Spring Creek-Chattahoochee Adventure

A Two-Day Journey on Southwest Georgia’s Top Paddling Destinations

Head to far Southwest Georgia with Georgia Rivers on this late winter/early spring trip on two iconic paddling destinations in the Flint and Chattahoochee river basins. On day one, we’ll explore eight miles of the aptly-named Spring Creek. This beautiful creek is fed by numerous blue hole springs and runs clear and cool. While most of the spring runs are on private property and remain off limits to paddlers, some property owners still allow boaters to venture up into these magical locations. We’ll visit one such place. It’s a beautiful ride through cypress-studded shores. Day two will take us to the Chattahoochee River. Once the domain of steamboats and cotton barges, today the lower Chattahoochee is a recreational paradise. Our route takes us eight miles from Odom Creek Park to Omussee Creek Park in Alabama with a stop to see historic Coheelee Creek covered bridge, the southernmost covered bridge still remaining in Georgia. It’s a chance to see “Atlanta’s river” way down yonder where it is a different water body all together. You may want to bring a wetsuit and snorkel gear to get in-water views of Spring Creek and its springs.

Skill Level Required:

This route features all flatwater. It is suitable for all skill levels from beginner to expert.

Register

Registration opens Dec. 22 at 8 a.m. Registration fees are $50 for youth 17-under and $110 for adults. Registration closes Feb. 20 or when full. Registration fees include guide services, river maps and shuttle service. Detailed information about meeting times and locations will be e-mailed to all registered participants one to two weeks prior to the event. Georgia Rivers will not provide campsites, lodging or meals for this trip, but cottages are available at nearby Seminole State Park (however, the campground is closed for renovations). If you are looking for a tent or RV campsite, try nearby Kolomoki Mounds State Park. Participants will gather together for the first time at our launch site on Spring Creek on the morning of Feb. 28. Meals are available in nearby Donalsonville and Bainbridge. Rental boats may be reserved during registration for an additional fee. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Apply for a Scholarship: 

A limited number of scholarships to encourage women, people of color, recent immigrants and low-income individuals and families to participate are available. Apply for a scholarship HERE!

Paddle Georgia Policies

These are general policies and recommendations for Georgia Rivers trips, including our week-long Paddle Georgia adventure, weekend camping adventures and day trips.

1. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on the river.
2. All participants must attend the pre-launch safety briefing. Participants must adhere to the safety guidelines presented.
3. Participants must wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device at all times on the river.
4. Participants under age 18 are the responsibility of, and must be accompanied by, a parent or guardian.
5. Sorry, no pets allowed.
6. All participants must sign a Medical and Emergency Contact Information sheet and a Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability form. Parents must sign for children under the age of 18. (These forms will be sent in the information packet.
7. Person-powered watercraft only.
8. All participants must respect private property along the river.
9. All participants must possess basic paddling skills and be capable of self-rescue in the water.
10. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian.
11. All children must have a designated seat in the vessel in which they are traveling. (no children on decks of kayaks or as “passengers” in cockpits of solo kayaks)
12. Georgia Rivers is not responsible for any personal property that may be lost, damaged, or stolen during the trip.
13. Paddle Georgia is a non-partisan, apolitical event that welcomes people of all political persuasions, races, religions, sexual orientation and ethnic backgrounds.
14. As a 501c3 organization, Georgia Rivers is prohibited from endorsing specific candidates or political parties.  Therefore, participants are prohibited from exhibiting signs, banners, flags or other campaign materials endorsing specific candidates for office within Paddle Georgia campsites. We also encourage particpants to refrain from wearing clothing that could be construed as divisive, offensive to others or may be inappropriate for our family-friendly event.

Code of Conduct

At Georgia Rivers, we like to think of our river adventure participants as our “river family.” We come from many different backgrounds, but the river is the great equalizer and our common bond. We want all participants to treat one another as family.

Dos…

• Be respectful of all participants, including their property, their person and their personal views. On our river adventures you will paddle, eat and camp with people that are very different from you. Please respect and celebrate those differences.
• Be helpful. If you see someone that needs a hand in camp or on the river, please lend yours.
• Be courteous. Be prepared to wait in lines for restrooms, shuttle buses, meals and more. Remember, we are all in the same boat; only by working together can we get everyone safely down the river.

Don’ts

• Use inappropriate language. This is a family event with participants of all ages.
• Verbally or physically intimidate or abuse other participants.
• Become intoxicated or under the influence of mind-altering drugs.
• Violate quiet hours by engaging in loud talk and disruptive behavior between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.

