Celebrate Our National Park’s 40th Birthday!
On August 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter established the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) by signing a law to protect the Chattahoochee River and adjacent lands. In the coming months, we hope that you’ll help us celebrate by participating in the fun and inspirational events organized by Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy (CPC) and our partners. Register TODAY to get a spot on one or more of the adventures below!
Anniversary Walk & Talk Series: Aug 12 | Sept 16 | Oct 21
Our 40th Anniversary Walk & Talk Series will celebrate the CRNRA’s birthday on three walks in the CRNRA with special guest speakers. These events are FREE and open to the public; however, space is limited and registration is required. Ages 10 and up welcome.
On August 12, attend a Park Beginnings talk by Naturalist Jerry Hightower about the people, events and decisions that resulted in the creation of the CRNRA. A walk along the river at the Island Ford Unit will be followed by an ice cream social. On September 16, explore Park Geology with Bill Witherspoon, co-author of Roadside Geology of Georgia, who will lead a walk in the East Palisades Unit. On October 21, learn to identify Park Trees in the West Palisades Unit with EcoAddendum Director Kathryn Kolb. For details and to register, click here.Back to the Chatt, Big Float & Festival: Aug 4
Join CPC on Saturday, August 4, at the 2018 Back to the Chatt Race, Big Float & Festival organized by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, in partnership with Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, SweetWater Brewing Company, and Nantahala Outdoor Center. CPC will have a table at the festival which is FREE and family-friendly with live music and exhibits; visit us and meet several of our board members!
Want to race, paddle or float the river? Each boating option will take place on a different stretch of the river. All registered (fee-paying) paddling participants will receive two SweetWater Brewing Company beverages (21 and over), a gift bag, Organic/Fair Trade T-shirt, boxed lunch, shuttle service and a one-year membership to Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. It’s a great deal! For more info and to register, click here.Campfire Program and Night Hike: Aug 25
Join CRNRA Naturalist Jerry Hightower for a campfire and guided hike on a late summer evening with the glowing stars overhead. On this date in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill that created the National Park Service. The 40th Anniversary of the CRNRA will also be observed. Come early and bring a picnic. Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center, 8615 Barnwell Rd, Johns Creek. Reservations required at 678-538-1200.Trust for Public Land’s Celebration of Land: Sept 15
TPL will recognize Friends of the River, the nonprofit organization that spearheaded the effort to create the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, as its 2018 Conservation Trailblazer. The Riverside Revelry will held in the Paces Mill Unit. For details, click here.Annual Paddle-Campout-Cleanup: Sept 29-30
Only 50 people are allowed to camp in the CRNRA every year! You, your family and friends could be part of this exclusive group. For the third year, CPC is partnering with REI for a two-day extravaganza of fun and skill-building activities at the Abbotts Bridge Unit. Spend the weekend paddling down the river, enjoying the fall weather, and helping beautify one of Georgia's iconic waterways.
Kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes will be available for anyone who does not own one and there will be mountain biking on a portable pump track. Special speaker: Naturalist Jerry Hightower. Dinner (BBQ, beverages including craft beer, s’mores over a campfire and blue grass music) and breakfast are provided. Bring your basic camping gear, lunch, snacks, and appropriate clothing to enjoy this night under the stars. A portion of the fee will benefit CPC’s mission; REI members, $99/person; non-members, $119/person. For details and to register, click here.Become a member of Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy today!
As a member, you can help us achieve our vision of an inspired and thriving community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Click here to join!
Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy Inc. is proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service.