Participants in the Coosa River Basin Initiative/Upper Coosa Riverkeeper (CRBI) spring paddle trips beginning March 23 will get a sneak preview of a new Etowah River guidebook due for release May 1.

The Etowah River User’s Guide, published by the University of Georgia Press, in partnership with Georgia River Network and CRBI, is a comprehensive guide to the 160-mile length of the Etowah River from its headwaters in the North Georgia mountains to Rome in northwest Georgia.

Maps and text included in the guidebook will be used during CRBI guided paddle trips on the Etowah March 23 and April 20 to direct paddlers to points of interest and other river features.

The March 23 paddle takes participants through heart of Cherokee County and the former haunts of the Cherokee Indians, stroking over the river’s Native American fish weirs and through a surprisingly wild landscape in one of Georgia’s fastest growing counties.

Shuttles will be provided for a small fee and boat rentals are available. The trip is free to CRBI members. Non-members may pay membership dues beginning at $15 at www.coosa.org Pre-registration is required.

To register for the trip, pay membership dues and/or rent a boat, visit http://www.coosa.org/events/paddle-trips or contact CRBI Volunteer Adventure Trip Coordinator Alan Crawford at 706-237-0917 or via e-mail at ibwheelin2@yahoo.com

“CRBI’s paddle trips are a chance for citizens to see what a great recreational amenity we have in our rivers and streams,” said Joe Cook, CRBI Executive Director & Riverkeeper. “These water trails provide fun, cheap entertainment, improve our quality of life and bring visitors to Coosa River communities.”

CRBI’s Spring Paddle Schedule also includes:

April 6—Armuchee Creek This eight mile paddle winds through northern Floyd County on this Oostanaula tributary. Small and intimate and full of fish and wildlife, it’s the quintessential tour of a Ridge and Valley stream.

April 20—Earth Day on the Etowah This 10-mile jaunt from Euharlee to US 411 is arguably the most scenic stretch of the Etowah in Bartow County featuring numerous Native American fish weirs, the Island Ford island complex and a beautiful “rock garden.” Bald eagles and otters have been spotted on this section.

April 27—Cedar Creek Park Paddle Explore beautiful Cedar Creek near Cave Spring from Cedar Creek Park. This 5-mile paddle from Lyons Bridge Road to US 411 will introduce you to this intimate little creek and the cold water springs so common to this area.

The Etowah River User’s Guide will be available May 1 through CRBI. It can be purchased online at www.coosa.org or by calling 706-232-2724. The 184-page book printed on waterproof paper with 159 color photos and 17 maps will retail for $18.95.

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