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Celebrate National Park Week with a splash on the ’Hooch! Join Trees Atlanta, in partnership with Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy and Georgia Conservancy, for an unforgettable morning on the Chattahoochee River. We’ll paddle from Garrard’s Landing to Don White Memorial Park. This is a beautiful 7.5‑mile stretch that blends calm, scenic floating with just the right amount of excitement. Expect gentle riffles, playful Class I and II waves, and plenty of time to enjoy the forested banks, wildlife, and sweeping river views that make this section so special. We will stop at Island Ford to eat lunch (please pack.)

Whether you’re new to paddling or already hooked on river time, this National Park Week paddle is all about celebrating the beauty, adventure, trees, water and shared joy our national parks make possible. Come ready for fresh air, good company, and a little splash along the way

Important Notes:

• All participants will meet at Don White Memorial Park and be shuttled to the launch point at Garrard’s Landing. Please arrive no later than 9:00 AM to sign the volunteer waiver and board the shuttle.

• All participants will paddle in tandem (2-person) kayaks. If you do not register with a partner, you will be paired with another participant. Youth (ages 17 and below) must register with and paddle alongside a guardian or a guardian-approved adult.

About the Guides:

• Shaundon Moore is a conservationist specializing in wildlife conservation, freshwater science, and environmental education. He serves as the Stewardship Trips Manager with the Georgia Conservancy, leading hiking, paddling, and stewardship experiences that connect people to Georgia’s natural landscapes.He previously served as Park Ranger and Naturalist at Arabia Mountain and is known for creating culturally rich outdoor experiences, including the Westside Chattahoochee Paddle, Atlanta’s first cultural paddling tour highlighting Black and Indigenous history. Shaundon is a certified kayak instructor, master herpetologist, and holds a Master’s in Conservation Biology.

• Amy Nicholas, a native Floridian, has worked across the conservation field from lobbying and land management to environmental education, fundraising, and outreach with experience at Alachua Conservation Trust, the U.S. Forest Service in Sequoia National Forest, and as an AmeriCorps Resource Educator at CRNRA.In her role at CNPC, Amy focuses on corporate and community engagement, park programming, and fundraising. She is committed to expanding and diversifying access to national parks so they can be enjoyed by all. Outside of work, she loves exploring Metro Atlanta’s green spaces, playing music, and spending time with her cat, Betty White.

• Maxine and Kent Watkins are active Trees Atlanta Docents who lead regular Tree ID walks with CNPC. They live in Sandy Springs. They enjoy hiking and exploring new parks during their free time. They've been supporting Trees Atlanta's mission for years by planting, pruning and leading tours

About Georgia Conservancy: The Georgia Conservancy’s mission is rooted in homegrown conservation, working to ensure healthy lands, thriving communities, and a future where every Georgian can enjoy the outdoors for generations to come. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on stewardship, the organization has spent more than 50 years protecting Georgia’s land, water, and coast while promoting sustainable growth alongside conservation.

About the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy: CNPC is the official friends group for the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), a series of fifteen park units along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River in metro Atlanta. Their mission is to build a community of support for the CRNRA and promote stewardship of its natural and cultural resources.

☑️ CLICK TO REGISTER

Additional Information

• We will meet at Don White Memorial Park (925 Riverside Rd, Roswell, GA 30075). and be shuttled to the launch point at Garrard’s Landing. Please arrive by 9:00 AM to sign the volunteer waiver and board the shuttle. Free Parking is available.

• Accessibility & Terrain: The paddle is approximately 7.5 river miles. Participants should expect limited amenities and should be comfortable managing basic outdoor conditions. This is a beginner-friendly river section, but it still includes mild shoals, fish weirs, and normal paddling fatigue.

• Age Requirement: Participants must be 9 years or older. Those under 18 must register and paddle with a Guardian-approved adult.

• Registration Information: Register here

  • Single Ticket $100: Covers Kayak rental (you will be placed in a tandem kayak), paddle & life jacket. Expert, interpretive guides, safety instruction + fun river interpretation along the route, and shuttle with NOC.

• What to Bring and Wear:

  • Bring your own lunch, snacks, and water bottle (1-2 liters).

  • DO NOT WEAR COTTON. Wear Athletic or quick-dry clothing. (If you have swim or watersport-specific clothing, that’s fine too.) You can also keep a change of clothes in your car.

  • Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

  • Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with heel strap

  • Waterproof bag for personal items

  • Extras as needed/preferred: medicines, a towel, other outdoor comfort items

• Safety and Inclement Weather Policy:
  This paddle will be rescheduled if:

  • River flows exceed 5,000 CFS

  • E. coli levels are high

  • There is heavy rain and/or lightning in the area
    If anything changes, participants will be notified by CRNRA and Education@treesatlanta.org .

  • Proposed rain date is Sept 26.‌

• Questions: If you have any questions or comments regarding this event, please email education@treesatlanta.org.

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