Chattahoochee NRA proposed changes Archives

The National Park Service is soliciting comments from the public about major proposed changes to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

The feedback period ends April 30 for the Chattahoochee NRA’s Comprehensive Trails Management Plan and Environmental Assessment. You can read through and download the 508-page report and related documents and submit comments online by clicking here.

The Chattahoochee NRA currently has 65 miles of trails and in 2021 attracted more than 3 million visitors. The proposed changes would cost around $10 million.

The proposal includes changes to the design and feel of the Gold Branch, Johnson Ferry and Cochratrails in East Cobb.

The “desired condition statement” for the Gold Branch Unit would be to provide “active and scenic opportunities for birding, hiking, and trail running, including longer duration hikes and runs that include both ridgetop and water-adjacent trail experiences.”

To accomplish that. the report states (page 33), the trail system would be redesigned “to take advantage of the significant topography and be more conducive to hiking and running.”

That would include constructing 1.8 miles of contour-aligned trails would be constructed and limiting trail access points while existing the parking lot at the main trailhead.

An ongoing Hyde Farm Trail and Environmental Assessment would help drive proposed changes to the Johnson Ferry North trail, including a potential new trail to connect to the 1830s farmhouse and community garden.

The Cochran Shoals trails would undergo a “full-scale redevelopment and environmental restoration to create a sustainable, manageable trail system with a high diversity of quality trail experiences.”

That would include overlaying two “largely separate” trail networks—one for pedestrians only and another that would allow cyclists.

During periods of heavy use in what’s been a very busy portion of the trail system, bidirectional traffic requirements, alternate day uses or separate trail segments might be implemented, according to the report.

The Sope Creek mileage area would be increased from its current 9.4 miles.

The report also contains information about environmental impact and several appendices with maps and other information and data about the Chattahoochee NRA.

If you prefer to submit written comments via standard mail, here’s the address:

National Park Service
Denver Service Center
Attn: CRNRA Trails Plan / Charles Lawson
12795 West Alameda Pkwy
Denver, CO 80228