New water trails and safety features to be added to the Georgia River Guide app in 2025

The app resource for canoe and kayak paddlers on Georgia water trails received grant support from the Georgia Recreational Trails Program 

ATHENS, GA, February 28, 2025 – New updates for the Georgia River Guide app are on the way to better connect paddlers to water trails across Georgia! Georgia Rivers received a grant from Georgia Department of Natural Resources under the Recreational Trails Program to add new water trails and more safety features to the Georgia Rivers Guide app.

Georgia Rivers serves as Georgia DNR’s non-profit partner running the Georgia Water Trails Network. Water trails, similar to hiking trails on rivers and streams, across the state can be found on the intuitive and interactive Georgia River Guide mobile app. The free digital trip planning tool empowers river recreationists to discover nearby water trails, learn about safe public access points, river mileage between accesses, points of interest, nearby shuttle services and more in a few simple taps. 

The Recreational Trails Program recognized the Georgia Rivers Guide app as a top resource for connecting paddlers to water trails with a $60,000 grant to enhance and update the app with more interactive safety features to equip paddlers with real-time safety data while exploring Georgia rivers.The grant from Georgia DNR requires a $20,000 match from other donors. If you would like to contribute to the app development fund and support this matching funding, please donate at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/watertrailsapp

“The Georgia River Guide app helps paddlers access real time information so they can ‘know before they go’ on Georgia’s water trails,” says Andrea White, Georgia Rivers community programs coordinator. “For example, the app already includes live links to river gauges that provide real-time information about the water level and e coli levels, as well as a recommendation for the best water level to run that section of river. It is critical for users to understand river conditions in real-time so they can avoid hazards and enjoy their time on Georgia’s water trails. After this project that information will be more prominent and interactive.” 

The Georgia River Guide app aims to empower individuals to experience Georgia’s waterways, and ultimately advocate for healthy, clean waters. “People protect what they feel connected with,” says Rena Ann Peck, Georgia Rivers executive director. “The more people we connect to Georgia’s rivers, the more people will advocate for their rivers in Georgia. We aim to inspire all Georgians and visitors in Georgia to fight to protect Georgia rivers.” 

This development project is expected to be rolled out over the course of 2025. Updates to the Georgia River Guide app include making water quality gauge data showing e coli levels more intuitive and interactive, increasing user interactivity with real time river levels, and integrating dam release information into the platform. After this project is concluded, users will encounter clear and timely interactive visual cues in the app to highlight key water safety metrics, enhancing overall awareness and safety.

The Georgia River Guide app is always free to users. Those passionate about increasing resources for outdoor recreation are invited to support further developments on the Georgia River Guide app. Donate to support the app at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/watertrailsapp

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Georgia Rivers, formerly Georgia River Network, is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of connecting people with and protecting Georgia’s rivers. It serves as Georgia Department of Natural Resources non-profit partnering to coordinate the state’s water trail program.