View from the inside of an NPS boat on patrol.

The 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River
National Recreation Area is available for
raft, canoe, kayak, motor boat and other
small boat use year round. Jet skis are not
allowed at any time. The river stays a cool
temperature year-round, rarely getting
warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The river within the park is open for boating from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night boating is not allowed.

The river offers excellent opportunities for
leisurely paddling a raft, canoe or kayak to
observe wildlife and wildflowers, do some
fishing, or simple relaxed recreation. On
days when Buford Dam is not releasing water, the river below the dam is calm "flat water" with an occasional class I/II shoals or
rapids. Currents can be strong around
submerged rocks and jagged tree snags that are found in the river. Rubber-soled shoes are a must for tackling slippery rocks and the occasional broken glass bottle. Shoals are identified by purple shading and river miles are indicated in red on the park map. An approximate float time chart for seven possible canoe trips with distances may be found on the park brochure. However, the times indicated change
significantly depending on water levels,
weather, and the paddlers experience.

The river is accessible by boat North of
Morgan Falls Dam at Bowmans Island,
Abbotts Bridge, Medlock Bridge, Jones
Bridge, Island Ford, and Chattahoochee
River Park along Bull Sluice Lake. South
of Morgan Falls Dam the river is
accessible by boat at Morgan Falls Park,
Johnson Ferry, Powers Island and Paces Mill.

Boat Launch Area Maps:
Bowmans Island at Buford Dam
Abbotts Bridge
Medlock Bridge
Jones Bridge
Island Ford
Chat River Park at Bull Sluice Lake
Morgan Falls Park at Morgan Falls Dam
Johnson Ferry
Powers Island
Paces Mill

No boat rentals are available in the park,
but outfitters rent equipment nearby. Visit
our commercial services page for a list of
National Park Service authorized commercial
businesses.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) boating regulations apply on the river
and lake. All boats propelled by mechanical
means must be registered with the Georgia
DNR. Portions of the river and lake are a
strictly enforced "no wake zone." Vessels
cannot be operated over idle speed within 100 feet of any moored or anchored vessel, vessel adrift, wharf, pier, piling, person in the water, and shoreline next to a residence, restaurant, public park, or other public use area. Visit the Georgia Department of Natural Resources website at
http://www.gofishgeorgia.com for additional information on boating regulations.

Glass containers of any kind are not allowed
while on the river. Broken glass can cause
serious injury to river users and damages
personal equipment. Drinking alcohol impairs
coordination and judgment and is illegal to
consume if operating a power boat.

U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are REQUIRED TO BE WORN if you are boating, tube floating, or wading in river areas between (1) Buford Dam and the GA 20 highway bridge and (2) between Morgan Falls Dam and the Morgan Falls boat ramp. On all other river sections in the park, you must have a wearable, appropriately sized, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device on board all vessels for each person. Additionally, all children under age 10 MUST WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when the vessel is underway.

Always be cautious of rising river water levels due to dam releases or rainfall. Flash Flood do occur on the Chattahoochee River. Check water-release schedule before entering the water directly below dams. For water release schedules, call Buford Dam at 770-945-1466 or Morgan Falls Dam at 404-329-1455. Check to see what the water levels are at three locations along the river by visiting the National Weather Service website. For the Medlock Bridge location in Norcross visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&ncrg1

For the Eves Road location in Roswell visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&rwlg1

For the Paces Ferry Road location in Vinings visit
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ahps.cgi?ffc&ving1

You can check the water bacterial levels by visiting the Chattahoochee Riverway Project BacteriALERT Program website at http://ga2.er.usgs.gov/bacteria

Water released from Buford Dam comes from the bottom of Lake Sidney Lanier and is approximately 50 degress Farenheit. This cold water is great for trout, but dangerous for you. Betware of Hypothermia -- the severe lowering of the body's temperature. When exposed to these low temperatures, exhaustion or unconsciousness can occur in less that 30 minutes. If you fall into this cold water, get out quickly and warm yourself. Hypothermia can occur even in the warmest summer months.

Watch weather and water conditions and head for shore if bad weather threatens. If lightning occurs, get out of the water, stay away from trees, and seek low shelter. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is adequate in the summer. During cooler seasons wear clothes of natural and synthetic fiber blends. For cold weather wear wool or synthetic fibers -- they retain heat even when wet. Always wear appropriate footwear.

Never dive or jump in the river. There are dangers in the form of submerged rocks, murky water, and fluctuating water levels that can cause serious injury.

Know your planned fishing spots and tell others your plans. Paces Mill is the last take-out point in the park. It is located a short distance downstream from the I-75 Highway underpass on the West side of the river.

Bring fresh drinking water and non-perishable food or snacks. Drink and eat periodically to avoid dehydration and keep your energy levels high. Do not drink the river water.

Please remember a $3.00 daily or $25.00 annual Park Pass is required on parked vehicles in the National Park. Information on purchasing a Park Pass is available in all parking lots at the self-service fee stations, by calling 678-538-1200, or by visiting the parking fee section of our webpage by clicking here.