Chattahoochee River Map Guide for Atlanta: Access Points, Parks, and Planning Your Visit

The Chattahoochee River runs right along the northwest edge of Atlanta and the metro area, offering miles of trails, boat launches, fishing spots, and picnic areas. If you’re searching for a “Chattahoochee River map Atlanta”, you’re usually trying to answer one of a few questions:

• Where exactly is the river near Atlanta?
• Which river access points are closest to me?
• Where can I float, kayak, fish, or hike along the Chattahoochee?
• How do the northside spots (Roswell, Sandy Springs) compare to those closer to the city?

This guide walks through the key stretches of the Chattahoochee around Atlanta, explains how to read typical river maps, and highlights popular access points and what you can do at each.

How the Chattahoochee River Runs Through the Atlanta Area

On most Chattahoochee River maps for Atlanta, you’ll see the river forming a kind of natural boundary on the northwest side of the city:

• It flows south from Lake Lanier, running through or along:
  • Duluth / Suwanee area
  • Johns Creek
  • Roswell
  • Sandy Springs
  • Northwest of Atlanta proper
  • Then continues south toward Cobb County and beyond

In the Atlanta metro area, a big portion of the river corridor is protected as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), managed by the National Park Service (NPS). On a map, these show up as separate park units along the river, each with its own parking lot, trails, and river access.

If you live or stay anywhere in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Vinings, or Roswell, you’re usually within a short drive of at least one of these units.

Key Chattahoochee River Map Sections Around Atlanta

Below is a simplified overview of how many Atlanta maps break up the river into major local sections you’ll see labeled again and again.

When looking at any Chattahoochee River map for Atlanta, these names help you quickly pinpoint which part of the river you’re actually seeing and how close it is to where you live or are staying.

Popular Chattahoochee River Access Points Near Atlanta (With Map Context)

Below are some of the most commonly used access points and park units you’ll see highlighted on local maps, roughly ordered from north to south around metro Atlanta.

1. Medlock Bridge & Abbotts Bridge (Northeast of Atlanta)

These are good if you’re in Duluth, Johns Creek, or Peachtree Corners.

• Medlock Bridge Unit (CRNRA)

  • Area: Johns Creek / Duluth
  • Good for: Short hikes, wading, easy river access
  • What to look for on a map: Parking area just off Medlock Bridge Rd (GA‑141), boat ramp icons, short riverside trails

• Abbotts Bridge Unit (CRNRA)

  • Area: Duluth / Johns Creek border
  • Good for: Fishing, bank access, quieter setting
  • Map clues: Abbotts Bridge Rd crossing, gravel parking, simple trail loops

Maps often show this stretch as gentler water, popular for fishing and low‑key paddling rather than tubing.

2. Jones Bridge Park & Jones Bridge Unit

Even though they share a similar name, there are two distinct areas along this bend of the river:

• Jones Bridge Park (Gwinnett County Park)

  • Location: Off Jones Bridge Circle in Peachtree Corners
  • Good for: Playground time, picnics, walking along the river
  • Map features: Open field icons, pavilions, playground, riverside walk

• Jones Bridge Unit (CRNRA – Fulton side)

  • Location: Across the river, accessed from the Fulton County side
  • Good for: Hiking along the old bridge remnants, river views

On maps, this area is a good midpoint between suburban park amenities and more natural riverside trails.

3. Azalea, Riverside, and Don White (Roswell “River Parks”)

If your map is focused on Roswell, you’ll almost always see this trio of parks grouped together along Riverside Drive:

• Azalea Park
• Riverside Park
• Don White Memorial Park

These are heavily used sections with paved paths, boat rentals (seasonally), and easy water access. Many tubing and kayak trips you see advertised in Roswell start or end somewhere along this stretch.

What the map will typically show:

• A long greenway trail hugging the river, ideal for biking, jogging, and walking
• Multiple boat ramps and launch icons clustered within a couple of miles
• Parking lots close to the river, with clear entry points from Riverside Dr

If you’re trying the Chattahoochee for the first time, this area is one of the easiest to navigate.

4. Island Ford (Sandy Springs)

Island Ford is one of the most recognizable labels on almost any Chattahoochee River map near Atlanta:

• Island Ford Unit – CRNRA
  • Area: Sandy Springs, north of I‑285
  • Good for: Hiking, scenic overlooks, quieter river sections
  • Map notes:
    • You’ll often see loop trails winding away from the river
    • Cliffs and bluff viewpoints may be marked
    • It’s also where the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area headquarters is located

NPS Headquarters – Island Ford

• Street address: 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• Typical use: Visitor information, maps, passes, and general questions about CRNRA units

If you want official printed maps or detailed local guidance, this is often the best in‑person stop.

5. Cochran Shoals & Powers Island (Inside the Perimeter / Near I‑285)

For many people who live in-town Atlanta or near Buckhead, Cochran Shoals is the closest and most-used stretch of the Chattahoochee. You’ll see it on almost every Atlanta running or biking map.

• Cochran Shoals Unit – Interstate North Entrance

  • Area: Along the river just north of I‑285, accessible from Interstate North Pkwy
  • Good for:
    • Running and walking on flat gravel and dirt paths
    • Cycling along relatively gentle, wide routes
    • Birdwatching and casual nature walks
  • Map features:
    • A large loop trail (often 3+ miles) labeled along the river
    • Clearly marked parking areas and restroom symbols
    • Sometimes “shoals” or riffle icons showing shallow, rocky sections in the river

• Powers Island

  • Area: Just downstream from Cochran Shoals, closer to the Powers Ferry Rd area
  • Good for: River access for paddlers, short trails, quieter feel
  • On the map: Smaller parking area and a short trail loop, often labeled separately from Cochran Shoals

These are central for anyone living around Vinings, Cobb Galleria, or the northwest side of town.

