The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a national park strung along 48 miles of river through metro Atlanta, in 15 separate units. Entry is $5 per vehicle per day or $40 for an annual pass, the park is cashless, and it is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
| Chattahoochee River NRA | |
|---|---|
| Daily entry | $5 per vehicle (covers everyone in it) |
| On foot, bike or motorcycle | $5 per person |
| Annual pass | $40 |
| Payment | Cashless — buy online or by card |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk, year-round |
| Dogs | Leashed, 6 ft maximum, including in the water |
| Size | 15 units along a 48-mile river corridor |
What does it cost?
An entrance pass is required and is valid for one day. Arriving by car, one $5 pass covers the vehicle and its passengers; visitors on foot, bicycle or motorcycle pay $5 each. The annual pass is $40, and America the Beautiful passes are also accepted. The park does not accept cash, so buy ahead or bring a card (checked September 17, 2026). The Park Service also publishes a list of fee-free days each year.
When is it open?
Park lands and waters are open for day use only, from dawn to dusk, all year. The Park Service defines dawn as 30 minutes before legal sunrise and dusk as 30 minutes after legal sunset, and posts the day’s times at its information kiosks (checked September 17, 2026).
Can you bring a dog?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet at all times — including while in the water. Owners must clean up after their dogs, and dogs may not be left unattended (checked September 17, 2026). For other options, see our dog policies for 303 Georgia places.
Where should you start?
With 15 units spread across 48 miles, the unit you want may not be the headquarters. The Island Ford unit holds the park headquarters and the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center; for everything else, use the Park Service maps page to compare units by amenities and activities before you drive.
The Park Service says fishing is good on the river, including for rainbow trout in its cold water. For family-friendly walks in the area, see easy hikes near Atlanta with kids and free things to do in Atlanta with kids.
FAQ
How much does it cost to park at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?
A daily entrance pass is $5 per vehicle, covering everyone in it, or $5 per person on foot, bicycle or motorcycle. An annual pass is $40. The park is cashless (checked September 17, 2026).
What are the hours of the Chattahoochee River NRA?
Day use only, from dawn to dusk year-round. Dawn is 30 minutes before legal sunrise and dusk is 30 minutes after legal sunset.
Are dogs allowed at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area?
Yes, on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, including while in the water. Owners must clean up after their dogs and may not leave them unattended.
Where is the Chattahoochee River NRA visitor center?
The Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center and park headquarters are at the Island Ford unit.
How we checked this guide: Dates, hours, admission and parking prices, and access details were verified against the official sources listed below on . Operators change schedules and raise prices without notice, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you drive. The figures in this guide also feed our Georgia Attraction Transparency Index and Family Day-Out Cost Index.
Sources
- National Park Service — Chattahoochee River NRA: Fees & Passes
- National Park Service — Chattahoochee River NRA: Hours
- National Park Service — Chattahoochee River NRA: Pets
- National Park Service — Chattahoochee River NRA: Basic information
- National Park Service — Chattahoochee River NRA: Maps
Hank Whitlock is the pen name of the It's Georgia editor. Every guide is built around the questions a busy family actually asks before a trip: how long is the drive, what does parking cost, can the stroller make it, are dogs allowed. Details are checked against official park, city, and venue sources, and each guide shows the date it was last updated.
