News Release

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Is Reopening All Parking Areas

Date: May 15, 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 Saturday May 16th, Chattahoochee River NRA will reopen access to:

• All parking areas except for Columns Drive and Gold Branch which will reopen on Monday, May 18th.
• In addition, entry fees are waived

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

• Comfort stations
• Picnic areas, including shelters
• Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At to ensure Chattahoochee River NRA, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided 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 News page 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.