Buford Highway

20

Berkeley

Lake

Creek

Dick

Creek

Creek

Level

Creek

Haw

Richland

Creek

James Creek

Creek

Suwanee

Dick Creek

Creek

Johns

Fish Weir Shoals

Bowmans Island

Shoals

Jones Bridge Shoals

335 120

348

347

346

345

344

343

342

341 340

339

338

337

336

334

333

332

331

330

329

328

Buford

Southers

Settles

James

Dam

Road

Road

Old

Bridge

Sharon

Abbotts

Jones Br di ge Road Jones Bridge

Road

Brookwood Road

Peachtree

Parkway

Medlock

Bridge

Road

Buford Highway

Market Place Blvd

McGinnis Ferry Road

Medlock Bridge Road 

Abbotts Bridge Road

State Bridge Road

Jones 

Bridge Park

(Gwinnett County)

Lake Sidney Lanier

(Army Corps of Engineers)

(Georgia

Department

of Natural

Resources)

Buford Trout

Hatchery

Buford Dam

Historic Rogers

Bridge

(closed)

Abbotts Bridge

McClure

Bridge

Historic Settles

Bridge

(closed)

Historic Jones

Bridge

(closed)

14

ABBOTTS

BRIDGE

McGINNIS

FERRY

SUWANEE

CREEK

MEDLOCK BRIDGE

JONES BRIDGE

SETTLES

BRIDGE

BOWMANS ISLAND

ORRS

FERRY

141

120

141

Chattahoochee River National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Recreation Area

Georgia

Fords, Ferries, Bridges

Wading In

Rivers serve as a natural barrier to human travel. Shallow areas in rivers are called fords, and serve as ideal locations for crossing the river. 

The fords on the Chattahoochee River have been important for centuries and connected an extensive network of American Indian footpaths used for trade. These footpaths resulted in the establishment of 

the Sixes Trail, Hightower Trail, and others through the river valley. 

Dry Feet

As settlement of the area increased, ferries began to appear along the 

river. Ferries used the river current to move the boat across the river. A 

rope was stretched across the river with bow and stern lines attached 

to it which could be set at an angle to the current. The current’s force 

and the boat’s angle pushed the craft across the water. Until the early 

years of the twentieth century, ferries were the major means of crossing the river. Many names along the river are derived from these early 

ferry crossings. 

Spanning the River

Just like today, as increased travel resulted in waiting lines for the 

next ferry, wooden covered bridges began to replace the ferries. One 

such bridge crossed the river at the city of Roswell before and after 

the Civil War. Today, only a few lonely stone piers remain of these 

bridges. More durable narrow bridges of steel were gradually built to 

replace the decaying wood bridges. Though no longer in use, three of 

these historic steel truss bridges still span the river; the oldest being 

Settles Bridge, constructed in the 1880s. Today, modern multilane 

bridges of steel and concrete stand as a monument to their early

engineered predecessors. These serve as a reminder of the transition 

from fords to ferries to bridges as the need and desire to cross the 

river increased with the growing population. 

American Indians

Home Progression

American Indians in the southeast used the Chattahoochee River valley as their home for thousands of years. The most intensive occupation of the river corridor was during the Woodland Indian period, 

from 1000 B.C. to AD 900. These people were hunters and gatherers, 

and took advantage of rock shelters, naturally occurring overhanging 

rock, for cover. Sixteen rock shelters have been identified in the park, 

with the most visible being in the Cochran Shoals area at river mile 

307.7. With the Historic Period came the incorporation of European 

influences in the Creek and Cherokee culture along the Chattahoochee River. Over time, villages with sturdy log cabin-style homes became 

established along the river as the inhabitants began to settle in one 

area to adopt an agricultural economy. While the rock shelters have 

withstood the weathering of time and nature, all evidence of these 

villages disappeared long ago.

Fishing the American Indian Way

The Chattahoochee River served as a source of protein for the early inhabitants. Fish weirs, which are stone dams in the shape of a downstream pointing “V,” were constructed in the river with wooden pole 

fencing across the top. This allowed water to pass through, but not 

large fish. These fish weirs were a very economical method of harvesting fish. The stone remains of a number of these fish weirs can still be 

seen in the waters of the Chattahoochee River. 

