Georgia River Network is continuing its Unveiling Paddling Series this year with four different opportunities for residents to rediscover some hidden gems among Georgia’s waterways.

The Chattahoochee, Etowah, Savannah and Altamaha rivers will be highlighted in a series called “Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Georgia’s Waterways.”

The first of this year’s paddling trips will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 18 on a section of the Chattahoochee River from Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough to Ga. Highway 166.

Included will be programs on the history of this behind-the-scenes section of the river, its resident wildlife and ways that participants can become involved in water quality monitoring and river cleanups in their communities.

“Ultimately, Georgia River Network hopes to see an increase in developing and established Georgia water trails on these rivers — bringing economic benefits to the surrounding communities, improving quality of life by providing recreation opportunities, and ensuring a healthy and clean river,” said Gwyneth Moody, Georgia River Network’s Community Programs coordinator.

The organization is partnering with river groups that work in their respective watersheds to host these events, including: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Keeping it Wild, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Coosa River Basin Initiative, Upper Etowah River Alliance, Cherokee Historical Society, Georgia Kayak Fishing-Paddle4Tomorrow, Savannah Riverkeeper, Off Grid Expeditions, and Altamaha Riverkeeper.

Rivers Alive and Georgia Adopt-a-Stream are providing educational programs for participants.

A water trail is referred to as a stretch of water along a river or shoreline that has been mapped out with the intent of creating an educational, scenic, and enjoyable experience for recreational users such as paddlers and fisherman.
Participants can register for the events at garivers.org.