Georgia is graced with water resources that would be the envy of much of the world. The Atlanta metro area hosts a subcontinental divide and watersheds that give rise to two of Georgia’s major rivers, the Ocmulgee and the Flint, as well as a portion of the 430 mile-long Chattachoochee River.

This year’s Eco-A Where the Water Goes series follows the Chattahoochee River from it’s headwaters in the North Georgia Mountains, down through Atlanta and South Georgia and on to Florida, where it becomes the Appalachicola River, creating a rich estuary that supports one of the most important oyster fisheries in the US before finally emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.

Trip 1 – The Headwaters – Saturday May 16 – 

cabin stay is full Fri night, but we still have spaces for up to 3 more walkers on Sat morning

In North Georgia, we’ll hike a short section of the Appalachian Trail, visiting streams near the top of the ridge that creates the watershed divide between the Chattahoochee and Tennessee River systems-the very top of the Chattahoochee watershed.  There will be some elevation gain in the trail, about 2 miles mostly up and 2 miles mostly down, but we’ll go at a casual pace, stopping along the way to view spring wildflowers which should be in good season on the higher slopes we’ll visit. We’ll stop along the trail for a picnic lunch, so please bring your edibles with you.

It’s approx. 2 hours drive to the trail head. We’ll begin walking at 9:30 am returning approx. 4 pm.  If you’d like the option of spending Friday or Saturday night at the Enota Mountain Retreat, we’ve rented a cabin for our group — please let us know if you’d like to stay at the cabin either of those nights ($60 per night). Limit 10.

To register (RSVP) click HERE – please specify if you wish stay in cabin overnight

details & directions sent to registered participants 

a suggested donation of $15 or more helps fund our programs

Vasey’s Trillium, North Georgia – photo by KKolb