Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | JOHNSON FERRY UNIT

Chattahoochee River at the Johnson Ferry Unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River at the Johnson Ferry Unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area


Boat Ramp | Hiking Trails | Picnic Area | Directions


The Johnson Ferry Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is split into two sections by Johnson Ferry Road: a large, northern section and a smaller, southern section. Parking for the northern section is directly off of Johnson Ferry Road, while access to the southern section requires a turn down Columns Drive (directly across the street from the northern section parking) and a short drive down the road to the entrance.

Both sections of the Johnson Ferry Unit have picnic areas and hiking trails, though the southern section trail is very short and not worth the effort. Johnson Ferry North has a boat ramp and a modern restroom. None of these amenities are at the southern section.

Restroom at the Johnson Ferry North Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Restroom at the Johnson Ferry North Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

There is a small 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 (leave it on your car dashboard with the date / signature side up). 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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Last updated on May 15, 2024
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