The journey’s final five days will follow the course of the Tennessee and the Tennessee RiverLine, a 652-mile water trail stretching from Knoxville to Paducah, Kentucky, that winds through Chattanooga and the river’s historic and scenic gorge into Nickajack Lake. After locking through Nickajack Lock and Dam in their small vessels, participants will float into northeast Alabama for the adventure’s final two days. Participants will cover more than 80 miles of waterways.
A man looks at a map of the Tennessee RiverLine during the paddling trail’s kickoff in May 2021 at Suttree Landing in downtown Knoxville. Thomas Fraser/Hellbender Press
From water to land
On the water by day, Paddle Georgia participants will have the opportunity to visit the region’s iconic off-water destinations throughout the week, including downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, Rock City, Russell Cave National Monument, Nickajack Cave Wildlife Refuge and Neversink Pit.
Camping will take place at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Tennessee, as well as at Tennessee River Place, a scenic event facility on the edge of the Tennessee River Gorge, and Stevenson City Park in Alabama, adjacent to Crow Creek Wildlife Management Area. As participants explore these communities, they contribute to the local economy by dining in restaurants, shopping at small businesses, and engaging with local outfitters and attractions. This influx of visitors highlights the Tennessee RiverLine’s role in promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing the cultural and natural assets of the Tennessee River Valley.
Billed as an environmental education adventure for the family, it will feature enrichment programs and children’s activities on the water and each evening. Participants enjoy fully catered meals, indoor/outdoor camping facilities, daily shuttle services to and from the water and guide services.
“Participants like to call it summer camp for adults and families,” said Joe Cook, Paddle Georgia Coordinator, “It’s an opportunity to embark on an epic adventure, meet great people and see our region’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. And, the best part, we do all the planning for you. You simply show up with an appropriate boat and gear.”
Paddle Georgia 2025 is designed for paddlers of all experience levels, offering flexible registration options:
- Full week (seven days): $460 for adults
- Four-day option: $305 for adults
- Three-day option: $260 for adults
- Two-day option: $160 for adults
- Discounts are available for children and families with two or more children.
Those interested can register beginning Friday, February 7, at www.garivers.org/paddle-
Paddle Georgia is more than an adventure — it’s an environmental education initiative. A portion of event proceeds supports river conservation, cleanup efforts and improved public access to waterways. Since 2005, Paddle Georgia has engaged more than 7,000 participants and raised nearly $900,000 for river protection and water trail development.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and is a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides ‘Real. Life. Solutions.’ to Tennesseans and beyond.
For more information about the Tennessee RiverLine, visit www.tennesseeriverline.
ABOUT GEORGIA RIVERS
Georgia Rivers, formerly Georgia River Network, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of connecting people with and protecting Georgia’s rivers. It serves as Georgia Department of Natural Resources non-profit partnering to coordinate the state’s water trail program.
ABOUT TENNESSEE RIVERLINE
The Tennessee RiverLine is a transformative initiative that connects a vast 1.2 million-acre system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River. This historic multi-generational project aims to enhance economic development, improve public health, promote resource stewardship and ensure equitable access for the 2.4 million residents in diverse communities across four states. The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension and principal partners, UT Knoxville and TVA. For more information, visit tnriverline.org.