The Chattahoochee River and its valley is a place rich in natural and cultural resources. Sometimes the river is clear, cold, and slow-moving, while at other times it is a muddy torrent, plunging through rocky shoals. The valley contains a rich, diverse mix of plants and animals that represent an environment much larger than itself. For centuries, humans have been drawn to this river valley for life?s basics: food, water, and shelter as well as transportation and power to support the increasing numbers of mills and factories. By the 1970?s, the resources that made the river valley a special place to so many people were being threatened. On August 15, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the legislation that set aside a 48-mile stretch of river with a series of parklands to preserve a part of the river valley for future generations.

Today the river valley attracts us for so many reasons. Take a solitary walk to enjoy nature?s display, raft leisurely through the rocky shoals with friends, fish the misty waters as the sun comes up, reflect on a mill worker?s day as a chipmunk scurries over the paper mill ruins, or have a picnic on a Sunday afternoon. Experience your Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.