This tour is being hosted in conjunction with Park Pride’s 17th Annual Parks & Greenspace Conference, Parks & the Resilient City, on Monday, March 26.

The Chattahoochee River provides Atlanta with so much! From drinking water to recreation to habitat – our river is bursting with life! Protecting this vital resource is critical to the resilience of our city and region.

Experience the Chattahoochee River firsthand on this Chattahoochee Riverkeeper led tour through Georgia’s most popular national park. This 5-mile paddle trip will explore the importance of the Chattahoochee River and the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for the resilience of metro Atlanta and communities throughout the state. Hear from river champions and local leaders on the water and at riverside stops about the river’s importance for recreation, ecology, and commerce and about efforts to protect the river and promote access.

Register
Cost: $20/person. Limited to 20 participants.

Kayaks and paddling equipment provided courtesy of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper.

Experts include:

• Sally Bethea, Board President, Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy
• Kisha Powell, City of Atlanta Commissioner of Watershed Management
• Walt Ray, Chattahoochee Program Director with The Trust for Public Land
• Erik Fyfe, Watershed Protection Specialist, The Chattachoochee Riverkeeper 

Detailed Trip Info:

• Trip Schedule

We will meet at the Island Ford visitor center (1978 Island Ford Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30350) at 9am and shuttle participants to the trip start location at Garrard Landing Park. Following introductions and safety instructions, we will begin paddling around 10am and make our way to our take-out at Island Ford by 1:30pm (end time is approximate and depends on river conditions). Tour presenters will join participants during the paddle and will present at riverside stops along the route.

Light snacks provided. Restroom facilities limited. Kayaks, paddles and life jackets/PFDs* will be provided by Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, unless participants prefer to use their own equipment. Participants providing their own boats will receive additional instructions about shuttling.

• Parking Fee – Please be prepared to purchase a $3.00 National Recreation Area parking pass.
• Physical Requirements – This will be a fairly leisurely paddle trip, but participants should be prepared to use your core muscles, arms and shoulders. Participants must be able to swim competently and be able to get in and out of a kayak/canoe unassisted. This beautiful section of river is relatively calm with few riffles. Expect cold water temperatures.
• Youth Age Requirements – If paddling solo, paddler must be at least 15 years old. If paddling tandem, youth must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old.
• Severe Weather – The trip will be cancelled in the event of thunderstorms or dangerous river conditions. We will paddle in light rain.