News Release

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Is Beginning To Increase Recreational Access To Park Grounds On May 11th

Date: May 9, 2020
Contact: General 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 servicewide 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 Monday, May 11, 2020, Chattahoochee River NRA will reopen access to:

•  All park trails and river access
• The following parking areas - Abbotts Bridge, Medlock Bridge, Jones Bridge, two parking lots at Island Ford, Johnson Ferry North, Powers Island, Interstate North, Akers Mill, and Paces Mill
• In addition, entry fees are waived

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

• Parking areas not listed above as open
• Comfort stations
• Picnic areas, including shelters
• Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center

“We welcome visitors back to the park to use the trails and river for recreation,” said Acting Superintendent Ann Honious. “Where parking areas remain closed or are full we ask visitors to please park safely and legally, following all regulations, to assist in creating a safe visitor experience for all.”
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 Seven 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 nps.gov/chat 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.