Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area image

Island Ford Unit, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Tourist attraction Park National park National reserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Sandy Springs


Address

8800 Roberts Dr, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, United States

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

+1 678-538-1200

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: (Easter), 9 am to 5 pm, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: river (34) trails (22) hike (21) great (17) parking (15) Beautiful (14) park (14) trail (11) Great (10) walking (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Vasantharajan T. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean place. Great hike along the river. So many trials are there. Went there with family and friends, kids were really enjoyed.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Greg S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location for a moderately difficult hike. Great scenery and plentiful wildlife.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 T T. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the most refreshing and relaxing hiking trails at the Chattahoochee. I had an amazing hike and will be visiting this site more often.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sharon M. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place but almost no one had a mask on or even tried to maintain distance. Will be even more unsafe as Summer comes. There was one woman with 5 kids no masks and touched me as they past by. Some must think COVID is gone. I think all should have to wear a mask if it is crowded. President setting horrible example.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Car2ner 1 year ago on Google
    Nice visitor center. Natural but walkable trails. Good parking. Wear good shoes if you want to walk down to the water or up to the "caves". Watch out for poison ivy.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fred W. 2 years ago on Google
    It was FANTASTIC.!!! My buddy Steve and I spent a few hours out in the middle of the Hooch trout fishing.......had a blast.!!!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kévin B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful day to be at the park. Went on a date and found a perfectly shaded space along the river to lay my mat down and have our picnic. Well worth it. Also the space was not too far from the parking lot which was great for lugging along our stuff.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tanja B. 1 year ago on Google
    Such a great green space in the middle of metro Atlanta. Great place to hike and walk with amazing river views. It never disappoints.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chirag V. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to hike close to Roswell! There is a lot of interlinking trails, so you can make the hike as short or long as you'd like. Passes close to the hooch and you can see plenty of geese and some people fishing for trout. Definitely recommended for a quick hike close to the city!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlene N. 2 years ago on Google
    This is one of our favorite parks in the area! Great trails for walking, running and walking your dog, like we do. We especially love the trails along the river. Breathtaking views and a special treat to see all the wildlife. The trails are well marked and they try to keep them clean. There is the occasional downed tree from strong winds or storms but they are quick to try to clean those up. The park visitor's center is really nice and has knowledgeable and friendly park officers, as well as clean restrooms. There are several parking lots as well. We enjoy going earlier in the day (before noon) and never have issues finding parking. There is a fee for parking but get the annual pass and it'll pay off quickly. Enjoy!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher B. 5 months ago on Google
    Great place for photo spot, and fun to jump around the rocks. There is no close parking, so plan on walking riverside and include that in planning. Water is pretty shallow too so great for the summer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Carla C. 7 years ago on Google
    Nice hilly trails with nice views oh the river. I saw some good places to swim but not sure about the safety of it cleanliness wise. I saw many fishermen wading here. There's a cool large overhanging rock that's interesting to see. There's a lot of water fowl that hang out on the rocks in the river. The trails are well maintained and marked. Also lots of poo stations with bags in the parking lots. I'm looking forward to going in the spring when it's more green. The views were very good without the vegetation though. Don't forget to post the $3 parking fee.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jim e. 3 years ago on Google
    Peaceful River park. Sometimes when I just don't know where I want to get out.... I come here. Maybe it's just a chance of seeing the leucistic hawk.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Don K. 3 years ago on Google
    This a a great place to launch a Kayak or a raft and just float down the Hooch. It does cost $5 for parking or you can buy at yearly pass for $40.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 saurabh g. 3 years ago on Google
    Great hike. Kids friendly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Boris V. 4 years ago on Google
    I may go as far as stating that this place is one of my most favorite places on the face of the planet, especially in proximity to a city, very well kept. Gorgeous.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam O. 3 months ago on Google New
    Highly recommend. Very easy hike, good for a stroll, kids or walking dogs. We saw a lot of dogs on this hike. Looks like a great fishing spot too. Really quiet and pretty. We hiked on a rainy day and it was still lovely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nomads F. 2 years ago on Google
    May be the best place around atlanta area for a perfect hike or kayaking. The visitor center is amazing and the rangers in there was super friendly. Over the weekends this place gets little bit crowded.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Letti H. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place is wonderful to go with family. (Original) El lugar es maravilloso para ir en familia.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph M. 3 years ago on Google
    So much fun this 4th of July weekend. Water in the river is cold, most of the people we see have tubes or some float for going down the river. Not sure where to get out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L'Erin T. 3 years ago on Google
    What a great day and fun experience. Loved the trails and view. So much fun.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason J. 6 months ago on Google
    Minutes from the city, yet so immersive, that you will feel miles away. Island Ford Park is my favorite trail that parallels the Chattahoochee River. The stretch of river here is wide and shallow so it is a favorite of anglers hoping for some trout and folks tubing down river. The trails are well maintained and dog friendly (on leash only).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) This national park is also very primitive. The river water resembles mud soup, like the Yellow River in China. When we went there, the water was very deep, the current was very rapid, and the river course was very wide, especially a small river, and found a small and exquisite waterfall. Nature is true. They are all beautiful! (Original) 这个国家公园同样很原始,河水酷似泥汤,像中国的黄河,我们去的时候水很深,水流很急,河道很宽,尤其有一条小河,发现了一个小而精致的瀑布,大自然真的都很美啊!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brant N. 2 years ago on Google
    The Chattahoochee River has been my go to outside gym for many years. The stretch of river from Azalea Dr to Island Ford is a great section to paddle up and back down. It's not exactly swift and is fairly shallow but otherwise it's interesting enough to keep my attention.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 laura m. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to escape reality
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alicia M. 3 years ago on Google
    Kid approved hike, definitely stop in with the friendly ranger and grab a badge.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nanette A. 2 years ago on Google
    Park Rangers were very informative and friendly. First time there hiking and getting in the river with my grandson. Saw lots of Wildlife was a great day

