Paddle Georgia 2024 Altamaha River

June 15-22, 2024

Trip Summary

Often referred to as Georgia’s “Little Amazon,” Georgia’s largest river, the Altamaha, will host Paddle Georgia 2024 June 15-22 as we travel 107 miles over seven days on the Altamaha, as well as the Oconee and Ohoopee rivers, plus routes on Lewis Creek, Rifle Cut and Darien Creek as we reach our final destination on the Georgia coast and the historic city of Darien.

Known for its expansive sandbars, mysterious oxbow lakes, record-setting old growth cypress trees, a nearly unbroken 42-mile corridor of protected shores as it near’s the coast, and colorful place names dating from the timber raft era (Old Woman’s Pocket and Alligator Congress, to name just two), the Altamaha is a Georgia treasure like no other. Deeply rich in cultural history and biodiversity, it will show you a side of Georgia you’ve never seen before.

Off-river campsites with restrooms, showers and air-conditioned respites, daily shuttle services to and from the river, catered meals, nightly education and entertainment programs, opportunities to visit historic sites and riverside industrial facilities and camaraderie with more than 250 other paddlers make Paddle Georgia 2024 much more than just a paddle trip. It is, as past participants have described it, “summer camp for adults and families.” We just call it “one great time.”

Information for Members of the Media

June 15-22, more than 300 Paddle Georgia participants will be making their way down the Oconee, Altamaha and Ohoopee rivers in what is considered the largest week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure in the country. If you are a member of the media and think this is a story you’d like to cover, CHECK  OUT THIS INFORMATION. You’ll find Georgia River Network staff contacts and a Paddle Georgia itinerary detailing where and when you can find participants on the water and in camp.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PADDLE GEORGIA 2024 ON THE ALTAMAHA RIVER

What Is Paddle Georgia?

Paddle Georgia is an annual week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure that ventures on a different Georgia River each June. Since 2005 and the first Paddle Georgia on the Chattahoochee River, the event has grown into the largest week-long canoe/kayak camping adventure in the country, attracting between 250 and 400 participants annually.

Designed to be an environmental education adventure, it has been described by participants as summer camp for adults and families.  In addition to paddling a wild river for seven days, participants learn from nightly educational programs and entertainment, on-river activities (think mussel grubbing and fish seining) and tours of historic sites and facilities along the river that use or impact the river.

The event features catered meals, top-notch campsites (yes, showers, flush toilets and even air-conditioning are provided) and some of the most interesting, and fun-loving river rats you’ll ever meet.

In addition to the annual week-long summer pilgrimage, Georgia River Network’s Paddle Georgia program includes weekend paddle-camp trips, day trips and kayaking and paddle safety classes.

More questions? We’ve got answers!

Paddle Georgia 2024 Registration Fees & Discounts for Families

Expect registration fees to range from $55 to $455 for the full seven-day adventure with registration options for 2, 3, and 4-day options also available, ranging from $25 to $300. Discounts will be available for families with four or more children because at Georgia River Network we believe that kids who run wild finish first! Fees for the second and third children in a family will be greatly reduced. Meal fees range up to $350 for the full week, depending on which meal plan you choose.

All Paddle Georgia participants are encouraged to also participate in Georgia River Network’s Paddle-a-thon!  Paddle-a-thon challenges Georgia River Network supporters to explore Georgia’s rivers and raise funds to protect those rivers. Thousands of dollars in prizes–from gift certificates to merchandise–from our many Paddle Georgia sponsors will be awarded to participants in numerous categories: most miles paddled, most funds raised, most trash removed and more! CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PADDLE-A-THON!

Georgia Educators Scholarship Program

Are you a Georgia K-12 educator and looking for an incredible summer adventure? Apply to receive a full scholarship to participate in Paddle Georgia 2024 and receive environmental education curriculum and Georgia Adopt-A-Stream training during the seven-day journey. You’ll have the trip of a lifetime and learn curriculum and skills that can help connect your students with Georgia’s rivers and streams! The scholarship pays your full registration fee. The scholarship program is open to all Georgia teachers working in K-12 public or private schools. The application deadline is April 15, 2024; scholarship winners will be announced by April 20. CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP!  

Become a Paddle Georgia Sponsor

You can support clean rivers and the development of recreational water trails by sponsoring Georgia River Network’s Paddle Georgia River Adventures. Depending on sponsorship levels, your tax deductible contribution includes complimentary registration(s) to participate in Paddle Georgia events. Click here to review Paddle Georgia sponsorship information or click here to make a sponsorship donation online.