Etowah River Paddle will raise funds to build 163-mile boating trail

On Sept. 25, dozens of paddlers from across North Georgia and beyond will launch on the Etowah River in Dawson County to celebrate the river and raise funds to create a 163-mile-long boating trail stretching from near Dahlonega to Rome.

The Etowah River Water Trail Rodeo will feature a 9-mile paddle on the Etowah through the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area. The paddle will be followed by a dinner provided by Big D’s Barbecue in Dawsonville, a silent and live auction and a kayak giveaway from The Outside World.

Cost of the event is $75 per person (or $130 per couple) and includes complimentary canoe or kayak rentals courtesy of Appalachian Outfitters and Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI), dinner, shuttle services, a chance to win a new kayak and a complimentary copy of the Etowah River User’s Guide, a comprehensive guide to the entire river.