6. Paces Mill & Vinings Area

Further downstream, near Vinings and the Paces Ferry corridor, you’ll see:

• Paces Mill Unit – CRNRA
  • Area: Near Paces Ferry Rd and the I‑285 / I‑75 interchange
  • Good for:
    • Short hikes along the river
    • Fishing and launching small boats
    • Access to some popular riverfront walking areas
  • Map indicators:
    • Rivers-edge trails
    • A main parking area close to the river
    • Frequently used as a take‑out point for kayakers coming downstream from Cochran Shoals and Powers Island

This is one of the most metro‑convenient access points if you are in North Atlanta, Buckhead, or Vinings.

How to Read a Chattahoochee River Map for Atlanta Activities

When you pull up a Chattahoochee River map—whether online, printed, or posted at a trailhead—here’s what to focus on depending on what you want to do.

If You Want to Tube or Float 🎈

Look for:

• Calmer stretches between major shoals
• Put‑in and take‑out access points:
  • Common map pairings:
    • Don White → Azalea / Riverside area
    • Island Ford → Powers Island / Paces Mill (for experienced paddlers)
• Maps often note “shoals,” “rapids,” or “riffles”—tubers usually stick to easier sections with fewer rapid labels.

If You Want to Kayak or Canoe

Focus on:

• Boat ramp icons (usually small boat symbols)
• Distance markers between access points, if provided
• Any labels referring to “Class I–II rapids” or shoals, which can matter if you’re newer to paddling

Many paddlers in Atlanta string together trips like:

• Abbotts Bridge → Medlock Bridge
• Island Ford → Powers Island
• Powers Island → Paces Mill

Maps that show river miles help estimate how long you’ll be on the water.

If You Want to Hike, Run, or Bike

Most Chattahoochee maps will highlight:

• Trail types: solid lines (paved) vs. dashed/dotted (dirt or gravel)
• Elevation lines or contour shading: steeper climbs appear near bluffs (Island Ford, some Roswell sections)
• Loop options: look for trail segments that return to the same parking lot

For flat, easy routes, Cochran Shoals and the Roswell Riverwalk / Riverside area are usually the most straightforward on the map.

Safety and Planning Information You’ll See (or Won’t See) on Maps

Not every Chattahoochee River map shows detailed safety information, so it helps to know what’s usually indicated and what you may need to check elsewhere.

River Conditions and Releases

Near Atlanta, water levels on some sections of the Chattahoochee are influenced by upstream dam releases (especially near Buford Dam). Maps sometimes note this with:

• Small icons or notes like “water levels subject to dam release”
• General caution labels near shoals and rapids

However, many basic maps do not show real-time flow information. Before paddling or tubing, most locals check:

• Dam release schedules
• Local weather and recent rainfall

Entry Fees and Passes

Most Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area units charge a modest parking fee or require a pass. On posted or printed maps, you may see:

• A “fee area” label near park boundaries
• A list explaining accepted passes (e.g., day passes, annual recreation passes)

If you’re unsure, the Island Ford NPS office is often the best place for up‑to‑date details.

Where to Get Reliable Chattahoochee River Maps in Atlanta

For local use, you have several good options:

1. National Park Service (NPS) – Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

• Visitor Contact (Island Ford Headquarters)
  • Address: 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• What you’ll usually find:
  • Official park maps of all CRNRA units
  • Trail maps for individual areas like Cochran Shoals, Island Ford, and Paces Mill
  • Staff who can help you understand access points and current conditions

2. Local Government Parks Departments

Cities and counties around the river often publish maps for their own parks:

• City of Roswell Recreation & Parks

  • Typically offers maps of Riverside Park, Azalea Park, Don White and nearby trail connections.

• Cobb County Parks

  • Provides information on trail and river access in areas like Cochran Shoals vicinity and connecting paths.

These local maps often focus less on the entire river and more on amenities, playgrounds, pavilions, and multi‑use paths.

3. On‑Site Kiosks at Major Access Points

Most CRNRA parking lots and trailheads (for example, Island Ford, Cochran Shoals, Paces Mill) have:

• Large, posted overview maps of that specific unit
• Sometimes, brochure-style folded maps in dispensers
• Basic safety and rules panels

These are useful if you’ve already driven to a specific access point and want to see where the trails, restrooms, and nearest river access are from that parking area.

Quick Reference: Choosing the Right Chattahoochee Spot by Location

If you’re in or near:

• Buckhead or Midtown Atlanta
  • Easiest map sections: Cochran Shoals, Powers Island, Paces Mill
• Sandy Springs
  • Easiest map sections: Island Ford, Cochran Shoals (Interstate North), Morgan Falls area
• Roswell or East Cobb
  • Easiest map sections: Azalea / Riverside / Don White Parks, Cochran Shoals (Columns Dr entrance)
• Duluth / Johns Creek / Peachtree Corners
  • Easiest map sections: Medlock Bridge, Abbotts Bridge, Jones Bridge

Knowing these typical pairings helps you scan any Chattahoochee River map and immediately zero in on the closest, most practical access point for you.

By understanding how the Chattahoochee River is broken up on Atlanta-area maps, and which CRNRA units and city parks match your location and plans, you can quickly pick the right stretch for tubing, paddling, hiking, or just enjoying the water’s edge without guesswork.