The Annual Tugaloo River History Paddle is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, beginning at 8:30 am at the Walker Creek Boat Ramp (Tugaloo River Water Trail access) and pull out around 3 pm at Broken Bridges (Stephens County Park on Georgia Hwy 123). This paddle takes some of the most beautiful portions of the Tugaloo River along with history details that you just can’t hear or read any place else!
We’ll launch our kayaks and canoes at Walker Creek and travel down the Tugaloo River Corridor stopping at several historical locations on the river. Lunch will be at Longnose Falls on the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell. Paddlers will also have an opportunity to stop at Indian Island before exiting the river at Owl Swamp on Riverdale Road.
Local historian Kelly Vickers will lead this paddle. The paddle is 7 miles long with plenty of breaks added in. Please bring a sack lunch, plenty of water, sunscreen, and appropriate dress. We suggest that you wear water shoes and bring a hat that will screen the sun!
Paddlers are asked to follow water safety guidelines published on our Facebook page (TugalooRiverWaterTrail) and this website. This is a flat-water paddle, so paddlers of all levels are welcome. You do need to wear a PFD and sign a waiver.
The Tugaloo River History Paddle continues to be a $20 per-person donation event with all money going to the Tugaloo River Water Trail, which is committed to preservation of the Tugaloo River. This year’s River T-shirt will be available at the event!
Paddlers will unload boats at Walker Creek Boat Access and then Park their cars at nearby Tugaloo Bend. After the paddle, they will be shuttled back to the Bend to pick up their cars and boat transportation.
For more information about this year’s Tugaloo River History Tour, please “like” Tugaloo River History Tour on Facebook or go to https://www.tugalooriverwatertrail.org. You also can email volunteers for the Tugaloo River Water Trail at: tugalooriverwatertrail@gmail.com.
Kayaks can be rented through our Outfitter at nearby Tugaloo Bend. Please call (706) 491-1304.
The Tugaloo River Water Trail is a part of the Georgia River Network!