Join us for a guided paddle on the Lower Chestatee River, one of the most scenic and accessible moving-water rivers in north Georgia. Flowing out of the southern Appalachian foothills near Dahlonega, the Chestatee River winds through a landscape shaped by mountain hydrology, historic gold mining activity, and generations of human interaction with the watershed. The name “Chestatee” comes from a Cherokee phrase often translated as “place of lights” or “pine torch place,” referencing traditional nighttime hunting practices once carried out along the riverbanks. This section of the river offers a mix of gentle current, shallow shoals, rock outcrops, and forested corridors that make it ideal for beginner paddlers looking to transition from flatwater into beginner moving-water environments. As we move downstream, participants will experience how current shapes the river corridor, influences habitat, and creates constantly changing conditions for both wildlife and recreation. The Chestatee River supports a wide range of aquatic species and ultimately feeds into the Chattahoochee River through Lake Lanier. This day paddle is catered towards newer/inexperienced paddlers who still want to experience the beauty of north Georgia rivers without rapids or other typical hazards of the region. We’ll move at a relaxed pace with instruction and support provided throughout the trip, along with interpretation focused on river ecology, watershed processes, and the cultural history of North Georgia’s mountain rivers.