Place

Island Ford Canoe and Raft Launch

View of ramp and small deck with the river and distant wooded shoreline.
Looking at a great place to start a float.

NPS/Ashley Turner

Quick Facts
Location:
8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Significance:
Canoe and Raft Launch

Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The Island Ford Launch provides access to the river for canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes. You will need to haul your gear to the launch from the drop-off circle. Make sure you park your vehicle in the parking lot at the top of the hill, not along the road where you may get towed. During the summer this launch can be very crowded with tubers launching on the river.

Water Quality

Be sure to check the Current Estimated E. coli count before starting your trip. If the count at Medlock Bridge Road is greater than 235 you have an increased risk of getting sick. Contact with the river is NOT recommended.

Water Release Schedule

Water conditions on the Chattahoochee River are influenced on a daily basis by water releases from Buford Dam. The water release schedule can be obtained by calling (770) 945-1466, or toll free 1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569), or visit their Hydropower Generating Schedule website. Besides showing the time for scheduled releases it also shows how many turbines will be operating and the current flow in cubic feet per second (cfs). It takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to 8 hours and 45 minutes for water released from Buford Dam to begin rising at Island Ford.

River Flow Rates

Water conditions on the Chattahoochee River are also influenced by the weather upstream of Island Ford. Regardless of whether the water is coming from a dam release or inclement weather upstream check the discharge/flow rate at the gaging station above Roswell, GA. 

  • If Canoeing, Kayaking, or Stand Up Paddleboarding and the flow rate is over 4,000 cfs, cancel your trip. 
  • If Rafting and the flow rate is over 5,000 cfs, cancel your trip.
  • If Tubing and the flow is over 2,500 cfs, cancel your trip.

Try These Floating Options

  • Jones Bridge Canoe (no trailer access) to Island Ford: 8.1 miles
  • Jones Bridge Boat to Island Ford: 7.8 miles
  • Garrard Landing (no trailer access) to Island Ford: 4.8 miles
  • Island Ford to Don White (no trailer access): 2.3 miles
  • Island Ford to Azalea Park: 4 miles
  • Island Ford to Morgan Falls Overlook Park (no trailer access): 7.2 miles

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Tags

Last updated: June 30, 2022