  • 5/5 Chris R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to get out in nature. A total of about 4 miles of unpaved walking trail kind of broken into two parts. One part of the trail takes you into the sticks and one takes you along the river. Secret gems all throughout to make exploration enjoyable. There is a much larger park with a huge waterfall and longer trails that's about a mile away. But this one is great for a hike with less foot traffic.

  • 5/5 Bloh 2 years ago on Google
    I love everything here! You can go all over the park walking, cycling, rollerblading, kayaking, this place is beautiful and has too spaces for children, for the family, public restrooms, etc.

  • 5/5 Muriel R. 4 months ago on Google
    Plenty of beautiful spaces to hike, walk, and enjoy nature. Waterfalls, River, trees, and wildlife. The visitors center is a really cool log building from the 1930s. You can get maps, buy gifts, use the rest rooms, and get your National Park Passport stamped here.

  • 5/5 cathy b. 2 years ago on Google
    I have been in love (literally) with Island Ford Nature Park from my 1st visit 30 yrs ago. The trails are relatively easy to maneuver for the average person. There are 3 parking lots to the left of the main entrance inviting a different way down to the trails which all connect. I prefer the 2nd & 3rd parking lots because I always have my dogs with me & they are a little easier to manage with my bad back. During the summer months it's our salvation due to the heat & humidity. There is always a forgiving amount of shade from the trees on one side of you and the spectacular never ending Chattahoochee River along with its wildlife on the other side of you as you navigate along the river's trail. It's fun to see people in the summer hanging up cloth hammocks on the trees to relax & kids & adults maneuvering onto the giant rocks in the river to fish & picnic. Once in a while at sundown it's very magical to spot some friendly deer! My dogs love every minute of it (tempting to let them run free but please do not do this!) I got a ticket (deservedly) when I couldn't resist letting one of my retriever mix dogs enjoy her freedom on a quiet off hours day. Early evening be careful to bring a flashlight as it can turn dark very quickly. Avoid hitting deer as you will see them often crossing the road. Speed limit 25 mph. Check out the caves but I will let you find them on your own! Enjoy!

  • 5/5 Damion K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great family daytime getaway.

  • 5/5 Oh-hyun K. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome place to be with nature. I was surprised to find this place to be very quiet on a Saturday. They've got a very nice 3/4 mile nature trail along the river just past the visitor center and it was perfect for our toddlers to be with nature. Plenty of spots along the trail to see wildlife on the river. It was very pretty.

  • 4/5 Avery B. 2 years ago on Google
    The 4 stars are not a reflection of the place itself, because it is beautiful and truly one-of-a-kind. I didn't give it 5 stars only because when I took my little (and very well behaved) dog there, there were a lot of people who weren't being respectful to the other guests, and had.dogs of their own who were off leash and causing problems towards other dogs. I can understand wanting to have fun on a beautiful day and don't begrudge anyone the right to do so because this is definitely the place to do that. However, there was a lot of loud music; trash being left ever ever it fell, despite the clearly marked and easily accessible trash bins; and an unwillingness to share the paths and small "beaches"/river access places with other visitors. I am not saying visitors shouldn't enjoy themselves, because they should, and this is a perfect place to do that, but this is a space open to all, and a little courtesy goes a long way. I will be back, but probably not on a weekend. The walking paths are beautiful, there are many scenic views, and there are a lot of places to sit and get a packed lunch. It really is a wonderful place to spend the day hidden in plain sight!

  • 4/5 William Q. 2 years ago on Google
    A great place to hike and fish it has a boat ramp and some picnic tables with a few grills good for couples, groups ,family or solo

  • 5/5 Samantha P. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge park, bigger than I realized on my first couple of visits. The upper area, near the visitors center has a big field to play in and river access, but the parking lots get crowded. If you're just going to hike, use one of the lower parking lots. Those trailheads all connect into the same great river front hikes.

  • 5/5 Deepen S. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful hiking spot. There are not many people here. The hiking level is moderate. You can start at the top of the park and walk all the way down to the river. Walking next to the river is very soothing.

