National Park Week Paddle at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Save The Date!

National Park Week Paddle at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Saturday Aug 29 from 9a-2p

Tickets are currently unavailable until we receive confirmation on the cost for boat rentals and shuttles. This is a less-traveled section of the Chattahoochee River, and we are working with partners to reduce the overall cost of participation for this event. All participants will be notified once tickets are available for purchase. 

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.

All participants will meet at Don White Memorial Park 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.

Important Note:

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.

Short bio for instructors:

Shaundon Moore - Stewardship Trips Manager for Georgia Conservancy 

Shaundon 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 - Corporate & Community Engagement Coordinator for Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy

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 - Trees Atlanta Docents

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.