Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is comprised of 15 land units and 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River that starts near the Buford Dam along the river in Cumming, Georgia and ends close to the junction of I-75 and I-285, approximately 10 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.

Although the part of the river in this 48-mile section is owned and managed by the Federal government and National Park Service respectively, several sections of the shoreline along the river are privately owned. Accessing these privately-owned areas requires approval from the owner. Your best bet is to stick to the 15 land units that are owned by the park, 13 of which can easily be accessed by road.

Each land unit has amenities that include picnic areas, boat ramps, canoe launches, and hiking trails. These amenities allow for several activities at the National Park including learning about historic ruins in the area, picnicking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. That said, most people love to visit this recreational area with no set agenda but to simply have a leisurely experience at the park. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is sometimes referred to as the playground of Atlanta because people just love to spend their free time having outdoor fun, exercising, or having an adventure.

One of the leisurely indulgences that you can also enjoy at the park includes relaxing or having some fun with your dog. You can hike along trails within the park’s 15 land units, but you must always keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet long to not only protect your dog but to also protect other wildlife and visitors to the park. Additionally, your dog must never be left unattended to. Cleaning after your dog is also a must so be sure to carry with you poop bags for your convenience. There are receptacles all around the park that are available for you to dispose of your dog’s poop.