Paddle to promote water trail

DAHLONEGA — On Sept. 25, 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 163mile-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, dinner, shuttle services, a chance to win a new kayak and a complimentary copy of the Etowah River User’s Guide. The registration deadline is Sept. 21.

The event will be from 1 to 8 p.m. at Rock Creek Park in Dawsonville. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.coosa.org/events/ etowah-river-water-trail-rodeo.

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