. Quiet and great trails to walk.

Anutham Eashwar

Amazing place for a nice morning or evening walk . Well covered with shade and a beautiful blue River flowing by the pathway. Beware of mosquitoes, put on a bug spray veggie going. Loved this place which in inside the city . Must visit! Check my pics :)

Steven Fogel

3 hour trip via Canoe. Awesome as usual..

William Babij

Absolutely beautiful area. Great tourist attraction!

Alex Murray

Really good trails that weren't too strenuous. Good for walking the dogs. The shaded trails and the Chattahoochee being close really helped keep the temperature down. Nice place to stroll.

Sharda Subramanian

It is a beautiful place. I had a peaceful walk through the woods.

Myia M. MaGruder

Beautiful place to visit.

Jack Renshaw

Great hiking, easy and shaded, with a river!

Avyd Seeker

I literally just walk my dog here & haven't discovered much else to do. Steep hills that are great for exercise. Lots of deer, too.

Dunwoody Bells

What a view right near the city. Can't wait to go back.

Leonard Moultrie

Very nice scenic views of wildlife and greenery!

Sharon Browder

Great place to hike.

brian arb

Beautiful park, lots of options for biking, hiking , paddling, and picnics

Laura Hart

Love the area! Week come here often

EUC IC

Great fishing and hiking trail

Ilya F

Wonderful for walking, running, biking, socializing.

Kaiser's Quest

Right in my back yard. Take my Dog on a Hike every morning . If anyone is interested in a Hiking Guided Mediation let me know. Beautiful Gentle hiking Trails with great sites .

Sharon Ashcraft

It was awesome and peaceful

Jordan Kasulas

I love the trails here. I come here often with friends to walk beside the river. Usually, it’s not crowded either unlike most parks/recreation areas.

Intresting Facts

Direction map available

arvind ramesh

Great place to spend the evening

John Superfly

Very clean was surprised at the lack of trash. Trails completely shaded along the river absolutely beautiful.

Paul Diamond

National Park that once was a weekend home of a wealthy ATL lawyer. On the "Hooch" with a riverside trail of about a mile and other trails that climb hills and over rocks thru the rest of the park. Come to picnic, launch a boat or raft in the river, fish from the riverbanks, enjoy the southern riverside woods and wildlife. Great place to see double crested Cormorants, Canada Geese, Osprey, Blue Herons, Black Ducks and more. Staffed air conditioned visitor center with soda machine, rangers, books on outdoors subjects, clean restrooms.

Kitt Gibson

Saw a soft shelled turtle sunbathing, an older lady kayaking, and an older gent fishing with his dog on the Hooch. The park has two different playgrounds for children, a nice amphitheater, and a concession stand on weekends. Great place to learn history of the removal of the Cherokee and/or read a book.

SUNee KC

Really beautiful and tranquil. Great souvenirs, forest life, and water!

Nick Nolan

Love the hooch!

David Berry

This is a convenient place to go get away from the rush of Atlanta. It's a little rough around the edges; the signs, for example, could use a facelift, but considering the use it gets the Rec Area is well kept. Saw a herd of male deer the afternoon we were there. So there is definitely wildlife. Trails could be marked better. Some of the maps are pretty faded. Overall a nice afternoon outing.

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.

Jennifer Butz

Definitely different and so serene. Doesn't even feel like you are near the city when you are there.

Ginger Leguin

I REALLY wish there were more/better parking, but such a lovely park.

Rajeshree Vaidya

Awesome spot !

John Bassett

Beautiful scenery.

Chaitanya Balagam

Not the best place but Its good for walking. The water and maintenance in some areas are not good.

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!

k c

Beautiful serene trails.

Ken Vickers

Fantastic hiking

Mel Willis

I love nature, and being so close to the running river was super!!!

