Chattahoochee River Paddle, Cleanup Set For Sept. 29-30

JOHNS CREEK, GA — The Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy will team up with REI later this month to host the third annual Chattahoochee River Paddle, Campout and Cleanup.

The event will be held at the Abbotts Bridge Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, which is located along Abbotts Bridge Road on the Gwinnett-Fulton County border. The National Park Service opens the Unit for camping once a year exclusively for this event. All skill levels are welcome to spend the weekend paddling down the river, enjoying the fall weather, and camping under the stars.

Participants will float down the river on kayaks and canoes while picking up litter to preserve the beauty of the river. A gourmet barbecue dinner with craft beer and hearty breakfast will be provided and when the evening rolls around, campers can roast s'mores over the campfire while listening to a live bluegrass band.

Campers can try stand-up paddle boarding and learn how to mountain bike on a portable pump track. Kayaks, paddle boards, and canoes will be available for anyone who does not own one. However, participants need to bring basic camping gear, lunch, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.

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The event, for residents age 14 years and older, will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 and wrap up at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. The cost is $99 for REI members and $119 for non-members. Proceeds from this event support the Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy, the official friends group for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area that works to build a community of support for the national park and promote stewardship of its cultural and natural resources.

Space is limited, and more details and registration information can be found here.

Image via Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area