News Release

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Is Increasing Recreational Access In The Park On June 20th

Date: June 19, 2020
Contact: Information, 678-538-1200

Sandy Springs, GA – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (NRA) is increasing recreational access. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Saturday, June 20, 2020, Chattahoochee River NRA will resume:

• All commercial services on the river. Commercial services are offered by Nantahala Outdoor Center, Deep South Fly Anglers, Shoot the Hooch, River Through Atlanta, Kayak Classes of Georgia, Tie One On, $10 Tubing and High Country Outfitters.
• Charging park entrance fees. Signage is at each parking area on how to electronically pay the $5 entrance fee. For further information on entrance fees, please visit the park website at nps.gov/chat.
• Volunteer opportunities
• Issuing Special Use Permits

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:

• Comfort stations
• Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center

“We welcome visitors back to the park for increased recreation opportunities in Chattahoochee River NRA,” Said Acting Superintendent Ann Honious. “We ask visitors to remember to recreate responsibly, by recreating with the people in your household. Give others plenty of room whether you are on a trail, at a boat launch, or in a parking lot. Follow the CDC social distancing guidelines for staying six feet away from others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth if you’re near others.”

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Chattahoochee River NRA, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website and social media channels. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.