Sports and Recreation

     Atlanta's leisure activities are many. Visitors can go fishing in or rafting or canoeing down the Chattahoochee River, the focal point of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Affectionately known as "the Hooch" by natives, the river is usually no more than 5 feet deep and affords excellent opportunities for year-round fishing. Trout, bass, catfish and other species of fish frequent the river. For fishing license and regulation information phone (888) 748-6887. Canoes, rafts, life jackets and shuttle service back to the departure point are provided by the Chattahoochee Outdoor Center early May to mid-September; phone (770) 399-8070. Jogging trails border the river.
     Golf can be played at six city courses. The Bell-South Atlanta Golf Classic and other tournaments attract many spectators each year. The municipal parks also provide riding and hiking trails, tennis courts and swimming pools. Piedmont Park, off Monroe Drive and 10th Street in midtown, is a popular spot for bicycling and jogging.
     Fishing, boating and swimming off a sandy beach are available at Lake Sidney Lanier, about 35 miles northeast off US 23.
The National League's Atlanta Braves play baseball from early April to late September at Turner Field, off I-75/85 exits 246 or 248A (Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.). Football games are played in the Georgia Dome from early September to late December when the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League take the field.
     The National Basketball Association's Atlanta Hawks tip off downtown at the Phillips Arena, 100 Techwood Ave. Racing in Atlanta focuses on horsepower. Fans of the checkered flag can see it waved almost all year at Atlanta Motor Speedway, 20 miles south, and at Road Atlanta, 39 miles northeast near Braselton. The former is host to NASCAR racing; the latter offers sports car, Formula One, motorcycle and motocross events on its road circuit March through November.