Shoot the 'Hooch: Best Put-In Spots on the Chattahoochee

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.



With 48 miles of protected water flowing through metro Atlanta, CRNRA is basically a paddler’s paradise! The water’s cool, the views are peaceful, and you might even spot a heron or a sunbathing turtle if you keep your eyes peeled. Not bad for a Saturday, right?


So where should you launch? Here are a few favorite spots to get your feet wet:


Abbotts Bridge


Up near Duluth, this launch is great for a mellow float. The stretch from Abbotts Bridge to Medlock Bridge is calm, scenic, and ideal for new paddlers or those who just want to take it easy.


Medlock Bridge


A go-to option for a classic Chattahoochee experience. Float to Jones Bridge for a mostly flat and fun time!


Powers Island


A popular launch in Vinings with easy access, pretty views, and lots of activity on the weekends. Paddle here if you like a little more energy and people-watching along the way.


Island Ford & Johnson Ferry North


These two are tucked into wooded stretches of the park and give off total “hidden gem” energy. Plus, the paddling is peaceful and mostly flat—perfect for a chill morning or golden hour float.


Just a friendly reminder: since the Chattahoochee is dam-controlled, always check the flow rates and water release schedule before you launch (thanks, Buford Dam!). And yes, life jackets are a must—but you’ll look cool in one, promise!


Need a little guidance before you launch? We’ve teamed up with Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Atlanta to offer guided Paddle the Park outings all summer long! These relaxed group paddles are a great way to explore new stretches of the river, meet other paddlers, and enjoy the park from a whole new perspective. NOC’s expert guides will handle the details—you just show up ready for a fun time on the water!


Check out Paddle the Park →


Whether you’re paddling solo, bringing the family, or introducing your dog to their first boat ride, there’s nothing quite like drifting down the 'Hooch with the sun on your shoulders and the sounds of the river all around! Come out and see why paddling is one of the best ways to experience your national park.
Paddle the Park 2025

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

Building Community and Access on the Trail

February 2, 2026
At Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), our mission is to build community, enrich lives, and catalyze support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. A core part of that work is helping increase access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), so that everyone feels welcome, represented, and connected to this incredible public space! This Black History Month, we’re reflecting on the deep and often overlooked connections between Black history and the outdoors, while also uplifting local organizations that are actively expanding access, building community, and enriching lives through outdoor experiences today. Exploring Access and Visibility: Who Gets to Feel Welcomed in Outdoor Spaces? For generations, the outdoors has been a place of freedom, healing, resistance, and joy for all. Yet systemic barriers like segregation, exclusion from public lands, and ongoing inequities have limited access and visibility in outdoor spaces for people of color. Today, Black-led and BIPOC-centered outdoor organizations are helping change that reality. Through intentional programming, shared experiences, and community-led leadership, these groups are creating entry points into nature that feel welcoming and safe. Their work aligns closely with CNPC’s belief that access to the outdoors strengthens not only individuals, but the community as a whole.

World Wetlands Day: Why Wetlands Matter Along the Chattahoochee

January 28, 2026
Cover image by Sebastian Hagan Each year on World Wetlands Day (February 2), we pause to celebrate some of the hardest-working ecosystems on the planet. Wetlands may not always get the spotlight like mountaintops or waterfalls, but here at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), they quietly (and powerfully!) do it all. From filtering our water to protecting wildlife and people alike, wetlands are essential to the health of the river and the communities that surround it.

What Are Park Units in CRNRA?

January 8, 2026
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!