River Discovery Series

Registration Closed

The River Discovery Series is a series of paddle trips that takes place from June to September, hosted by UCR in partnership with the National Park Service. Designed for beginners and advanced paddlers alike, the series consists of five trips (totalling 37 miles) running the length of the river within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), from Bowman’s Island to Paces Mill. See map of the CRNRA.

For each segment, a National Park Service Ranger acquaints paddlers with the key features of that part of the river. Although any one segment can be traveled separately, the series was designed as a whole, and a discount is provided for those who sign up for all five trips.

• Fees: One-day paddle trips - $35 per boat (solo or tandem) ; Two-day camping and paddling trips - $60 per boat (solo or tandem) ; Paddle Cleanups will be free (information to be posted soon).
• Participants receive a one-year individual UCR membership.
• Registration required. All paddle trips have a maximum capacity - we encourage you to register early to ensure participation.
• Details will be provided in your confirmation email after registration and specific trip details will be emailed to you one week prior to the trip date.
• Each participant is required to sign a UCR Liability Waiver. This may be submitted onsite or authorized as electronic signature during the registration process. Click here to preview the UCR Liability Waiver.
• Boating equipment is not provided for any UCR paddle trip or cleanup. Click here for a list of local outfitters. These trips are intended for kayaks and canoes only - inflatable boats are not permitted. PFD’s must be worn on all UCR paddle trips.
• Shuttling is a group effort and typically we will meet around 9am at the put-in to unload all boats and shuttle to the take-out before we get on the river.
• Youth Age Requirements: If paddling solo, paddler must be at least 15 years old. If paddling tandem, youth must be at least 8 years of age and accompanied by an adult at least 21 years of age.

June 26 - Segment 1: Buford Dam to Settles Bridge - 5 miles - This trip has been completed.
Starting at the base of Buford Dam in the clear, cold water released from the bottom of Lake Lanier and paddling to the Historic Settles Bridge, this journey follows a section of beautiful oak hickory forest and prime trout water.

July 10 - Segment 2: Settles Bridge to Abbotts Bridge - 8 Miles - This trip has been completed.
Beginning at the historic Settles Bridge, paddlers will begin to learn of earlier times and how humans interacted with the river in ages past. This will be an excellent opportunity to see wildlife.

July 24 - Segment 3: Abbotts Bridge to Jones Bridge - 7 Miles - This trip has been completed.
This trip starts at the NPS boat ramp just below Abbotts Bridge and takes you through the section most popular for boat fishermen due to slower currents. Homes and other intrusions on the river scenery will increase as we float through the Jones Bridge Shoals before landing at the Jones Bridge boat ramp.

August 14 - Segment 4: Jones Bridge to Island Ford and the Historic Hewlett Lodge -This trip has been completed.
Beginning on one of the most scenic sections in the CRNRA, this journey on the Chattahoochee will be an easy paddle with few riffles. River Otter and Osprey are occasionally spotted along this section and Great Blue Herons and Red Tailed Hawks are common. In addition to wildlife, enjoy late summer wildflowers.

August 28 - Segment 5: Morgan Falls Dam to Paces Mill - 9 miles - This trip is now closed.
Paddle the final section of the CRNRA, which is rich in both natural and human history. See the site where Federal forces outflanked the Confederate Army, Native American sites, and the magnificent Palisades. Pass through Cochran Shoals, Devil’s Race Course Shoals, and Thornton Shoals, all easy Class 1.5 rapids.

Additional details for each trip are provided upon registration and specific trip details one week prior to the trip date.

Click here to see Additional Paddle Trips for 2010