March 2023

Toast with CNPC on March 21!  

Our second ever Party for the Park fundraiser is just weeks away! We have organized great food, a band, fun silent auction items, a wine raffle and much more all to benefit the park. Please join the CNPC community on March 21 at Sweetwater Brewing Company for a fun evening out while supporting our beautiful national park, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. 

Announcing the CNPC

Hightower Award 

The Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy announces the creation of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Hightower Award. The award will be given to those whose efforts and dedication have had a lasting and positive impact on the CRNRA and its community. This award is named in honor of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area Park Ranger Jerry Hightower, who is also the first recipient. The award will be presented at the March 21 Party for the Park. Learn More

Fishing in the Park - Get Out There! 

Fishing on the Chattahoochee River is a really fun way to be in the park surrounded by all of its beauty. There are fishing piers in several units (Jones Bridge, Sope Creek and Island Ford) and many great fishing spots to check out, especially further north. The closer you get to Buford Dam, the colder the water is, and that's where you are more likely to encounter different types of trout. 

Interestingly, the native Brook Trout was pushed out in the 19th century when the non-native Rainbow and Brown Trouts were introduced to the river. Both are very resilient species who thrive in the ultra-cold waters just below the dam as well as further down-stream in the slower and warmer waters at the southern end of the park. Our river is actively stocked at the northern end and then periodically at the southern end at specific times of year.

To learn more about the best places to fish, license regulations and safety, visit https://www.chattahoocheeparks.org/Fishing

Article by John H. Crandall

Photo by Tom Wilson

Bowmans Island 

Nestled just below the Buford Dam, Bowmans Island is the first of 15 park units that comprise the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Don’t let the name deceive you; this park unit is not on an island. However, there is a small island in the middle of the river between the west and the east sides of the park.

The west side of the park has multiple spots for fishing, picnic areas, boat ramps, and over five miles of beautiful hiking. Visitors can hike all or a portion of the available five+ miles (see below note about trail closure). Although the trails aren’t difficult, there is varying elevation and some areas to watch your footing. This park is a great place to get away for a few hours.

The main parking lot is off Lower Pool Road. If traveling east from Cumming along Buford Dam Road, Lower Pool is the first road to the right just before you start crossing the dam. When on Lower Pool Road look for a parking lot on the right side. If you get to the end where the boat ramp and picnic area are located, you’ve gone too far. 

One final note: currently, the trail that goes along the river between markers BI 3 & BI 20 is closed due to construction. But trail connectivity is still available through the local connector between markers BI 15 & BI 25. Link to trail map. 

Article by Mark Sauer

Shout-out to our Friends at Walton Communities! 

We are lucky to have friends like Walton Communities. They love the park and river and one way they show their support is through consistently donating to Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). 

Walton’s Communities have always been built with a commitment to greenspace and walkability so their residents can enjoy the benefits of spending time in nature. They agree with studies that show spending time outdoors can improve short term memory, provide stress relief, reduce inflammation, and much more. Recent findings from a UC Berkeley study showed that individuals exposed to nature actually behaved with greater generosity than those who were not; our friends at Walton Communities are proof that this is true. We appreciate everything they do to support CNPC and the park.

Photo of lawn at Walton on the Chattahoochee 

Thank You to our Party for the Park Sponsors

Media Sponsor

Upcoming Events! 

Help Crayfish Creek! Volunteer Day

March 4

9 AM - 2 PM

LEARN MORE

Community Hike with Walk with a Doc

March 18

9 - 11 AM

LEARN MORE

Party for the Park Benefit

March 21

6 - 9 PM

LEARN MORE

Community Volunteer Day

May 6

1 - 4 PM

LEARN MORE

Become a member or donate today!

YOU can help us achieve our vision of an inspired and thriving community of support for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Follow us on social! - #ChattahoocheeParks

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy  is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We are proud to support our Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a unit of the national park system managed by the National Park Service.

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy
P.O. Box 769332, Roswell, GA 30076
info@chattahoocheeparks.org
www.chattahoocheeparks.org
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