Union troops shown crossing the Chattahoochee River at 

the Hightower Trail Ford as they approached Atlanta.1864

Courtesy of the Georgia Archives

The Partridge family stopped for a picture 

on the Jones Bridge on their way to a 

Sunday picnic. 1913

Photo: NPS

A covered bridge crossed the Chattahoochee 

River near the Roswell Cotton Mill. ca. 1900

Courtesy of the Georgia Archives

The Chattahoochee River starts high in the Southern Appalachian 

Mountains in the Mark Trail Wilderness Area. Seeping from a patch of 

sand and gravel, the river travels down the steep mountainside, 

growing quickly, fed by many springs and small tributaries. The river 

passes through scenic mountain villages, past farms, factories, and 

subdivisions and into Lake Lanier. After dropping 197 feet, the river 

emerges at the base of Buford Dam to begin its 48 mile journey as the 

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area under the stewardship 

of the National Park Service. The beautiful river and the land along it 

have a rich history dating back for centuries. The word Chattahoochee 

is Native American and is thought to mean “River of Painted Rocks.” 

The Cherokee referred to the Chattahoochee River Corridor as the 

Enchanted Land. This guide is designed to help you discover the 

enchantment. 

Parking

Ranger station Picnic area

Boat launch

Restrooms Boat ramp

Other public area

Hiking trail

Wheelchair-accessible

Bicycle trail

River milepost

National Recreation Area (includes

48 miles of the Chattahoochee River)

55

Shoal area Picnic shelter

Wildlife viewing Fish weir

Bridge crossing

Historic bridge 

or Prehistoric Trail crossing

Drinking water

Playground

Photo: Tom Wilson

Photo: Tom Wilson

Rock shelters have been used over 

the years for protection from the 

elements.

Photo: NPS

Federal laws and National Park Service 

regulations apply to national recreation lands 

and 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River.

0 1

0 1 2 Miles

2 Kilometers

North
River Guide

Parkway

Bull Sluice

Lake

March

Big Creek

Creek

Nancy

Creek

Crooked

Creek

Sope Creek

Creek

Johns

Creek

Jones Bridge Shoals

Island 

Ford 

Shoals

Long

Island

Shoals

Thornton

Shoals

Cochran

Shoals

Devils Race

Course

Shoals

330

329

328

327

326

324 325

323

322

321

318 319

317

316

315

314

313

312

311

310

309

308

307

306

305

304

303

302

301

300

320

Road

Alpharetta

Old

Bridge

Abbotts

Jones Br di ge 

Jones Bridge

Road

Chapel

Rd. Bridge Holcomb

Winters

ck

Bridge

Road

Bridge

Drive

Roswell Road

Cobb 

Interstate North

Johnson Ferry Rd.

Chamblee Dunwoody Road

N Shallowford

Road

Johnson Ferry

Road

Peachtree

Bothany Road McGinnis 

Parkway

Windward

Haynes

Paper Mill

Ruins

Overlook

Jones 

Bridge Park

(Gwinnett County)

Garrard Landing

(City of Roswell)

Chattahoochee River

Environmental

Education

Center

Azalea Park

(Fulton County and

City of Roswell)

Chattahoochee

Nature Center

Allenbrook

Waller Park

(City of Roswell)

Don White Memorial Park

(City of Roswell)

Riverside Park 

(City of Roswell)

Morgan Falls Park

(City of Sandy Springs) 

Morgan Falls Dam

portage river left

Abb

Holcomb

Bridge

Historic Jones

Bridge

(closed)

Prehistoric 

Sixes Trail

11

10

9

8

30

Creek

Rottenwood

COCHRAN

SHOALS

PALISADES

Powers

Island

Paces Mill

ISLAND FORD

GOLD

BRANCH

VICKERY

CREEK

Park Headquarters

Information

A

JONES BRIDGE

CREEC

HOLCOMB

BRIDGE

JOHNSON FERRY

Sope

Creek

9

400

140

19

120

120

120

400

19

9

1

285

75

41

Prehistoric 

Hightower Trail

Parkway

285

Parking

Ranger station Picnic area

Boat launch

Restrooms Boat ramp

Other public area

Hiking trail

Wheelchair-accessible

Bicycle trail

River milepost

National Recreation Area (includes

48 miles of the Chattahoochee River)

