MGastwirth
We were looking for a nice place to hike in February. Research suggested the Chattahoochee River had some great trails. The one we chose did not disappoint. We drove to the Vickery Creek trail head which is the site of an historic mill and massive Big Creek dam. A covered bridge takes you to the trail head. The spillway dam is an engineering wonder, built entirely of rock from before the Civil War days. The 3-mile hike is moderately strenuous with excellent direction signage.
andyf441
My family has canoed and kayaked the river from the Gwinnett/Fulton county line to just past Ga .400 for years. The prettiest time of the year seems to be when the hydrangeas are blooming as there are many planted along the banks. We usually see large turtles, blue herons, duck, and Canadian geese. There are many mansions on the river that are amazing. The only "whitewater" is near Island Ford and not difficult. It is also where the best trout fishing is. A nice halfway break is a sandbar at Horseshoe Bend. Take water and sunscreen.
JJS3
As the Chattahoochee River runs through Roswell it provides a broad scope of activities. You can raft down the river, rent a canoe and paddle around, walk or bike along the miles of walking and bike paths, grab your fishing pole and try out some fly fishing, take the kids to the numerous playgrounds. Bike or walk up to the Chattahoochee Nature Center (see its separate listing in Trip Advisor). It is a safe and relaxing place to spend the day. One the first Saturday each month from may through October there are free evening concerts at the River park - bring your own meal or buy food from the food trucks that are there. See this website for more information: http://roswellgov.com/index.aspx?NID=1194
kathleenm970
Lazy relaxed rafting for the whole family. Nothing too hurried or difficult for the children or older folks. Just a nice ride down the river... perfect for taking a packed lunch. Suntan lotion is a must.
135waynet
during the week it's very peaceful and scenic. The parks ali=ong the river a kept in pretty good condition as well
Kafurfar
A great escape from Atlanta's Skyscrapers and traffic, there are plenty of hiking trails, bike paths, and you can always tube down the river on hot days!
ProfLescota
Rented canoes from a group called Shoot the Hooch.com. very professional. Made sure everyone would be safe and understood directions. Super friendly and very helpful staff. We went as a group of 9 including 2 children. Canoe trip took about 4 hours. Ate lunch on the bank. Scenery is awesome. Best way to see the chattahoochee.
Timurkilic
Run or walk along the river and watch the wildlife. Find a flat rock when the river is done (usually on weekends). Float on a raft in the summer but be careful the water is always cold because it comes from the bottom release of Buford dam.
Carolina36Dame
The Chattahoochee River became the division of territory between these two tribes many, many years ago. It is a gorgeous area to jog, walk, picnic, take the children to play, ride a bike, go for the water sports, or, just sit and drink in the beauty at your place of choice along the banks of this beautiful river.
AwesomeladyUS
The river in Roswell is filled with beautiful tree covered walking trails. There is a section of food trucks and volley ball which is always in use. The park has two nice playgrounds along with trails and a fishing deck over the water. The first Sat. of the month is a free concert and the musicians are outstanding. There are a number of fishing decks along several miles on Riverside Dr. and Azalea Rd. along with canoes to rent. The summer has the water spray area for kids for $1. There are picnic tables and grills. It's a good all day area for all.
996RobW
Nice river with extremes of white water depending on the flow rate as determined by the Corp of Engineers. Some good access points but not really a good river for larger boats. Kyack or canoe or tube can be fun. When Jimmy Carter was President he made all land that wasn't developed at that time surrounding the river, a National Park. This keeps it natural but limits available activities.
jonphil
The Chattahoochee River is one of those pleasant surprises that you find frequently in the State of Georgia. Running from Helen in the north Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, where it starts as a stream, and culminating at the southwestern border of the state, where it becomes the Apalachicola River in Florida and about 90 miles south, eventually Apalachicola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. What is most surprising, however, is the access to this wild river right in the Atlanta Metro Area. Tucked under major interstate and local highway bridges throughout Atlanta and neighboring affluent suburb Cobb County, there are many access points for canoeing, hiking, dog and baby walking, many of the administered by the National Parks System as branches of the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area. In fact, you cannot get into the northwestern suburbs from Atlanta without crossing over the river at some point, and it is not unusual to see canoe races from your car window as you drive home. In few places in the U.S. can you be in the middle of a major metroplex and yet park your car and in a minute or so, feel like you are in the wilderness, with the sound of the interstate fading in the distance after just a few steps, and the rapids of the river magically appearing in front of you. Most of the river is quite tame, and the rapids are not intense by any means, but after the rainstorms that do occur in north Georgia, it can get tricky and the flow of the river needs to be navigated with respect. It is not unusual, in the more rural areas - and even in some of the metro areas - to spot herons and perhaps even an eagle or two, in addition to bobcat (rare), some alligators down below central Georgia and sometimes up north, wild hogs, armadillo, and even an occasional black bear. The adventurous and not so adventurous can all enjoy the river equally, whether riding an inner tube in Helen, a canoe or raft in Cobb County, or a fishing boat down south. The national park has an excellent network of trails throughout the NRA, which is mostly centered in the town of Sandy Springs, Fulton County and Eastern Cobb County, all "bedroom" communities of Atlanta.
ChristianBrother
The National Park Service has created a great string of parks from Lake Lanier north of Atlanta to the suburbs. You can hike, bike, raft, fish, or boat depending on area. Parking is reasonably priced and experience varies from location to location. I have been visiting this area for over 30 years and it is a treat. See NPS website for locations.
DougH526
"Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee..." It is a quick drive from Atlanta and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Bring you sun screen and an innertube and enjoy to relaxing trip. I've done it a half-dozen times and still love it.
643ccm
We took our kids fishing on the hooch. Didn't catch any fish as it started to rain after we were in the water for about 20 min. But we had tons of fun.