Try a River Adventure - Canoe Trips are a Special Way to Meet Outside!

[Atlanta] Canoe Adventures on the Chattahoochee River are a specialty program offered by the experienced guides and naturalists at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Providing guided canoe trips to the public can be inspiring, when participants discover the secrets of the river and encounter the wildlife that live along the river corridor. This summer we have had some amazing experiences through our guided canoe trips on the Chattahoochee. Our canoe guides shared just a few snapshots of their favorite moments out on the ‘Hooch, especially those that had an impact on young people.

“On a recent canoe trip I had the pleasure of meeting 7 year old Lili. She was eager and so excited to paddle with her dad. Halfway through the trip when we stopped for a break in the flats she was ready to get out and explore. On her second step out of the canoe she fell into the mud. Her shoes had sunk into the deep mud making it difficult to walk. Instead of being upset about being muddy and wet she was determined to carry on. We walked, holding hands, though the wetlands, both of us losing shoes multiple times which made it all the more fun. We made it to the bank and were thrilled to find a tree that had been recently felled by a beaver. Fresh wood chips were everywhere and beaver tooth marks covered the tree. Excitedly we reported back to the group our discovery. We hopped back into the canoes to continue our journey up the river just as the sun was setting. It was such a pleasure experiencing the river through the eyes of a child and having so much fun with my new naturalist friend!” - Allison

“The morning of Memorial Day was a perfect day to get out on the river. The animals seemed to agree. Our group saw a large variety of different animals including red tailed hawks, deer, mallard ducks, great blue herons, and Canada geese. We were all hoping to see some otters or beavers, however they can be quite reclusive. My hope is that one of our groups gets the opportunity this season to catch a glimpse of one of those furry critters!” - Sam Foster

“During one of my summer trips I was very pleased to work with a family that had never been in a canoe prior to their trip with us. When we started they were having quite a bit of difficulty, but after more instruction, their nerves calmed, and they were able to paddle together without any assistance. Once they realized the teamwork required in paddling, it all fell into place. Their experience went from one of frustration, to one of enjoyment in the short time they were on the water. I was glad to be able to provide assistance and improve their paddling experience.” - Mark

“Seen on a summer evening paddling trip: Belted Kingfisher, three Great Blue Heron (though it could have been the same one moving throughout the marsh as we spooked him), some Vultures, an Osprey, a pair of Canada Geese with three goslings(!), lots of Mallards, Rough-legged Swallows, and a Swamp Rabbit (cousin to the Eastern Cottontail)!”- Joey

“One of my favorite trips so far involved a father and his son. The father had never been to CNC prior to the paddling trip, but his son had attended Camp Kingfisher this summer. The son was so excited to show off his canoe skills that he had learned at camp and teach his dad some of the cool facts he had learned about the river’s ecology. I loved witnessing such a wonderful bonding moment and that the son had become the teacher. Very cool!” – Nicola

The season is not yet over, so join us to check off another one of your Atlanta bucket list items and enjoy an adventure on the river with us!

TRY ONE OF THESE RIVER ADVENTURES FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
River Canoe Trips are a special way to meet outside! We provide all the equipment…

Saturdays and Sundays in September at 5:00 PM, The Chattahoochee River is calling! Take an urban adventure and experience wildlife through a 2 ½ hour paddle down the ‘Hooch. Our experienced and knowledgeable river guides take you down river to see the sights and sounds of this river in the summer. Discover the plants and animals that call this area home and explore the river’s backwaters as you re-imagine the river through a canoeing experience. CNC provides all equipment for participants. Ages 6 –Adult; $30 General Public/$25 Members*

Labor Day Paddle - Monday, September 7th, 9am – Noon
Take advantage of this day off with a relaxing on the Chattahoochee River. Join our naturalist for a morning paddle and we’ll get you back in time to prepare for any end-of-summer cookouts! Ages 6 - Adult, $30 General Public/$25 Members, Registration Required by September 3*

Birding Canoe Trip- Saturday, September 12th, 7am - 11am, This trip will focus specifically on birds in the area and exploring the hidden backwaters along the river – a treat for birders of any skill-level! Participants will be led by Master Birders and they can borrow binoculars from the nature center. Ages 14 - Adult, $40 General Public/$30 CNC Members, Registration required by September 10*

Fall Equinox Paddle and Drum Circle- Wednesday, September 23, 5 – 9pm
Bring your hand drums and other percussion instruments, or borrow some of ours, to celebrate the changing season with a drum circle following our evening paddle. We will explore some traditional West African rhythms as we enjoy a campfire and s‘mores. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy around the campfire as well. Ages 16 - Adult; $40 General Public/$30 Members, Advance Registration required*

Beaver Pond Canoe Day- Saturday, September 26; Noon - 1:30 PM
Last chance to explore the ponds! This 1 ½ hour introduction to canoeing is great for first time paddlers, families with young kids, or adults coming back to the sport. We’ll spend extra time going over paddling techniques and equipment, but will also provide races, games, and water squirters for those hot fall afternoons. CNC provides all equipment for participants. Ages 5 and up, $15 General Public/$10 CNC Members. Registration Required by September 24*

Saturdays and Sundays in October at 4:30pm (excluding October 24 and 31st)
The Chattahoochee River is calling! Take an urban adventure and experience wildlife through a 2 ½ hour paddle down the ‘Hooch. Our experienced and knowledgeable river guides take you down river to see the sights and sounds of this river in the fall. Discover the plants and animals that call this area home and explore the river’s backwaters as you re-imagine the river through a canoeing experience. CNC provides all equipment for participants. Ages 6 -Adult, $30 General Public/$25 Members, Advance Registration Required*

Coyote Full Moon Paddle
Tuesday, October 27, 4 PM - 8 PM
There is a full moon in the sky tonight! We welcome Dr. Chris Mowry from the Atlanta Coyote Project to join us for a spook-free Halloween paddle. After the paddle we’ll enjoy a campfire with s’mores, and then take a hike into the woods to call for coyotes. The evening will be sure to transform you! Ages 12 -Adult; $40 General Public/$30 Members.*

Fall Colors River Tour
November 7th & 8th, Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM - Noon and 3 – 6pm
Join us on our Fall Colors River Tour as we take in the yellows, reds and oranges of the trees before they fade into winter. We’ll paddle quietly along the Chattahoochee river taking in the sounds of the river and its wildlife, and enjoy the cool breeze on our backs and the warm sunshine on our faces. Ages 6 – Adult. $30 General Public/$25 Members, Registration Required by November 5th*

Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell GA

*For all Canoe Trips- Call 770-992-2055 x 237 or email scheduling@chattnaturecenter.org.
Book Online: http://chattnaturecenter.org/families/canoe-programs/