Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | BOWMANS ISLAND UNIT

Chattahoochee River below the Buford Dam

Chattahoochee River below the Buford Dam


Hiking Trails | Horseback Riding | Boat Ramp | Picnic Area | Directions and Parking


The Bowmans Island Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is located right below the Buford Dam—the dam that blocks the natural flow of the Chattahoochee River and forms Lake Lanier—making it the northern most unit in the Recreation Area. The park is split into two halves by the river, forming a west and an east side, and since the park is longer north to south than east to west, there are distinct northern and southern sections as well.

All attractions within the Bowmans Island Unit are located on the west side of the river. Access to the northern end is at Lower Pool West Park, which is owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. There are entrances at the southern end of the unit, but finding them is tricky, so be sure to read the section on Parking and Directions. In fact, finding any of the Bowman Island parking areas is tricky.

If visiting Lower Pool West Park, annual National Park and Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area passes are valid for entry. If you don’t have a pass, you must pay the standard entrance fee for a day pass, which is currently $8. There is a credit card machine at the entrance, but your best bet is to purchase a pass (day or annual) in advance online at Recreation.gov. The credit card machines are often out of order, and cash payments are no longer accepted at the individual park units.

Lower Pool West Park has a small picnic area, restrooms, a boat ramp, and access to the trails. There are no other amenities within the Bowmans Island Unit.

The trails on the west side of the park run the length of the unit from north to south. Horseback riding is also allowed on these trails, but there is only one trailhead where horses are allowed to enter into the park. This is located on the southern end on Trout Place Road near the Buford Trout Hatchery.

In case you were wondering where the name Bowmans Island came from, not too far down from the dam is a small island in the middle of the river called Bowmans Island. The park itself is not actually on the island. Who Bowman is, I have no idea.

Bowmans Island in the Chattahoochee River as seen through the trees (red sign on top of it)

Bowmans Island in the Chattahoochee River as seen through the trees (red sign on top of it)

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Last updated on May 6, 2024
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