  • 5/5 Seth S. 1 year ago on Google
    Been coming here since a kid and still love it! Plenty of trails, great spots for fishing, big rocks for sun-tanning, and "tropical" islands to explore. Perfect place to be on a hot summer day!

  • 5/5 Wade C. 1 year ago on Google
    Plentiful parking with relatively easy trails. A large and easily accessed section of trail runs along the Chattahoochee and is generally cooler due to the shade and proximity to the water. You can also buy national park service passes at the visitors center in case you want to return again and again.

  • 5/5 Rich H. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to go and be close to the river and not have to drive a long distance. Hiking along the river is fun. There's a big field that can absorb kids' interest and energy too.

  • 5/5 Linda B. 1 year ago on Google
    Jeep included, this was a Valentine's outing my sweetheart planned for me. And while we were at Chattahoochee National Park, we went to the main office and got our Lifelong Veteran National Parks Pass! The hike was beautiful and soothing as nothing else is for us. Being in a natural habitat with the animals(geese), the river with it's striking features, and the abundant sunshine on this day was happy and fun beyond belief, and wonderfully spiritual in it's own way. And now we have our life-long free admittance pass to all of our country's great national parks! I say this 'meaningfully', "Take A Hike!" 😁

  • 3/5 Vijay P. 1 year ago on Google
    It's alright. Long twisty trail. Very noisy due to the highway close by. Haven't seen any waterfront and no restrooms.

  • 5/5 Peake N. 10 months ago on Google
    Incredible park! One of my top favorites in the Atlanta metro area, very well kept with beautiful views and access to the Chattahoochee river.

  • 5/5 JoeBen M. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing trail along the river. Plenty of elevations and a lot of rock outcroppings and even a “ kinda” cave. I took my 3 and 4 year old no problem, although there are a couple of places where I felt compelled to hold their hands. All in all great place to hike.

  • 5/5 Judy L. 3 years ago on Google
    My go to happy place. The trails are well maintained and the natural beauty is a wonderful stress reliever! I walk there quite often.

  • 5/5 Charles Woodard V. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this park and trail. Quiet, great views and neat rock outcroppings. You won't be disappointed!

  • 5/5 Doug B. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice spot for a walk with your in the city.

  • 5/5 Mike L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice even after some rain. Stellar trails.

  • 5/5 Heuristic 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park!

  • 5/5 Sandra M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to hike.

  • 5/5 Andrew F. 3 years ago on Google
    What an amazing hike!

  • 5/5 Victor T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Fantastic (Original) Fantástico

  • 5/5 Steve S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful sit for a picnic!

  • 5/5 S. E. L. 3 years ago on Google
    Peaceful and calm place for walking and fishing.

  • 5/5 Mohammad J. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place specially during fall don’t missed it

  • 5/5 BRYCE F. 3 years ago on Google
    Peaceful

  • 5/5 Priya S. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to visit

  • 5/5 Derrein S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice walk And view, it serves it's purpose 😃

  • 5/5 Judie P. 5 years ago on Google
    We drove through during the shut down. It was quiet. There are people that live inside so no shenanigans. You were able to still walk some of the trails. Peaceful.

  • 5/5 Emily W. 6 years ago on Google
    Wonderful! Beautiful river and an easy hike. Pay attention to the trees and caves along the trail. Lots to see! Would for sure be back! For more information and pictures, please Visit Em’s National Park Adventures on FB

  • 5/5 Joshua G. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park with a superb staff. Trails are well kept and the river is just stunning.

  • 5/5 Joseph B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Kaylee S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful walking trails

  • 5/5 Polar B. 3 years ago on Google
    A gem and many more hidden within.

  • 5/5 Viola D. 3 years ago on Google
    Always A Pretty Sight...

  • 5/5 Jason R. 3 years ago on Google
    We always have fun floating the river.

  • 5/5 Viviana Parra J. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Delicious food, good portions, and the decoration is not at all extravagant on the contrary very sober (Original) Comida deliciosa, buenas porciones, y la decoración no es para nada extravagante por el contrario muy sobrio

  • 5/5 Heidi U. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful trails and clear waters that you can wade in.

  • 5/5 My L. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, lots of parking, tubeing area

  • 5/5 Kristine S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Ruben A. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful hiking trails!

  • 1/5 Marion B. 3 years ago on Google
    To crowded

  • 5/5 Wah D. 3 years ago on Google
    I love walking 🚶‍♂️ in the trial

  • 5/5 Erik V. 3 years ago on Google
    Island Ford is a great place to visit to see th tranquility of the river. No wonder Park HQ is hear. Options include various trails, Ruver access as well as picnicing under trees by a wide open meadow just NE of visitors center. There is even a boat ramp just right for an afternoon paddle in the mostly lake like area before the wide and gentle shoals, unless the water cery high. A peaceful cool area due to the mostly north facing slope by the river that is in the summer shade.

  • 5/5 Daniel B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place

  • 5/5 Prashanth M. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent for walks, not crowded and safe.

  • 5/5 Leslie R. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyable day's distraction


Call +1 678-538-1200 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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