Dozens of enthusiastic canoeists, kayakers and paddlers took to the Yellow River in Porterdale Saturday morning to help clean up the river, learn some of its history and enjoy a lazy day cruising down the river.

Decatur resident Craig Brown came to Porterdale Saturday to kayak, learn more about the river and maybe even do a little bit of fishing.

MaKara Rumley is employed with Green Law Atlanta, and she came to seize the opportunity to relax and get into the nature her group is working so hard to protect.

Mansfield residents Connie and Tommy Hollis brought their granddaughters Margaret, 11, and Charlotte, 7, from Sandy Springs to enjoy some family bonding time paddling. The girls had already tackled the Ocmulgee, and this trip was their second venture into the world of river recreation.
The "Unveiling the Hidden Gems of Metro Atlanta" event was sponsored by the Georgia River Network and the local Yellow River Preservation and Conservation. Local resident Tonya Bechtler was one of the effort's leaders, and recently helped establish the Yellow River/Porterdale Explorers Adopt-A-Stream group.

The Georgia River Network will be hosting its fourth Water Trails Workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 13 at the Porterdale Mill Lofts, 1109 Main Street.

The workshop, titled 'Water Trails that Work,' will feature a line-up of presenters covering the full gamut of water trail topics. The Yellow River Preservation group is working to make the Yellow River an official "blue trail."

Residents are free to kayak the Yellow River any time. The Porterdale Yak club rentals available on Thursdays and Fridays beginning at 10 a.m. The Yak Club opens at 8:30 am. on Saturdays and at noon on Sundays. Single kayaks cost $20 a day, while double kayaks go for $30.