Weeklong Paddling Event Highlights Tennessee RiverLine; Registration Opens Friday
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Paddle Georgia, the renowned multi-day paddling adventure, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a historic first: an expedition along the Tennessee River, traveling through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama. More than 300 paddlers are expected to take part in the journey June 15-22, immersing themselves in the beauty, history and vibrant communities of the Tennessee River Valley. The event will highlight the Tennessee RiverLine, an initiative of University of Tennessee Extension that reframes the 652-mile Tennessee River as a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences.
The Tennessee RiverLine is assisting with trip planning resources for this milestone event, reinforcing its mission to transform the Tennessee River into a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences and showcasing the river’s potential as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Georgia Rivers on the 20th anniversary of Paddle Georgia and welcome them to the Tennessee RiverLine,” said Brad Collett, executive director of Tennessee RiverLine. “This journey exemplifies our shared commitment to connecting people with the river, fostering environmental stewardship and celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the Tennessee River Valley. We look forward to working together to bring this transformative experience to life.”
The seven-day adventure will begin in Ringgold, Georgia., on the South Chickamauga Creek Water Trail, a narrow watercourse that flows beneath spectacular limestone bluffs, over playful rapids and (unusually) underground before emptying into the Tennessee River just east of Chattanooga. 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, Tennessee. 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.
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-georgia. Early registration is encouraged, as space is limited.
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.org.