Jones Bridge River Overlook Opened By Chattahoochee River Group

JOHNS CREEK, GA — Last month, the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of a new river overlook at the Jones Bridge North unit.

The new pier was a partnership construction project funded and managed by Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy. The official Friends group for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy provides funding and volunteers to support park initiatives and promotes stewardship of its natural and cultural resources. Part of the national park system, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area encompasses 15 park units along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River in metro Atlanta and the U.S.’ first National Water Trail.

Offering beautiful views of the Chattahoochee River, the new pier overlooks the Jones Bridge shoals, an area popular with fly fishermen and paddlers. Last year, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to replace the deteriorating deck, which was a top priority for the National Park Service. The new overlook includes an interpretive panel about local aquatic species funded by Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy partner the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

“The popular river overlook in the Jones Bridge Unit had aged to the point of becoming unstable and had to be closed recently. Fortunately, an anonymous donor through the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta stepped in at the right time with a donation to replace the overlook,” said Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Board President Phillip Hodges. “We are very grateful for this generous contribution to improve the park. This overlook should last well beyond any of us here today.”

Construction on the pier replacement began in October 2020. After battling rain and high river levels for months, contractor Link Welding completed the new and improved overlook in January. With Trout Unlimited’s colorful interpretive sign now installed in the railing, the overlook is ready to accommodate park visitors.

The 194-acre Jones Bridge unit off Barnwell Road in north Fulton County boasts scenic forest hiking trails along the Chattahoochee, as well as steps leading to the river that welcome fly fishermen year-round and families seeking to enjoy the shoals on warm summer days. The proximity to the Jones Bridge shoals and nearby rock outcrops has made the overlook location a favorite spot for park visitors for over four decades. With the new pier completed, visitors can once again frequent the overlook to enjoy expansive river views, observe numerous bird species, and fish for trout from the accessible pier. The overlook is easily reached from the west end parking lot by walking straight into the park towards the Chattahoochee and taking a left on the flat trail that runs along the river.

For more information on the overlook project or how to join, donate, or volunteer with CNPC to support park initiatives, visit chatthoocheeparks.org or email info@chattahoocheeparks.org.