55

Shoal area Picnic shelter

Wildlife viewing Fish weir

Bridge crossing

Historic bridge 

or Prehistoric Trail crossing

Drinking water

Playground

The river emerges at the base of Buford Dam from the bottom of Lake Lanier. This cold bottom water poses a potential hazard to all river users. In 

the event of a spill, you are advised to get out of the water or help others 

out of the water as quickly as possible, as hypothermia can set in. In and 

below Bull Sluice Lake and Morgan Falls Dam, the water warms considerably, though caution is still advised. Contact the Corps of Engineers at 770-

945-1466 to know dam release times when water levels will rise rapidly. 

U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) must be worn 

by all persons between Buford Dam and the Hwy 20 Bridge. Below Hwy 20, 

each person must have a PFD readily accessible in any floating craft, including tubes and floats. PFDs must be worn by anyone under the age of 10 

years at all times on any stretch of the river. 

To ensure your safety, check weather conditions and forecast before every 

river trip. Watch for late afternoon thunderstorms. Get off the river in the 

event of lightning. 

Wear suitable clothing. In summer, lightweight, quick-drying clothes are 

recommended. In cold weather, wool and wool-blends are recommended. 

Avoid denim and cotton, as these provide no insulation to the body. Always wear proper footgear. Flip-flops and similar footwear are discouraged. Be prepared for all types of weather; bring a rain jacket, hat, sunscreen, water, and high-energy snacks. 

Watch for possible hazards, such as fallen trees, strong currents, slippery 

rocks, and logs. Unseen submerged rocks, logs, and debris can be hidden in 

the sometimes murky water. 

Glass containers are not permitted on the Chattahoochee River from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. Styrofoam products are not recommended 

and are bad for the environment. Always pack out your litter. 

River Safety

Great Blue Heron

Muskrat

Osprey

Flora and Fauna of the 

Chattahoochee River

Look Up Large birds of prey are ever on the hunt for their next meal. Watch for 

great blue heron fishing the river shallows, red-tailed hawks perching 

in the tree tops or soaring overhead, and osprey seizing fish from the 

river with their sharp talons. Don’t overlook the smaller birds that 

grace the river and its banks with their presence. Notice the swallows 

skimming the river surface for their meal of insects or the blue and 

white kingfisher bouncing through the air. Look more closely for your 

favorite aerial pest, the mosquito, just before it is devoured by a damselfly or dragonfly.

Look Down The waters of the Chattahoochee are 

teaming with native bass, bream, perch, 

and catfish, as well as stocked trout 

awaiting the lucky angler! The rising 

fish are not the only animals breaking 

the surface. Lucky boaters may catch a 

glimpse of beaver and muskrat playing in 

and around the water. Along the shoreline, look for these tracks as 

well as for otter, heron, geese, and raccoon.

Look Around

Follow the raccoon tracks into the stands of azalea, rhododendron, 

and mountain laurel with their pink and white blooms that adorn the 

river banks in the spring. Enjoy the show of summer yellow and purple 

wildflowers, punctuated by the scarlet cardinal flower. As the floating 

season draws to an end, the forest explodes in a rainbow of color before they turn to the drab subtle tones of winter.

Fishing the Chattahoochee 

River

General Fishing Regulations

Due to the cold water released from Buford Dam, the river within the 

boundaries of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a 

designated trout stream. Fishing in the river is managed under Georgia 

Department of Natural Resources and Special Trout Stream Regulations. Besides the General Trout Stream Regulations there are two sections of the river that have additional Special Trout Stream Regulations 

in force. For a complete listing of all Trout Stream Regulations visit the 

Georgia DNR website at www.georgiawildlife.org/fishingregulations_

fishing.aspx

Artificial Lures Only

Special Trout Stream Regulations apply

to the Chattahoochee River from Georgia 

Highway 20 to the boat ramp at the Medlock 

Bridge unit immediately upstream of 

Georgia Highway 141. When fishing in 

this stretch of the river, only artificial lures 

may be used; it is unlawful to possess any other type of bait while fishing. For a complete listing of Special Trout Stream Regulations visit the 

Georgia DNR website at www.georgiawildlife.org/fishingregulations_

fishing.aspx

Delayed Harvest

Special Trout Stream Regulations for Delayed Harvest streams apply to 

the Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek downstream to US Highway 

41. Anglers in this section must release all trout immediately and use 

and possess only artificial lures with one single hook per lure from November 1 - May 14 annually. The use of additional ”dropper” lures on 

one line is permitted as long as each lure contains one single hook. 

