SAGE Day Paddle: Lower Etowah River 

Spend a day on the Lower Etowah River with SAGE (Stewards and Advocates for Georgia’s Environment), Georgia Conservancy’s new community bringing together women who care deeply about protecting our state’s natural resources. This paddle offers a chance to step outside and experience firsthand the natural systems we work to protect.

Our route covers a 6-mile stretch of the Etowah from Hardin Bridge to Neel’s Landing. This section is well known for its calm current, scenic rural landscapes, and unique features like historic Native American fish weirs. It’s a great setting for both new and experienced paddlers, with just enough movement in the water to stay engaging without being technical. 

Rather than a typical recreation outing, this trip is also an opportunity to ground advocacy in place. Time on the water creates space for conversation, reflection, and a deeper understanding of how Georgia’s rivers connect to broader conservation challenges and solutions.  

Schedule & Activities 

Meeting Location: Neel’s Landing - 11 Macedonia Rd, Kingston, GA 30145 

• 10:00 AM Check-in and Van Shuttle at Neel’s Landing 
• 10:40 AM Orientation, Gear check, and Paddle Assignments 
• 11:00 AM Paddle Launch 
• Our paddle will last about 3 hours, with stops for rest, lunch, and interpretation 
• Around 2 PM to 3 PM Take out at Neel’s Landing 
• Around 3:30 PM Program concludes 

*Note: Actual trip time depends on water conditions, but we expect to be out of the water no later than 2:30p even in the slowest flow conditions. 

Plan Your Trip 

Arrival Time: 

Please arrive no later than 10:10 AM at Neel’s Landing so we can check everyone in, organize boats, and begin the shuttle on time. 

What Should I Pack: 

• 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) 
• Sun protection (e.g. hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) 
• Closed-toe water shoes or sandals with heel strap 
• Waterproof bag for personal items 
• You can also keep a change of clothes in your car 
• Extras as needed/preferred: medicines, a towel, other outdoor comfort items 

How Long Is the Paddle? 

The paddle is approximately 6 miles. 

Accessibility & Terrain: 

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. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shaundon Moore – Stewardship Trips Manager for Georgia Conservancy, at smoore@gaconservancy.org. 

https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/gc2026waiver

Every participant will be required to fill out completely and sign, our online waiver. The waiver link will be included in your big tickets confirmation email as well as the 2 weeks out trips detailed email. If a paddling trip, all participants must have basic paddling skills, wear a PFD/Life vest, and be capable of self-rescue in the water. No more than 2 children under the age of 12 per adult guardian. While Georgia Conservancy staff and other Outfitters may assist on some trips and be available with medical and/or First Aid training (those individuals will be identified), we cannot personally ensure the safety of all participants. Unlike a commercial trip in which paid guides to direct you through each bend of the river or lead you into the wilderness, Georgia Conservancy trips, whether a paddle, adventure, or service trip, are all designed to be your adventure, and as such, you are responsible for your own safety. All participants are assuming risks (some of which are outlined in our liability waiver) while participating in a Georgia Conservancy Stewardship Trip.

1.) Cancellation/Refund Policy: Georgia Conservancy trips are non-transferable and are hosted rain or shine. The Georgia Conservancy reserves the right to cancel or shorten any trip before departure as well as change the itinerary. If you have any questions about the trip price and what the payment includes, please contact Shaundon Moore (smoore@gaconservancy.org) before you register.

Notification Prior to the Trip Refund Policy

• 20 days or more Full refund using the original method of payment
• 8 to 19 days Refund total paid less $10 processing fee*
• 4 to 7 days Refund 50% of total paid*
• 3 days & under No refund
• * We cannot guarantee the refund in the original method of payment and refunds may be made by check.

If a trip is canceled and not rescheduled by Georgia Conservancy, then all participants will receive a full refund using the original method of payment.

If a trip is canceled and then rescheduled, each participant may receive a full refund if they request cancellation within 1 week of being notified of the new trip date.

2.) Acceptable Behavior and Policies for Participants (Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco): As part of our mission to provide healthy experiences we have several policies for behavior on trips. All illegal substances are prohibited. There’s one easy way to wreck your trip (and your friends’) with the Georgia Conservancy: overconsumption of alcohol. Alcohol can pose a serious risk to your health and others when consumed during a trip and will dehydrate you. That being said participants 21 years of age or older ARE welcome to B.Y.O.B. (Bring your own beverages) and enjoy them on GAC trips if used in a responsible manner that does not jeopardize the safety of yourself and others. If your behavior negatively impacts other participants that behavior will not be tolerated. Please be considerate of smoking around others.

3.) Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC): All water-based programming participants (including all paddlesport programs) must acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Breathe independently (i.e. not require medical devices to sustain breathing) -Independently maintain sealed airway passages while under water -Independently hold head upright without head / neck support -Manage personal care independently or with assistance of a companion -Manage personal mobility independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Follow instructions and effectively communicate independently or with the assistance of a companion -Paddlesports program participants must also acknowledge the ability to perform the following EEC: -Independently turn from face-down to face-up and remain floating face-up while wearing a properly fitted life jacket -Get in / out of a paddle craft independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Independently get out from under a capsized paddlecraft -Re-enter the paddlecraft following deep water capsize independently or with a reasonable amount of assistance -Maintain a safe body position while attempting skills, activities, and rescues listed in the appropriate course outline, and have the --ability to recognize and identify to others when such efforts would be unsafe given your personal situation.

4.) Discrimination and Harassment Policy: No harassment of any kind will be tolerated by any participants or staff during any Georgia Conservancy event. It is your responsibility to report any misconduct to the staff or other Georgia Conservancy Authorities. 

5.) LNT/Recycling: The Georgia Conservancy strives to adhere to Leave No Trace (LNT) Guidelines for all trips/events. We provide recycling options for every trip as well so please ask us before you throw away any recyclables in the wrong container.

Participants are responsible for any rental gear they receive during a trip. If you are unfamiliar with the set-up or correct function of the gear it is your responsibility to seek out a conservancy staff member to show you. We love talking gear so don’t be afraid to ask questions!