Violations of these policies and our code of conduct can result in the participant being removed from the event without refund.

For Parents and Guardians of Children

Parents and guardians are responsible for the welfare and safety of their minor participants at all times, both on the river and in camp. Understand that while Georgia Rivers’ river adventure trips almost without exception attract uncommonly good and kind people, Georgia Rivers does not screen participants or conduct background checks on participants.

What Should I Bring? (here’s a checklist of essential items!) First Aid Kit; Sunscreen; Necessary Medication; Water Bottles (at least 3 quart bottles for each person); At least two paddles for each boat; Flexible mindset; If camping…tent or other shelter, sleeping bag or sleep sack and sleeping pad; proper footwear for river and land; rain gear; whistle for signaling emergency.

Here’s a checklist of suggested optional items: Labels with your name for your boat, luggage, and other personal belongings; Ground Cloth; Reusable Plate/Utensils (wash stations provided on trips that are catered); Clothing for weekend; Waterproof Stuff Sacks for Camp Gear; Waterproof stuff sack or case for lunch and other on river items (like dry clothing); Clothes/Swimsuit; Money to tip the caterers (if this is a catered trip); Insect Repellent; Towel/Wash Cloth; Soap, Toothpaste, Toiletries; Flashlight/Head Lamp; Book; Camera; Watertight cases for Boat; Fishing Gear/License; Duct Tape; Sponge; Bailer; Snacks for river and camp; Hat or Cap (don’t forget to get your Paddle Georgia hats!); Bug netting; Extra Length of Rope; Ear Plugs (Some of our paddlers snore!); Sleep Shades (Lights out at 10 p.m.); Laptop & Electronic Communication Devices (optional and frowned upon!); Water Guns/Cannon (optional and encouraged!);  Lightweight long sleeved pants or shirts for bug protection in the evening; Layered non-cotton clothing; Bottled Water (potable tap water at Satilla Lodge has strong sulfur scent and taste which may be unpalatable for some)

16 Things You Should Bring on the Water Each Day 

1. At least two paddles for each boat.
2. PFD—every Paddle Georgia participant must wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device at all times while on the river (no ifs, ands, buts or “gee, it’s really hot!” – this policy is STRICTLY enforced)
3. Every canoe should have two lines, a bow line and a stern line 8-10 feet each in length secured in such a way that they are readily accessible, but cannot come loose accidentally. Loose rope increases the risk of entanglement in the event of capsize. Kayaks should have grab loops at both bow and stern.
4. An extra throw rope in case of emergencies should be stored safely in each boat.
5. Attach a whistle to your life vest or body to signal for help in case of emergency.
6. A Knife
7. Waterproof matches or other fire source in waterproof covering.
8. First Aid Kit—while boats will be on the river with basic first aid supplies, each vessel should bring a first aid kit stored inside a waterproof bag or container.
9. A repair kit—each vessel should be able to make their own repairs (duct tape, sealant, waterproof tape and other materials are recommended)
10. Rain Gear—Be prepared to get wet and potentially cold. Every participant should have access to a lightweight rain jacket and rain pants in a waterproof bag or container.
11. Change of Clothes—Be prepared to take an unexpected swim. Every participant should have access to a dry change of clothes kept in a waterproof bag or container.
12. Appropriate footwear that will protect your feet from unseen underwater hazards and permit you to walk comfortably on land when launching and taking out and in the event that you must exit the Paddle Georgia course.
13. Sunscreen—Sunburn might be the trip’s biggest hazard.
14. Water Bottle or Three —At least three quarts per person per day is recommended. Bring sufficient water for the day’s paddle for everyone in your boat. Also consider bringing electrolyte packs or powdered sports drink mix to add to your water to avoid dehydration. Drinking water is not available along the Paddle Georgia route and no drink is provided w/ sack lunches. Many paddlers will fill one bottle with water and another with sports drinks (provided each morning for you to fill your own bottles).
15. Food—There is no access to food along the Paddle Georgia route. Sack lunches are provided to participants. No drink is included with the lunch.
16. Dry Bag or Ziploc—Bring a waterproof bag to protect items you don’t want to get wet, including your lunch.

Paddle Georgia Safety Procedures

Paddle Georgia participants should be aware that this canoe trip is not a commercially-guided trip. While Georgia Rivers and Paddle Georgia staff will be available on the river during each day’s paddle and participants with medical and/or First Aid training will be identified, we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides direct you through each bend of the river, Paddle Georgia is designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety.