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Island Ford – The Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Island Ford – The Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Island Ford – The Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Island Ford – The Heart of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Located in the northeast corner of Sandy Springs, Island Ford serves as the centerpiece of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). It hosts the National Park Service headquarters, a comprehensive visitor center, and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

The river here is a stocked trout stream that attracts fly fishermen year‑round. Visitors can also explore 16 ancient rock shelters, some of the most accessible in the CRNRA.

At Island Ford, you can learn about the region’s natural and cultural history at the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center or tackle the easy‑to‑moderate 5.5‑mile trail that follows the riverbank and dips into surrounding woodlands.

The Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center operates daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on December 25th.

All park lands and waters are open for day use from dawn to dusk throughout the year. Dawn is defined as 30 minutes before legal sunrise, and dusk is 30 minutes after legal sunset. Sunrise and sunset times are posted at the information kiosks located throughout the park.

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