Fishing near Settles Bridge in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation is comprised of the river itself and 15 parcels of land along the river’s shore, 13 of which can be accessed by car. These are known as “park units,” and each unit has different amenities. The following is a list of parks in order from north to south. Directions and information about each park can be found on the individual park unit web pages.

Bowman’s Island (boat ramp, picnic area, hiking trails, horseback riding)

Orrs Ferry (no access)

Settles Bridge (canoe launch, hiking trail, historic ruins)

McGinnis Ferry (boat ramp, picnic area)

Suwanee Creek (non-maintained trails, no facilities)

Abbotts Bridge (boat ramp, picnic area, short trail)

Medlock Bridge (boat ramp, picnic area, hiking trails)

Jones Bridge (boat ramp, canoe launch, picnic area, hiking trails)

Holcomb Bridge (no access)

Island Ford (canoe launch, hiking trails, picnic area)

Vickery Creek (hiking trails, historic ruins, picnic area)

Gold Branch (hiking trails and picnic area)

Johnson Ferry (boat ramp, hiking trails, picnic area)

Cochran Shoals (canoe launch, hiking trails, historic ruins, picnic areas)

Palisades (canoe launch, boat ramp, hiking trails, picnic areas)

There is a fee to enter any of the park units. Day passes and annual Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area passes are available. The day pass is good for entrance into as many park units as you can get to in a day, but it is good for only one day. Annual National Park Passes are also good for entry. For current fees, see the the park’s Fees and Passes web page.

You can purchase a pass at the Island Ford Visitor Center (credit or debit card only, no cash) or online at Recreation.gov, either in advance or at the park using the Internet and your cell phone. Cash is no longer accepted at the park units. If purchasing a day pass online, you enter your license plate number when purchasing. This is how the park Rangers know which vehicles are parked legally. Park Rangers sporadically patrol the parking lots and will issue tickets for those who have not paid. Keep in mind that this is an entrance fee, not a parking fee, so you need a pass even if you walk or bike into the park. If asked by a Ranger, you must be able to show a hard copy pass or a digital pass on your phone.

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