Chattahoochee River between the Holcomb Bridge and Island Ford units of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

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Length: 5 miles
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

The trip down the Chattahoochee River from Holcomb Bridge / Garrard Landing to Island Ford might be labeled Millionaires’ Row, for the river passes mansion after mansion, some hidden behind the trees, some out in the open with opulent sundecks and gazebos decorating the shoreline. For those more interested in the lifestyles of the rich and famous than in getting back to nature, this is the river trip to go on.

Mansions along the river between the Holcomb Bridge and Island Ford units of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Surprisingly, there is still plenty of wildlife, especially waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and blue herons. I saw more birds in this section than in the more natural areas below Island Ford.

Blue Heron on the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta

This stretch of water is relatively free of rapids or turbulent water, yet it moves at a brisker pace than much of the Chattahoochee River to the north. I was able to cover the five miles in an hour and twenty minutes, which amounts to an extra mile per hour over my average. The only adventure on the trip comes at the 321.5 mile marker. You will be confronted with two islands and three passageways. I took the right passage, as the center and left looked a little thin, and such narrow lanes often become blocked with trees. I can’t say if this is the case here, but the safest route looked to be the wider, right section, so that’s what I took. As you pass the islands you cross a small stretch of turbulent water, which for the Chattahoochee amounts to a few strong ripples, but it’s more fun than flat water.

Two islands, three choices

In another mile and a half down river is the Island Ford unit of the park, which has a canoe ramp. You can tell you are there because you will come face to face with another island. The canoe ramp is on the left side of the river prior to the island, but it is small and easy to miss, evident by the fact that I passed right by it and never saw it. You can take out here to end your journey or continue on to the Morgan Falls Dam, the end of the line unless you plan to carry your vessel around the dam.

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