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Contact: Patrick Gamman, Acting Superintendent, 678-538-1200
SUGAR HILL, GA – The National Park Service invites the public to comment on a Site Management Plan for the Orrs Ferry unit of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Comments can be made from Friday November 21, 2025, to Sunday December 21, 2025.
The Site Management Plan lays the groundwork for long-term facility improvements at the recreation area that will enhance visitor experiences and protect the area’s natural and cultural resources.
“This plan reflects our commitment to thoughtful stewardship and meaningful public access,” said acting superintendent Patrick Gamman. “We're excited to create a new hub in the northern reaches of the park that will introduce less experienced outdoor recreators to the outdoors and provide new opportunities for all to connect with the Chattahoochee.”
The Orrs Ferry unit is located on both sides of the Chattahoochee River adjacent to Georgia State Highway 20. The plan provides a vision for public access, site development, operations, and preservation over the next two decades.
The west side of Orrs Ferry will see the most transformational changes as the plan calls for expanded access and amenities, including new parking facilities, restrooms, a picnic area, trails, pedestrian water access, and upgraded features to support environmental education and school groups. A meadow area on the west side will also be restored.
Facility improvements on the east side will include new trails with a bridge across Crayfish Creek, pedestrian water access points, a connection to the Sugar Hill trail system, and amenities to support interpretive programming.
On both sides of the river, the plan emphasizes improved resource protection and more efficient use of existing structures, including the removal or repurposing of former residences and associated buildings.
The plan builds on the park’s General Management Plan and Comprehensive Trails Management Plan and was informed by public feedback received in Spring 2025. Implementation of the plan is dependent on available funding and staffing and could begin as early as Summer 2026.
The NPS invites feedback from park visitors, surrounding communities, and partners to help shape the final version of the plan and guide its implementation. Questions to consider include:
- Which proposed improvements at Orrs Ferry are most important to you, and why?
- How do you envision using the Orrs Ferry site once the improvements are made?
- Are there any specific features or amenities you feel are missing from the plan?
- What suggestions do you have for how the National Park Service can partner with the community during implementation?
Learn more about the Site Management Plan by exploring the interactive StoryMap at bit.ly/orrsferrymap, and by visiting the NPS PEPC website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/OrrsFerrySiteManagementPlan where you can review the full plan and provide comments.
Last updated: November 21, 2025