National Park vs. National Recreation Area: What's the Difference?

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!

National Parks

National Parks are perhaps the most well-known type of park within the NPS. They are designated to protect areas of stunning natural beauty, unique geological features, and diverse ecosystems. Think of places like Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, and Yosemite, famous for its beautiful granite cliffs and waterfalls. National Parks are often large expanses of wilderness that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and diversity of America's landscapes, often through activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.

National Recreation Areas


National Recreation Areas like CRNRA are often focused on providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and are usually located near large reservoirs or urban areas. CRNRA, for example, stretches along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River, offering a natural escape for millions of visitors each year, right in the heart of metropolitan Atlanta. National Recreation Areas are designed to balance conservation with recreation, providing spaces for activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking, while still protecting the natural environment.

National Historic Parks & National Historic Sites

National Historic Sites and National Historical Parks focus on preserving locations of significant historical importance. These sites often commemorate the lives of influential figures or events that shaped our nation's history. For instance, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta preserves the home and church of the civil rights leader, while Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park in Macon protects ancient Native American earthworks dating back thousands of years.

National Battlefields & National Battlefield Parks


National Battlefields preserve and protect the sites of important battles in American history. These parks serve as solemn reminders of the conflicts that have shaped our nation. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, located in Kennesaw, Georgia, is a prime example, offering visitors the chance to explore Civil War battlegrounds and learn about the strategies and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought there.

Each of these designations (and the many more titles within NPS) help clarify the main focus and intended use of the site, but all are managed the same way and are integral parts of the national park system. Each park contributes to the mission of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the United States for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.


No matter the designation, our national parks are all here to help us connect with our history, nature, and the incredible stories that make up the fabric of our nation. So next time you're enjoying the natural beauty or historical significance of an NPS site, remember that you're part of something much bigger - a nationwide effort to preserve America's most cherished places.



Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

Related Posts

June 30, 2025
ATLANTA, GA – In light of federal developments affecting the National Park Service (NPS), two Atlanta-based environmental organizations – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) – have joined forces to raise awareness, encourage public action, and protect the future of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). Stretching across 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River and more than 7,000 acres in metro Atlanta, CRNRA consistently ranks among the top 30 most-visited units in the national park system, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually. Yet like many national parks, it now faces serious uncertainty around funding, staffing, and resources, raising concerns and more questions among the community about what preserving and protecting it will look like moving forward. As Congress debates the Fiscal Year 2026 federal budget, both organizations are urging the public to act now to prevent further cuts to the National Park Service, with funding shortfalls that threaten the prioritization of conservation and restoration efforts, resource stewardship, scientific research, and the ability to address growing maintenance needs. “This park has been chronically underfunded, but is now facing an even more significant strain. If the budget falls shorter, it will only get worse," said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of CNPC. "We are here to support this park, but we need those who care about our park to speak up now, while there's still time to shape the outcome." In May 2025, the federal administration released a FY26 budget recommendation that includes a $1.2 billion cut to the National Park Service – nearly 40% of the agency’s current funding. If enacted, it would be one of the largest reductions in NPS history, with far-reaching effects for parks nationwide, including CRNRA. Several other recent federal shifts have added pressure to park operations. Executive Orders restricting federal hiring and purchasing have made it harder for the park to bring on needed staff, procure supplies, and cover basic operational expenses – challenges that are especially difficult as visitation continues to grow. Additionally, a House proposal to eliminate $267 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for NPS has raised concern among public land advocates. With CRNRA already understaffed, further cuts would endanger critical functions of the park. CNPC is the official nonprofit partner and friends group to CRNRA, raising funds to directly support and enhance the park through projects, community outreach, and volunteerism. CNPC is one of over 200 friends groups to national parks across America. CRK is a watchdog and advocacy organization focused on protecting the entire Chattahoochee River watershed – 430 river miles from North Georgia to Florida – through water monitoring, education, legal action, and public engagement. 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River fall within CRNRA, and CRK works directly with the park on water quality monitoring and oversight. To help people understand what’s at stake and how to help, CNPC has created a landing page explaining recent federal changes, the impact on CRNRA, and what local citizens can do to engage at chattahoocheeparks.org/updates. At the same time, CRK has launched a letter-writing tool that makes it simple to contact elected officials and urge full NPS funding at chattahoochee.org/nps. This joint effort follows a recent advocacy win: after public outcry and pressure from Georgia Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, the Department of the Interior reversed its decision to terminate the lease for the USGS South Atlantic Water Science Center in Norcross, a critical facility that maintains stream gauges that track the Chattahoochee River’s bacteria levels and water height, discharge, and temperature. Several of these gauges are located within CRNRA and are vital for ensuring safe recreation for paddlers, anglers, and families on the river. “We’re grateful for the reversal of the USGS lease termination. It’s proof that advocacy works,” said Jason Ulseth, CRK’s Riverkeeper and Executive Director. “Now, we need to keep that momentum going to protect the broader system of public lands and the park rangers who care for them.” To get involved, the two organizations are encouraging the public to take action in two key ways: Speak Up: CRK’s letter-writing tool makes it easy to advocate for adequate NPS funding and stronger environmental protections. Supporters can write to members of Congress with a few easy clicks on their website at chattahoochee.org/nps . Support the Park: CNPC invites the community to help maintain trails, preserve ecosystems, and support public access to CRNRA through donations, memberships, and volunteering. Learn more at chattahoocheeparks.org/updates . This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting one of metro Atlanta’s most treasured public spaces, and a reminder that while federal decisions may be out of our hands, local action still holds power. “CRNRA belongs to all of us,” said Jones. “By working together, we can make sure it stays safe, clean, and enjoyable for future generations.” About Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. CNPC enhances the park by building community, enriching lives, and catalyzing support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. Learn more at www.chattahoocheeparks.org. About Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s mission is to educate, advocate, and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries, and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet. For more information, visit www.chattahoochee.org. Media Contacts: Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy: Erin Tallent – erin.tallent@chattahoocheeparks.org Chattahoochee Riverkeeper: Rosemary Pitrone – rpitrone@chattahoochee.org
June 17, 2025
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe: Leashing Dogs at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Leashing your pet protects them and preserves the park's natural beauty and ensures a safe experience for everyone. SANDY SPRINGS, GA – Dogs are welcome on the trails at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), but pet owners must follow the basic rules to ensure the safety of their pets, other visitors, and the park itself. One of the key requirements is that all dogs must be on a 6-foot leash. CRNRA sees over 3 million visitors a year, making the trails busy with people and pets. With all the new and exciting scents and sights for a dog to explore, a visit to the park for a dog can be overwhelming. Even a well-behaved and trained pet can behave unpredictably in such an environment. Leashing your dog is a rule that is an important safety measure to protect your pet, other park visitors, and the flora and fauna of the park itself. Several past incidents in the park involving unleashed pets have caused damage and created issues for park visitors and staff alike. Incidents that highlight the importance of leashing include: Damage caused to rare and sensitive plants by unleashed dogs running off trails. CRNRA staff being bitten by unleashed dogs, with one ranger bitten three times. Park volunteers facing confrontations with aggressive dogs, prompting them to carry protective items. An unleashed dog attacking a baby beaver, which had to be euthanized due to its injuries. An unleashed dog jumping on a visitor, resulting in a broken wrist. Leashing your pet also protects them from potential dangers such as venomous snakes, coyotes, poisonous plants, and unsafe water. As a pet owner, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior and safety while in the park. To promote a safe and enjoyable experience for pets and their owners, CRNRA offers the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. This initiative educates pet owners on best practices for visiting the park with their furry friends, including the importance of leash requirements. The program is available daily at the Island Ford Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants earn a certificate and have their dogs sworn in as official B.A.R.K. Rangers.  About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area . Designated as a unit of the National Park System in 1978, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of the 48-mile Chattahoochee River corridor from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. The park annually welcomes over 3,000,000 visitors. About the National Park Service : More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov , and on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube .
May 23, 2025
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: