Whitewater Creek, Island Ford, Gold Branch… why do they all have different names? Aren’t they all part of CRNRA? Yep, they are! It’s a common question! Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is made up of 15 separate park "units," or individual greenspaces, scattered along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. Unlike many national parks that are one big, connected space, CRNRA is made up of individual pieces of land, like a string of pearls scattered along the river. Each unit is its own distinct park area, with its own trailheads, river access points, and natural features. So when someone says they visited “CRNRA,” that could mean they went to: Island Ford (home to the Visitor Center) Palisades (popular for hiking and views) Paces Mill, Vickery Creek, Bowmans Island, Cochran Shoals... and many more! This setup can be confusing because the park isn’t one continuous space — you might drive 10 or 20 minutes between units. But together, they make up the full and beautiful Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area! Want to explore them all? Check out our interactive map and full list of park units on our website to discover a new favorite spot along the river!

Date: December 7, 2025 Contact: Patrick Gamman, Acting Superintendent , 678-538-1200 SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. – On Dec. 7, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area launches a trail system transformation at the Island Ford unit. Visitors should be prepared for trail closures at Island Ford from January 5 until Spring of 2026. CRNRA will post updates on closures and nearby trail alternatives on its website at nps.gov/chat , on social media @chattahoocheerivernps, and in the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center at Island Ford, which will remain open to the public seven days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The National Park Service, in partnership with the CRNRA’s official friends’ group, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, will begin this park-wide project at Island Ford, home to park headquarters and the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center. The Island Ford project includes trail rehabilitation and an additional 2.2 miles of trails to improve long-term use, access, and park preservation. This project is the first step in implementing CRNRA’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan, published in 2022. The plan calls for trail enhancements at every park unit with more durable paths, resource conservation, and a better experience for visitors. The plan further adds 33 miles of new trails throughout the park—a 50% increase—including pedestrian-only, bicycle/multi-use, and ADA accessible trail miles. The jointly planned and executed project will be funded and led by the Conservancy, with public support. Trail improvements will address issues of erosion, safety, navigability, access, and protection of park resources for ongoing visitor enjoyment. Trails will be stronger and better built to withstand the numbers of visitors enjoying them every year. Additional miles of hiking trails will expand recreation opportunities and chances for solitude in the woods. Named loop hikes and improved maps will create easy-to-navigate opportunities and breathe new life into hiking, walking, and running in this green oasis beside the Chattahoochee River. For more information on the Island Ford Trail Project, visit Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy website at: https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/iftrails For more information on Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, visit https://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm .