Sandy Springs has more than 950 acres of parks and 20-plus miles of Chattahoochee River shoreline. Most parks open 7 a.m. to dusk. Hours, trails, dog parks.
Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. Facts come from the City of Sandy Springs parks pages and the National Park Service.
Sandy Springs maintains more than 950 acres of parks, trails, athletic fields and natural areas, the city says, and with the National Park Service it looks after trails along more than 20 miles of Chattahoochee River shoreline.
Who to call
- City parks, pavilions, programs: Recreation and Parks, City Hall, 1 Galambos Way, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays; city call center 770-730-5600 (24 hours); recreation@sandyspringsga.gov
- Programs and rentals: the city’s recreation registration site
- Chattahoochee River units: the National Park Service
- Official page: City Parks
Hours and rules
Most parks are open from 7 a.m. to dusk. Some stay open later, according to the city’s parks FAQ:
| Park | Hours |
|---|---|
| Abernathy Greenway North | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Morgan Falls Overlook Park | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Marsh Creek Rain Garden | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Morgan Falls Athletic Fields | 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Hammond Park | 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. |
| Springway Trail | Dawn to dusk |
- Dogs: allowed on a leash; clean up after them. Not allowed on athletic fields without written permission.
- Alcohol: generally prohibited unless posted signs or park rules allow it.
- Music: allowed in most parks, but no amplified sound or live music at Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
- Pavilions: first come, first served unless reserved; a permit guarantees use. The Overlook Pavilion is always open to the public.
The river parks
Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 400 Morgan Falls Road. Opened in 2010 as the first new park after the city incorporated. River views, porch swings, a playground, a fire pit, picnic pavilion, a 2/3-mile woodland trail and a floating dock for kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on the river above Morgan Falls Dam. Bring your own boat or rent one from Murph’s Surf Paddle Shack at the park. Details.
Springway Trail. A paved 1.88-mile trail from Morgan Falls Overlook Park to Roswell Road at Cimarron Parkway, opened in May 2025. Bikes, walkers and small low-speed electric devices only; no gas vehicles or golf carts; pets on a short leash; no fishing from the boardwalk. Details.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Three National Park Service units are in or on the edge of Sandy Springs:
| Unit | Address | Trail |
|---|---|---|
| East Palisades | 1425 Indian Trail | 3.4 miles past high overlooks, old mill ruins and a bamboo forest |
| Island Ford | 8850 Roberts Drive | About 3 miles along the river; visitor center in Hewlett Lodge |
| Powers Island | 5450 Interstate North Parkway | A 2.5-mile loop over an island and riverbank |
The Park Service charges a $5 standard pass or a $40 annual pass, according to its fees page.
Crooked Creek Park, 3100 River Exchange Drive. A 1-mile earthen loop through wetlands and forest with a river view at the north end. Walkers only, no bikes, and no restrooms.
Nature preserves
- Big Trees Forest Preserve, 7645 Roswell Road: a 31-acre plant and wildlife sanctuary with nature trails and restrooms, steps from Roswell Road.
- Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road: 24 acres of woods and trails at Brandon Mill and Dalrymple roads, a mid-1800s farm with a community garden, greenhouse, apiary, an ADA-approved trail and a cottage for rent. Friends of Lost Corner runs nature programs.
Neighborhood and sports parks
- Abernathy Greenway North, 70 Abernathy Road: a 6.6-acre linear park opened in 2014 with a Playable Art playground of climbable sculptures, a pavilion and restrooms.
- Hammond Park, 705 Hammond Drive: gymnastics center and turf field off Hammond Drive; playgrounds, community building, two lighted tennis courts, basketball and pavilions from the Glenridge Drive lot, 6005 Glenridge Drive.
- Morgan Falls Athletic Complex, 450 Morgan Falls Place: baseball, T-ball and football fields, playgrounds, pavilions and concessions on 27 acres.
- Allen Road Park, 83 Allen Road: a 3-acre park with a playground, multipurpose and basketball courts, walking trail and soccer field.
- Morgan Falls Dog Park, 100 Morgan Falls Road: separate fenced areas for small and large dogs on 3.4 acres. The city holds a ribbon cutting for its improvements at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
The full list of 28 parks and recreation areas, with a map, is on the city’s parks page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the park hours in Sandy Springs? Most city parks are open from 7 a.m. to dusk. Abernathy Greenway North, Morgan Falls Overlook Park and Marsh Creek Rain Garden stay open until 10 p.m., and Hammond Park and the Morgan Falls athletic fields until 11 p.m.
Is there a dog park in Sandy Springs? Yes. Morgan Falls Dog Park, 100 Morgan Falls Road, has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs. Dogs are allowed on a leash in other city parks but not on athletic fields.
Where can I kayak in Sandy Springs? Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 400 Morgan Falls Road, has a floating dock with public access to the Chattahoochee River above Morgan Falls Dam. You can bring your own boat or rent one at the park.
Do I have to pay to park at the Chattahoochee River trails? The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area units, including East Palisades, Island Ford and Powers Island, are run by the National Park Service, which charges a $5 standard pass or a $40 annual pass.
Can I reserve a park pavilion in Sandy Springs? Pavilions are first come, first served unless someone has reserved them. A permit guarantees use; book through the city’s recreation registration site.
What this means for you
- For the river, start at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, open until 10 p.m.
- Bring $5 for a National Park Service pass at East Palisades, Island Ford and Powers Island.
- Dogs go on a leash everywhere except the fenced dog park.
Related: walking and biking trails, getting around Sandy Springs and things to do this month.
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