Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | PALISADES UNIT

Chattahoochee River near the West Palisades boat ramp in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Chattahoochee River near the West Palisades boat ramp in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area


Trails | Biking | Boat Ramp | Canoe Launch | Historic Ruins | Picnic Area | Directions


The Palisades unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is the southernmost unit in the park, located near the junction of I-75 and I-285 northwest of Atlanta. Vinings is the closest town to the park. The river splits the unit in two, creating a west and an east side. Both sides have hiking trails and a picnic area. The west side has a boat ramp and a canoe launch, the last put-in / take-out point located within the Recreation Area.

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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Last updated on May 21, 2024
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