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Looking to spend quality time with your loved ones in the great outdoors? Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is a natural fit for families seeking fun, fresh air, and meaningful moments together. With scenic trails, peaceful picnic spots, and hands-on learning experiences, CRNRA offers plenty of ways to connect with nature—and each other. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly activities to enjoy in the park:
If you’ve lived in metro Atlanta long enough, you may remember a time when people avoided the Chattahoochee River. It had a reputation—polluted, unpredictable, and not the kind of place you’d choose to paddle, swim, or fish. In the 1970s and '80s, that reputation was well-earned. Decades of development, failing infrastructure, and untreated stormwater left sections of the river vulnerable to high bacteria levels and poor water quality. For a while, the Chattahoochee was viewed more as a cautionary tale than a community resource.
If you’re looking for the perfect mix of sunshine, fresh air, and a little splash of adventure, paddling the Chattahoochee River through Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) checks all the boxes! Whether you’re into kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, or just floating downstream with your favorite snacks and a speaker, this river’s got something for everyone.
There’s a lot to love about springtime in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: the wildflowers are blooming, the trails are buzzing, and the river is flowing. And now we’ve got one more reason to get outside: National Park Week is coming up April 19-27, and we’re ready to celebrate CRNRA in a big way!
February is Black History Month, a time to honor and reflect on the contributions of Black Americans throughout history - including their impact on the National Park Service and CRNRA! Black Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the parks we cherish today. Explore the stories of resilience and conservation woven into CRNRA's history as we honor the diversity that strengthens and enriches our shared natural spaces - at our park, two remarkable superintendents stand out for their resilience, vision, and commitment to community: Marvin Madry and Kevin Cherie.
We are thrilled to announce that President Jimmy Carter will receive this year’s Hightower Award at our annual Party for the Park on Tuesday, March 25th. A lifelong advocate for conservation, President Carter’s dedication to protecting our natural spaces has left a lasting impact on our park and beyond. Join us as we celebrate his legacy and raise crucial funds for Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
The Great Ramblin’ Raft Race, first held in 1969, became a beloved tradition for thousands of Atlantans who gathered to float down the Chattahoochee River each summer. The event was born from the imagination of Georgia Tech student Larry Patrick, who, with the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, organized the first race down the river from Morgan Falls. What began as a quirky, off-the-beaten-path gathering of 55 competitors and 2,500 spectators quickly grew into one of the city’s largest and most anticipated annual events.
They're cozy winter homes for insects!
Native American History In Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Ever wondered why CRNRA is often called the national park in Atlanta's backyard? The National Park Service (NPS) includes many different types of parks, like National Parks, National Recreation Areas, National Battlefields, and National Historic Sites. Each type has its own special focus, but they all belong to the same national park system. So, even though the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) does not have "National Park" in its name, it and all 430+ units of NPS are considered national parks! In fact, there are 12 national parks in Georgia alone, all playing an important role in preserving our natural and cultural heritage and here to be enjoyed, learned from, and inspired by! So, why not name them all National Parks? The naming designations for these units often reflect their primary purpose or the type of resources they protect or how the park was created (either by an Act of Congress or through a Presidential proclamation). Let's explore a few popular national park designations!
