Paddle Georgia adventure leaving from Dalton
Paddle Georgia 2016, a seven-day, 103-mile canoe and kayak adventure on the Conasauga and Oostanaula rivers, begins near Dalton on Saturday, June 18. More than 400 people are expected to participate in the event, which will follow the rivers through Murray, Whitfield, Gordon and Floyd counties. Paddlers ranging in age from 4 to 84 will come from across Georgia, 13 other states and Australia to participate, making this the largest weeklong canoe/kayak camping adventure in the country, according to organizers. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of Georgia’s rivers and money to protect them. Funds this year will go to Georgia River Network and Coosa River Basin Initiative. Paddlers will gather Friday, June 17, at Murray County High School for opening-night festivities. The trip will begin the following morning from Beaverdale. Paddlers will continue down the river the next seven days, camping at Murray County High School, Calhoun High School and Heritage Park in Rome. For more information, visit www.garivers.org/paddle_georgia.