Ever driven a winding, elk-lined road in Great Smoky Mountains, stopped to take in the scenery in Grand Teton, paddled in the Everglades, watched Ole Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, or even hiked in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)? If so, then you've enjoyed a national park! Every year since 1991, people across the country celebrate the over 430 parks protected by the National Park Service during National Park Week, hosted August 22-30th, 2026. From iconic landscapes like Yosemite to neighborhood escapes in CRNRA, it’s a time to recognize how parks connect, inspire, and restore communities across America, now and for future generations.

It’s also a reminder that places like CRNRA rely on community support. With nearly 3 million visits each year, CRNRA is consistently ranked among the top 30 most visited national parks. As a well-loved park, it faces ongoing challenges including limited federal funding, staffing, and maintenance needs. Without the support of a national park's community, projects often go without sufficient funding to help them thrive.

That's where organizations like Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy come in! Many national parks across the country have a "friends group," or a philanthropic partner, to raise awareness, rally support, and fill in the gaps in funding, volunteerism, education, wildlife habitat restoration, and more. As CRNRA's official friends group and nonprofit partner, we at CNPC work alongside the National Park Service to help fill critical gaps through community support, volunteer engagement, and projects that enhance the park experience.

During National Park Week, we're inspired to reflect on the impact of national parks like CRNRA and rally around them to ensure they continue to thrive. And it's easy to see our park's benefit here in metro Atlanta: as the region's largest public land, CRNRA is made up of over 7,000 acres, over 66 miles of hiking trails, and 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River, encompassing 20% of the metro's total greenspace and offering a place for wildlife to find refuge and communities to connect with nature just outside the bustle of the city. And beyond simply offering a place to visit, free events help visitors connect with the park, including National Park Service Ranger-led programs, community hikes, and volunteer opportunities across its 15 units (Whitewater Creek, Cochran Shoals, Jones Bridge, and Bowmans Island to name a few!). Our park brings connection to nature and one another, and it's worth celebrating during National Park Week and beyond.

There are many ways to take part in this annual celebration right here in Atlanta:

• Visit Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, come enjoy your favorite unit! When you purchase a daily or annual parking pass, you’re doing more than just covering your visit, you’re investing in the park’s future. In fact, 80% of all park fee revenue stays right here at CRNRA!
  
  
• Help Fill the Gaps:  As the official nonprofit partner of CRNRA, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) helps fill critical funding gaps through community support. From trail improvements to habitat restoration, your gift helps protect this park when it needs it most!
  
  
• Lend a Hand: Join one of our volunteer days and be part of the boots-on-the-ground team that keeps CRNRA clean, safe, and beautiful! Whether you're picking up trash, planting native species, or helping restore worn-out trails, your time and effort have a lasting impact on this special place. No experience necessary!
  
  
• Become a Hero of the 'Hooch:  When you join CNPC, you become a Hero of the 'Hooch: someone who stands up for the trails, waters, and wildlife of CRNRA. As a member, you’re part of a growing community of park stewards who care deeply about protecting this place for generations to come, and you'll enjoy exclusive perks, behind-the-scenes updates, special invitations to events throughout the year, and more. But most importantly, you’re helping ensure the park you love remains wild, welcoming, and well cared for year-round!
  
  
• Spread the Word: Invite a friend to hike with you. Tell your favorite local business about how they can get involved. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for live daily updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and ways to celebrate National Park Week with us!

National Park Week is a reminder that our national parks belong to all of us, and it's up to us to help ensure they thrive now and for generations to come. We hope you'll join us in celebrating our local national park and all it offers!