Georgia Rivers to host paddle trip through Black history on Ebenezer and Abercorn Creeks

ATHENS, GA, January 31,2025 –History buffs and paddlers will float side-by-side during Georgia Rivers’ canoe/kayak adventure on Ebenezer and Abercorn creeks in Effingham County set for March 21-23. 

The two-day paddle trip with indoor and camping accommodations at New Ebenezer Retreat Center will explore some 14 miles of Ebenezer and Abercorn creeks during the weekend. Along the way participants will experience the beauty of these waterways and hear from local historians who will detail the momentous events that took place on and near them and shaped Georgia and the nation’s history. 

Ebenezer Creek is one of Georgia’s four state-designated “scenic rivers.” Flanked by massive cypress and tupelo trees, Ebenezer, with its blackwater, is among the most beautiful paddle routes in the state. It was also the site in 1864 of the “Ebenezer Massacre,” in which the Union Army removed a pontoon bridge over the creek, leaving recently freed slaves following the Army’s march through Georgia destitute and subject to recapture at the hands of the Confederate Army. 

An untold number of these camp followers perished trying to cross the rain-swollen creek in the dead of winter. The incident was so horrific it forced the Union Army to issue Field Order No. 15 in which the federal government agreed to provide all formerly enslaved individuals with 40 acres of land. It was an incident that might have changed the course of history had the field order not been rescinded following President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. 

Along Abercorn Creek following the close of the Revolutionary War, Belleisle, within the Savannah River, became home to a community of Blacks who refused to be subjected to slavery. Nearly 100 “maroons” carved out a life on this secluded and wild island, defying for several years efforts by local authorities to quash the fortified and armed community.

While the group will explore these waterways by day, at night local historians will present programs on the significance of these historic sites. 

“One of the purposes of Georgia Rivers paddle trips is to connect people with the natural and cultural history surrounding our rivers and streams,” said Rena Peck, Executive Director of Georgia Rivers. “The Savannah was among the state’s first rivers to be explored and settled so the history along it is both rich and tragic.” 

Registration for the event is now open at https://garivers.org/event/paddle-georgia-2025-ebenezer-abercorn-adventure. Registration fees for adults are $350 and include camping facilities with showers and flush toilets, six catered meals, guide services and maps, shuttle services and educational programs. Rental boats and special indoor accommodations at New Ebenezer Retreat Center may be purchased for additional fees during registration. 

Georgia Rivers also has available a limited number of scholarships to encourage women, people of color, recent immigrants and low-income individuals to participate in the event. 

The organization also has scheduled trips on Muckalee and Kinchafoonee Creeks near Albany March 1-2; on the St. Marys River near Folkston April 4-6; on the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta April 25-27 and on the Altamaha River near Brunswick May 2-4. A full slate of trips can be viewed at https://garivers.org/calendar-2/.

Sponsors of Georgia Rivers paddle trip program include Hennessy Land Rover, Georgia Power Company, Colonial Pipeline, Butler-Prather Trial Lawyers, Isdell Family Foundation, Southern Company Gas, Mill Creek Environmental, Spears Family Foundation, Baxter and Harbin CPAs, Purina, Terry Pate CPA, Fruit of the Loom/Jerzees, REI, Southwire, Westbrook Supply Company, Wildwater, Georgia Mining Association, Georgia Department of Natural Resources,  Stream Techs, Whitewater Express, The Canoe House, Patagonia, Adventure Keen, Royal Restrooms, Southeast Adventure Outfitters, Oconee Outfitters, The Hike Inn, Learn to Kayak, Café Campesino, Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, Georgia Canoeing Association , Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, Mustang Survival, Appalachian Outfitters, Festive Water, Molson-Coors, Traders Hill Farm, Murph’s Surf and Rock City.

For more Information:

Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia Coordinator, 706-409-0128 or joe@garivers.org

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Georgia Rivers, formerly known as Georgia River Network, is a statewide non-profit river advocacy group with the mission to connect people with and protect Georgia’s rivers. GRN is GA DNR’s non-profit river recreation partner coordinating the statewide water trails program and created the Georgia River Guide free mobile app.