General Trout Stream Regulations apply from May 15 - October 31 of 

each year. For a complete listing of Special Trout Stream Regulations 

for Delayed Harvest streams visit the Georgia DNR website at www.

georgiawildlife.org/fishingregulations_fishing.aspx

Fishing for trout, bass, catfish, or other species can be a great experience. Georgia fishing regulations must be followed. Persons 16 and 

older must have a Georgia fishing license and trout stamp. 

Water Quality

The water quality for the Chattahoochee River depends on the level of 

bacteria found in the water. Bacteria levels help you make an informed 

decision about safe use of the river. Generally speaking, when the water is clear, the bacteria level is low; when the water is muddy or 

cloudy, the bacteria level is high. For current information, visit www.

nps.gov/chat or call 678-538-1201.

Fish Consumption

Bacteria in the Chattahoochee River does not affect the 

quality of fish for consumption. The Georgia Department of 

Natural Resources (DNR) periodically tests fish from the river 

and has found the quality of fish for eating to be very 

good. While many have no consumption restrictions, DNR 

has issued guidelines for eating some fish. To learn more 

about the guidelines for the Chattahoochee River, and elsewhere, consult the Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations. Visit 

www.gofishgeorgia.com or call 770-918-6418. 

Buford Highway

20

Be

La

Crooked

Creek

Dick

Creek

Creek

Level

Creek

Haw

Richland

Creek

James Creek

Dick Creek

Creek

Johns

Creek

Fish Weir Shoals

Bowmans Island

Shoals

Jones Bridge Shoals

Island 

Ford 

Shoals

335 

348

347

346

345

344

343

342

341 

336

334

333

332

331

330

329

328

327

326

324 325

323

322

321

318 319

320

Buford

Southers

Settles

James

Dam

Road

Road

Old

Bridge

Sharon

Abbotts

Jones Br di ge Road Jones Bridge

Road

Brookwood Road

Circle

Rd. Bridge Holcomb

W

Peachtree

Parkway

Medlock

Bridge

Road

Bridge

ad McGinnis Ferry

Rd

Parkway

Windward

Haynes

Buford Highway

Market Place Blvd

M

Medlock Bridge Road 

Abbotts Bridge 

State Bridge Road

Jones 

Bridge Park

(Gwinnett County)

Garrard Landing

(City of Roswell)

Lake Sidney Lanier

(Army Corps of Engineers)

(Georgia

Department

of Natural

Resources)

Chattahoochee River

Environmental

Education

Center

Buford Trout

Hatchery

Don White Memorial Park

(City of Roswell)

Buford Dam

Historic Rogers

Bridge

(closed)

Abbotts Bridge

McClure

Bridge

Holcomb

Bridge

Historic Settles

Bridge

(closed)

Historic Jones

Bridge

(closed)

Prehistoric 

Sixes Trail

12

11

10

9

14

13

8

ABBOTTS

BRIDGE

McG

F

MEDLOCK BRIDGE

JONES BRIDGE

CREEC

HOLCOMB

BRIDGE

SETTLES

BRIDGE

BOWMANS ISLAND

ORRS

FERRY

9

20 9

141

400

19

400

140

19

120

120

400

19

141

Federal laws and National Park Service 

regulations apply to national recreation lands 

and 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River.

Flame Azalea

(Rhododendron 

calendulaceum)

© derek L. Ramsey

0 1

0 1 2 Miles

2 Kilometers

North

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

1978 Island Ford Parkway 

Sandy Springs, GA 30350 

 

678-538-1200 

770-952-0370 emergency dispatch 

770-399-8087 fax 

http://www.nps.gov/chat