Riverwalk / Chattahoochee River

About

The Chattahoochee Riverwalk and surrounding recreation areas offer one of Georgia's finest accessible outdoor experiences along the state's most iconic river. Stretching through multiple parks and recreation areas, the Chattahoochee provides opportunities for walking, paddling, fishing, and simply soaking in the natural beauty of the river corridor.

The River Boardwalk Trail stands out as a highlight, featuring a new ADA accessible boardwalk and ramp that opens the riverfront to visitors with varying abilities. A canoe launch designed for universal access means the water itself isn't off limits - it's an invitation. Paved trails wind through wooded areas, with options ranging from short interpretive paths to longer loops that follow the river's edge.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, preserves several units along the river north of Atlanta. Each unit offers its own character, from quiet forest walks to bustling riverfront gathering spots. Sandy Springs, Roswell, and other communities along the corridor have invested in making their riverwalk sections welcoming to all visitors.

Georgia's Department of Natural Resources has taken meaningful steps to make the state's outdoor spaces more inclusive. Through partnerships with the Aimee Copeland Foundation and All Terrain Georgia, free high-mobility all-terrain wheelchairs are available at select parks. GRIT Freedom Chairs, supported by the Bronco Wild Fund, offer another option for visitors who want to explore trails that go beyond paved surfaces. The state even provides Enchroma colorblind-adapting glasses at certain locations, helping visitors with red-green color vision deficiencies experience the full spectrum of the natural world.

Whether you're after a peaceful morning walk on a paved trail, a paddle down a gentle stretch of river, or a picnic with views of the water, the Chattahoochee Riverwalk delivers. The combination of natural beauty, thoughtful accessibility improvements, and a range of adaptive equipment makes this a standout destination for visitors of all abilities.

Accessibility

The Chattahoochee Riverwalk features an ADA accessible boardwalk and ramp along the River Boardwalk Trail, providing direct river access for visitors with mobility challenges. A universally accessible canoe launch is available for water activities.

Several paved trail options exist in the area. The Parallel Trail offers 0.5 miles of paved surface, the Woodland Loop provides 1.5 miles of paved walking, and the Overlook Trail covers 0.25 miles on pavement. The River Walk Nature Trail (5/8 mile) includes a mix of grass, dirt, mulch, and boardwalk surfaces, which may present challenges for some wheelchair users.

Georgia's state parks along the Chattahoochee participate in an adaptive equipment program. Free all-terrain wheelchairs are available through a partnership with the Aimee Copeland Foundation and All Terrain Georgia. GRIT Freedom Chairs are also offered at select locations at no cost, funded by the Bronco Wild Fund. These chairs are designed for off-road terrain and can greatly expand trail access.

Enchroma colorblind-adapting glasses are available at select Georgia parks for visitors with red-green color vision deficiencies.

Contact the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350) or the specific park unit you plan to visit for current details on accessible parking, restroom facilities, and any seasonal changes to trail conditions or equipment availability.

More accessible places in Georgia

• National Infantry Museum & RiverWalk (Columbus)
• High Museum of Art (Atlanta)
• Fox Theatre (Atlanta)
• Andersonville National Historic Site (Andersonville)
• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (Sandy Springs)
• Fort Pulaski National Monument (Savannah)