Sarah Davis

Beautiful trail. There is a playground- but the trail does go along the banks of the Chattahoochee so young children would need constant supervision. Lots to learn and see and the Chattahoochee is breathtaking :) Also- the end/uturn of the lake trail is not well marked- if you go under a hwy you missed the turn. When you see a trail to the left- take it over the trail going straight :)

David Holtzer

Great photography locations everywhere

AILIT1

This park has many trails and many beautiful views of the river. I recommend it for anybody who loves nature, rivers or both.

Amanda Daly

Beautiful scenery. Kids & dog enjoyed the water.

Will Hall

Love love love ...so gorgeous and well kept

tj for you

If you have questions the Rangers arnt afraid to awnser. Parking is 5 - 10 dollars. Beuatiful area.

cole tidwell

Great trails not too crowded pretty river decent place for a couple shots if your a photographer. At the entrance to the trail there is a nice little creek that has potential.

Jean Tropical Shores

Beautiful place for an easy hike.

Margaret Grenleski

Beautiful landscape, great walking trails, friendly and safe surroundings.

hector vanegas

Nice trails. Clean and beautiful. Needs more sight spots

Jennifer Lee

It's peaceful & calming to walk the paths by the river. There were lots of geese bathing in the river.

Vivian Diaz Patel

A Great Day to spend with family and friends. A clean, easy hike. Bring plenty of water and have a nice lunch, but be sure to take your trash with you when you leave. Will definitely be back with the kids. A great way to earn those fitbit steps and be distracted by nature's beauty.

James Bruce

Roswell has done a great job of adding the boardwalks to the river

Ashe Cornelius

so many trails right next to the river. the river flows well for canoeing or rafting. the only thing that really sucks is that you have to pay for parking.

Rick Carpenter

Absolutely beautiful.

Brian Wilson

Is a bit of a walk to the water if you are moving a boat but fairly level and grassy. Feels safe leaving a vehicle there. I have seen a few deer walking around so keep it slow on the curvy roads. It is pay parking.

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.

Rema Hazuri

I love the Hooch!

michael tichonuk

"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 of the other.

Jordan Teague

It was fun and awesome. Just wish there was a family bathroom

Chad Ellsworth

Great network of trails, some by the river

dave s

Nature at it's best. River, trout, ducks, deer, trails, picnic shelter, indoor bathroom, fishing lake,turtles, and drop off area for kayak, canoes and floating down the river plus great staff. Requires a parking pass but we'll worth it. Bring the dogs and Have fun!

Sharon Shillinger

Beautiful

Robin C

Nice hike along the Chattahoochee and close to home.

Joanna Reczek

It's so beautiful. I love to go with my dog.

Kristen Mary taylorf81616gmail

Lovely place!

D W

Great shaded walking or jogging path. Very quiet and serene

Joel Mangrum

Nice and quiet. Great place to just relax.

Pat Donahue

Float the Sweetwater, but dont forget to hose off after swimming #IgotHoseInAtlanta #bacteria

Austin Moon

Finally, Something wholesome! It is so fun to just relax in the river or even go into the Nature Center itself. I love it!

Kishore Kumar Manchala

Very nice calm and peaceful... Mind lightening water waves sound and beautiful nature.... Favorite pass time

Veronique Vanhooren

Go for a hike . Nice national recreation area .

Donald Coleman

Great game park for a hike. Trails available along the river and into the interior. Watch your step for dog poo.

AY24

Beautiful place for a picnic, or a hike! Trails are very beautiful. The trail goes right next to the river, with breathtaking views of the rapids. There are tons of cliffs and overhangs on the side. If you go further down the trail there is a place were rocks jut out into the middle of the river. You can walk down to the end, and be surrounded on all sides by water. This is a great place to take pics, or eat lunch. If it is your first time going here, you should take at least 2-3 hours of your time since it is a national park, and you have to check out the visitors center.

Josh Mcintyre

Work near it everyday in west point

Hilary Thornton

A gem of a resource for our nation. Preserve and enhance our parks.