Hikers and dog walkers at Island Ford now have 2.2 miles of new trail to explore after the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and the National Park Service completed a major expansion project at the Sandy Springs park unit this summer.
The Island Ford Trail Project, which reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 23, expanded the trail network from 4.8 miles to 6.4 miles. The work added new loop options, pedestrian bridges, an improved trailhead near Hewlett Lodge, updated wayfinding signage with QR codes for digital navigation, and drainage and erosion fixes throughout the unit.
The conservancy raised more than $400,000 from individual donors to fund the design and construction, making it the organization's largest single investment in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area to date.
"Through the generosity of our donors and partners, CNPC was able to fully fund these improvements, enhancing the visitor experience while protecting the natural resources that make Island Ford so special," Brittany Jones, executive director of the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy, said in a July 1 press release announcing the reopening.
Sandy Springs Conservancy board members Doug Morgan and Terry Morris attended the ribbon-cutting, according to Appen Media.
Construction began in December 2025 after an engineering and design phase that started in early 2024 with Alta Planning + Design. The work included removing hazard trees, building sustainable trail surfaces, replacing pedestrian bridges and restoring areas damaged by erosion and informal social trails.
The project is the first implementation of the recreation area's Comprehensive Trails Management Plan, published in 2022, which calls for adding 33 miles of new trails across all 15 park units and ultimately expanding the system to 100 miles. Superintendent K. Lynn Berry said in the press release that the improvements are strengthening the park's foundation for years to come and credited the conservancy and community support for making the work possible.
Visiting Island Ford
The Island Ford unit sits at 1978 Island Ford Parkway, Sandy Springs, GA 30350, and houses the recreation area's headquarters and the Hewlett Lodge Visitor Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A park pass is required: daily passes cost $5, annual passes $40 and annual senior passes $20, available online through the National Park Service.
Dogs are welcome on all trails but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet. Dog waste stations are available at major trailheads.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Sept. 5 — Volunteer trail restoration day, 9 a.m. to noon, Johnson Ferry North unit
- Sunday, Sept. 27 — National Public Lands Day guided paddle, Powers Island to Paces Mill, 9 a.m.
- 1st and 3rd Saturdays monthly — CNPC standing volunteer work days
- 2nd Thursday monthly — CNPC volunteer meetings at Island Ford Visitor Center
