Formed by the fabled Chattooga and Tallulah rivers in far Northeast Georgia, the Tugaloo’s life as a free-flowing river is short, thanks to Hartwell and Yonah dams, but in that short run it packs a beautiful punch. That’s why local boosters have long promoted the Tugaloo River Water Trail as a premiere paddling destination. This 10-mile route begins near the base of Yonah Dam and takes in the river’s last free-flowing miles before entering the backwaters of Lake Hartwell. Beautiful scenery along the river itself and a top notch side trip up Longnose Creek to visit the spectacular falls on this tributary make this a paddle to remember (as does the uniquely-built home overlooking the falls!). Registration fees range from $35-$70 and include guide and shuttle services, river maps, educational programs and lots of good times. Canoe and kayak rentals are available for additional fees. Link to registration page coming soon!
Check out the paddle route below!
Currently, multiple partners–from non-profits like the Trust for Public Land (TPL) to local governments like the City of Chattahoochee Hills and the City of Atlanta–are working together to create “paddle in” campsites along the Chattahoochee River between Atlanta and McIntosh Reserve in Carroll County. These unique campsites are set to be ready for use sometime in the spring or summer of 2024, and Georgia River Network, which assisted TPL in securing state grants for the project, wants to be among the first groups to utilize these facilities.
Thus, we’ve planned a two-day, two-night journey for the new water trail amenities for the first weekend in September. Our route will depend upon the facilities that are completed and opened to the public by that date.
The event planned will include catered meals, vehicle support for camp gear as possible, shuttle services, evening educational programs and loads of fun. Participation will be limited by campsite capacity. Canoe and kayak rentals will be available for additional fees.
Check back periodically as we secure more information about the progress of the Chattahoochee River Water Trail’s “paddle in” campsites!
A fall favorite for more than a decade, Fall Float on the Flint features the best of the lower Flint River’s playful shoals, beautiful blue hole springs, soaring limestone bluffs and abundant wildlife. We do it every year because, well, it’s just a great paddle trip. Over two days of paddling, the route takes in some 36 miles of the Flint from Rocky Bend Flint River Retreat in Newton to the backwaters of Lake Seminole. Along the way, we stop at deceptively-named springs like Hog Parlor and Bovine. Don’t let the names fool you, they are breathtakingly beautiful. If the temperature and timing is right, some of us have been known to take a plunge from one of those riverside limestone bluffs. Long miles make this a challenging paddle for beginners, but the scenery makes the effort worth it. Camping is at Rocky Bend Flint River Retreat situated on the west bank of the river with tentsites, RV sites and rental cabins. Showers and restroom facilities and indoor dining are provided, along with delicious catered meals. Registration fees are expected to range from $205-$360 and includes tentsites with showers and restrooms, six catered meals, Paddle Georgia t-shirt or other swag, shuttle service, educational programs, Fall Float boat decal, river maps, guide service and lots of good times! Click here for more information and registration.
Check out the route below!
Way down upon the Suwannee River is where you’ll find us the second weekend of November when the cypress trees turn golden brown and the drupes of tupelo trees litter the swamp’s blackwater enmasse. It’s really one of the special times to visit the swamp as cooler temperatures transform the swamp foliage and (hopefully!) knock down the mosquito count! On the first day of the journey, we take in an 8-mile run of the swamp through the Suwannee River Narrows and continue past the Suwannee River Sill into the Suwannee River proper. Alligators lurk seemingly around every corner while overhead a host of birds entertain. The scenery, of course, is like nothing else in Georgia. The swamp is, after all, one of the state’s natural wonders! Day two will take us from our campsite at historic Griffis Fish Camp, home of legendary Okefenokee story teller Lem Griffis, down 14 miles of the Suwannee to Fargo. Tent camping is at Griffis, with RV sites available for additional charges. Restrooms with showers are included. Registration fees are expected to range from $205-$355 and include guide and shuttle services, river maps, Paddle Georgia swag, six catered meals, campsites and loads of fun. Click here to learn more and register.
Check out the paddle route below!