The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division has released the 2026-2027 Georgia Hunting and Fishing Regulations and Seasons Guide, giving hunters and anglers an updated resource ahead of the upcoming outdoor seasons.
Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park from the water during a Sunset Paddle on Saturday, July 25.
The ranger-led program begins at 8:30 p.m., with participants asked to meet at the park office by 8 p.m. before launching onto the park’s Lower Lake for an evening paddle as the sun sets.
Registration is required in advance. The cost is $20 per person, which includes kayak rental, or $10 per person for those bringing their own kayak. A $10 Georgia State Park pass is also required for entry.
Participants are encouraged to bring plenty of water and wear clothing that can get wet. The guided paddle offers an opportunity to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lake while learning more about the park and its natural surroundings.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required. To register or for more information, call the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park office at 706-857-0826.
Residents planning to swim, paddle, or play on area waterways this weekend are encouraged to check water quality before heading out.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative is once again offering its 2026 Swim Guide, which tracks bacteria levels at 29 monitoring sites across the Coosa River Basin through Labor Day weekend. That includes monitoring of the Chattooga River.
Courtnee Davenport, Outreach Programs Manager for CRBI, says water samples are tested for harmful E. coli. Results are posted each Friday at coosa.org. Sites marked green indicate low E. coli levels and are considered suitable for recreation, while red sites show high levels and mean visitors should use extra caution or avoid the area.
Davenport says bacteria levels often rise after heavy rainfall, and swimmers should wait 24 to 48 hours after a rain event before getting into area rivers and lakes.
The Coosa River Basin Initiative works to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin.
Area paddlers are invited to celebrate Independence Day on the water this Friday during a Social Paddle hosted by the Chattooga River Group.
Participants will meet at 9 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Giles Road in Trion before organizing shuttle vehicles to the take-out location near the Trion Golf Course. Organizers say the float is expected to last about three hours, depending on fishing and water conditions.
Those planning to participate are encouraged to bring a personal flotation device, drinking water, and snacks for the trip. Organizers are also encouraging paddlers to show their patriotic spirit, with a free T-shirt to be awarded to the participant wearing the best patriotic outfit.
Anyone planning to attend is asked to respond to the event organizers in advance to help coordinate transportation and parking arrangements.
A new 2.6-mile reroute is now blazed and open on Section 21 of the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail northeast of Mack White Gap at U.S. Highway 27.
The reroute moves hikers off Forest Service Road 254 for about the same distance, creating a more scenic and enjoyable section of trail. Old blazes along FS 254 have been removed or painted over, and the new route is marked for hikers traveling both northbound and southbound.
GPS data has been submitted for the FarOut app and is expected to be updated in the Pinhoti database soon.
Project organizers say the reroute is an incremental improvement on the 370-mile wilderness trail, but represents a significant aesthetic upgrade for hikers.
The project was made possible through support from the Tillotson-Menlo Foundation, The Conservation Fund, the U.S. Forest Service Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Conasauga Ranger District, and several trail and environmental partners.
The Band Chickamauga will bring its mix of rock classics and Southern rock favorites to Trion this Saturday as part of the 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest.
River enthusiasts now have access to new information kiosks designed to improve safety, navigation, and awareness along the Chattooga River.
Georgians will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 6-14, 2026, with special events, educational programs, and two free fishing days offered statewide.
The Chattooga River Group will host its 5th Annual Chattooga River Fest on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Trion Recreation Area in Trion. The event will run from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and is free for the public to attend.
Presented by the Family Crisis Center, the festival celebrates the Chattooga River and outdoor recreation while offering a full day of family-friendly activities, entertainment, food, and educational opportunities.
Festival highlights include a free family-friendly kayak paddle on the river, a free KidZone, an open mic stage, a cornhole tournament, educational demonstrations and talks, exhibitors, and a variety of festival food vendors. Visitors will also have opportunities to purchase kayak raffle tickets and event merchandise at the Chattooga River Group tent.
Live music will cap off the day as The Band Chickamauga takes the stage from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The event will be held at the Trion Recreation Area, located at the corner of Park Avenue and Dalton Street. Those using GPS should use 90 Dalton Street, Trion, GA 30753. Organizers say both parking and admission are free.
Registration and fees are required for those wishing to participate in the cornhole tournament or as festival vendors.
Additional information is available at ChattoogaRiverGroup.org and on the Chattooga River Group Facebook page.
Trust for Public Land, Walker County, and the City of Chickamauga officially dedicated the new John Culpepper Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail on Friday.