Chattahoochee Bend State Park, a sprawling natural escape in northwest Coweta County, invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Chattahoochee River. Nestled within a graceful curve of this significant waterway, the park stands as a sanctuary for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities from paddling and camping to fishing and hiking. Encompassing 2,910 acres, Chattahoochee Bend proudly holds its place as one of Georgia’s largest state parks, safeguarding an impressive five miles of pristine river frontage.
For those eager to explore the waters, a convenient boat ramp provides seamless access to the Chattahoochee River. The Riverside Trail, stretching 5.5 miles along the riverbank, beckons hikers to embark on a scenic journey, with the option to extend their trek to a rewarding 11-mile round trip. To capture panoramic vistas of the river and the encompassing forest, an observation platform offers an ideal vantage point.
While Chattahoochee Bend State Park largely preserves its untouched wilderness, it also caters to overnight visitors with a variety of camping options. RV travelers can take advantage of the well-equipped camping area featuring sunny pull-through and back-in sites. Tent camping enthusiasts can choose from riverside platform sites, secluded walk-in sites, or traditional developed campsites. For a unique and comfortable camping experience, the park provides screened Adirondack-style shelters, perfect for families and groups. Modern bathhouses with hot showers are conveniently located within a short distance from most campsites. Covered picnic shelters are available for rent, providing ideal settings for birthday celebrations, family reunions, and various gatherings.
Reservations, Accommodations & Facilities
- Expansive Wilderness: 2,910 Acres of natural beauty to explore.
- Comfortable Cottages: 3 Cottages offering a cozy stay.
- RV and Tent Camping: 37 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites catering to various camping preferences.
- Secluded Walk-In Sites: 12 Tent Walk-In Campsites for a more private experience.
- Riverside Platforms: 8 Platform Campsites offering scenic river views.
- Backcountry Adventure: 8 Backcountry/Paddle-In Campsites — accessible via a 5.5-mile hike or paddle, check-in required by 1:00 pm.
- Group Camping: 1 Adirondack Group Campsite (contact park for capacity limits before booking).
- Picnic Gatherings: 2 Picnic Shelters (contact park for capacity limits before booking).
- Water Access: Boat Ramp for easy entry to the Chattahoochee River.
- Park Amenities: Gift Shop and Playground available for visitors.
Things To Do & See
Chattahoochee Bend State Park is a haven for outdoor activities. Anglers will find excellent fishing opportunities in the Chattahoochee River. The park’s trails are perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing, offering chances to spot diverse plant and animal life. Paddling enthusiasts can explore the river by kayak or canoe, enjoying the gentle currents and scenic surroundings. The park serves as an ideal location to experience the natural beauty of Georgia and appreciate the role rivers play in the state’s landscape. While the Chattahoochee River itself defines a portion of the boundary between Georgia and Alabama further downstream, here it offers recreational opportunities within Georgia’s borders.
Nearby Attractions
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Quota Hunt
Safety Zones Map PDF – For hunters visiting the park during quota hunts, safety zone maps are available. Utilizing the Avenza PDF reader app with the park map can aid in navigation within designated areas, although it’s crucial to remember that geo-referenced maps should complement, not replace, traditional navigation methods and area familiarity.
In The News
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Paddling Information
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Important Notes for Paddlers: Paddling distances are estimates and can change with water conditions. The park does not offer shuttle services, so most paddlers utilize two vehicles for convenience. River conditions vary with water levels, and while mostly flat, currents can change significantly. Tubing is not recommended due to deep water, submerged hazards, and steep banks with limited access.
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Suggested Paddling Route: Paddlers often begin at the Highway 16 bridge boat ramp near Whitesburg for a moderate trip downstream. This route includes several shoals and Class I or II rapids, depending on water levels.
- First Takeout: McIntosh Reserve, located 7 miles downriver, provides the initial takeout point.
- Mid-River Access: A boater staircase and the park’s North Platform/Paddle-in Campsites are situated another mile downstream. Reservations are necessary for campsites, and there is no road access to this area.
- Park’s Main Takeout: A paved boat ramp, a large picnic area, and the West Platform Campsites are located 15 miles from the Highway 16 bridge. Restrooms are conveniently nearby. Camping reservations are required, and paddlers can secure boats to the ramp rail or move them to campsites.
- Further Downstream: Continue 2 miles to Plant Wansley and Yellow Dirt Road, and another 13 miles to the Highway 27 boat ramp in Franklin for extended trips.
Distances for Paddling
- Highway 16 to Chattahoochee Bend campsites: Approximately 10.5 miles.
- Chattahoochee Bend campsites to Highway 27: Approximately 15 miles.
This state park offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with Georgia’s natural landscape and appreciate the Chattahoochee River, even though when considering rivers that serve as state boundaries for Georgia, other rivers such as the Savannah River (border with South Carolina) and the St. Mary’s River (border with Florida) come to mind as primary examples. However, the Chattahoochee’s beauty and recreational opportunities within Chattahoochee Bend State Park make it a noteworthy destination for anyone exploring Georgia’s waterways.
