Feb. 28-March 1, nearly 40 intrepid padders set out for a Georgia Rivers weekend adventure on Spring Creek and the Chattahoochee River. In various groups, by night we made our homes at Seminole State Park and Kolomoki Mounds State Park and dined in restaurants in Blakely, Donalsonville and Bainbridge. By day, we explored some of Southwest Georgia’s most scenic paddling paths. Here’s some highlights:
New Discoveries
No matter how many times you visit a stream or river (I’ve visited these paddling routes on multiple occasions), you are bound to make new discoveries. First, as the proverb rightly states, you never step in the same river twice. Second, when you travel with a group, many eyes make for revelations. I followed Les Duncan, Leandra Taylor and Joy Tabatabai up Bakers Creek from the Chattahoochee and together we found a limestone escarpment that created a most special, narrow, 10-foot-high waterfall on the Alabama creek. Totally unexpected. Throw in some beautiful Atamasco lilies and a basking river cooter along the creek banks and the short excursion proved a rewarding adventure within the adventure. But, the discoveries got even better…
Millions of Years
During our planned stop at Coheelee Creek in Early County, Georgia, we paddled up to a series limestone escarpments that the creek falls over between an historic covered bridge and its mouth at the Chattahoochee. The limestone and rushing water kind of stole the show, so much so that I missed the real treasure right under my feet. Spilling from the soft sedimentary rock along the banks of the creek were dozens of sea shells–shells that have been preserved in the sediment for…oh, 30 million years or so. Likely dating from Oligocene epoch (34 to 24 million years ago), these shells were a reminder that all of South Georgia was at one time the ocean floor. We geeked out collecting these shells and got left behind by the main body of paddlers.
Peer Pressure
On Spring Creek, the highlights are the stream’s many freshwater springs. The creek is appropriately named. While most property owners prohibit boaters from venturing up the spring runs, one generous property owner keeps one of their springs open to the public. And, a beautiful place it is. We paddled up and admired the deep, turquoise-blue hole. There’s something about these springs that speaks to our primordial selves. Some contend that at some point during our evolution, we spent a large portion of our time in the water. Whether that’s true or not, one thing is certain: when you see these springs, you want to dive in. BUT, this day was a cool 75-degree day and that spring water is cold…about 70-degrees too!
That did not stop Lynn Thompson from hopping in. Once Lynn was in, the rest of the women with her jumped in one-by-one. Each leap was accompanied by screams of shock, excitement and joy. Soon the spring pool was filled. As no man had yet jumped in, I felt obliged, as trip leader, to join the fray. It was a plunge worth the initial shock.
If you haven’t yet joined a Georgia Rivers on-water adventure, this is what you’re missing. Join us and make some new discoveries.
Joe Cook
March 3, 2026
Here’s a couple more discoveries from the weekend…
The 15 mile journey today seemed like a breeze after 95 miles of paddling under 
our belts over the past 6 days.
to learning how to paddle, seeing owls and other wildlife, and working very hard.
n amazing and exhilarating feeling to go behind the water fall and look out from under the stream of water at everyone enjoying the pool beyond.
rovided by the 
Joe Cook gave a sentimental speech explaining their founding of Paddle Georgia together 10 years ago and how April’s unwavering support for going forward with the journey has in turn changed the course of his life and the future of Georgia’s rivers.
from the hot steamy weather of the last few days.
Trash Queen Bonny Putney. In the 10.5 mile stretch that we paddled- the shortest day on the water- paddlers collected a whopping 2500 lbs of 
trash!
But amongst all the trash, we found wildlife such as an adorable baby soft shell turtle as well as fascinating artifacts such as pottery shards, arrow heads, and milk glass.
instrumental in helping gather the large amount of trash overflowing from paddler’s kayaks and canoes with their snazzy motor boat.
y to ease into a lazy afternoon in a hammock with a book at Riverside Landing on the banks of the mighty Hooch.
We couldn’t do it with out them! H I G H F I V E!
number of novice paddlers join us every year and to assist in boosting their confidence we offer a paddling workshop, which this year was led by extraordinary paddler Steve Kramer.
y reunited with Paddle Georgia buddies from year’s past.
waste for the first time, thanks to help from Kevin S
mith with Keep Forsyth County Beautiful.
lds complete with pirate flags and mansion sized abode’s. Paddle Georgian’s don’t mess around when it comes to comfort after a long day paddling.
udes the young and old, and people of different abilities and backgrounds.
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