Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a 48-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River in the state of Georgia.
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Summary
It offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and picnicking.
One of the main reasons to visit this area is its scenic beauty. The river is surrounded by lush forests, rocky shoals, and a variety of wildlife. There are also historic sites to see, such as the remains of a Civil War-era mill and the location of a Native American trading post.
The recreation area is also home to several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The East Palisades Trail is a popular choice, offering stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape. The park also has several picnic areas and fishing spots, making it a great place to spend a day with family and friends.
Interesting facts about the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area include its designation as a National Recreation Area in 1978 and its inclusion in the National Park Service system. The park is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Georgia aster, the American shad, and the Gulf sturgeon.
The best time of year to visit the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and damp.
Overall, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a beautiful and unique destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore the natural beauty of Georgia.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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