If you are looking for a way to spend the rest of the summer, then take the challenge and join the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Park Paddlers Club. Waiting for you is the perfect outdoor experience for both seasoned paddlers and beginners to explore the scenic waterways found in Georgia’s state parks. Once you trek through the six participating parks’ waterways of 22 miles in total, you can earn a t-shirt and bragging rights for what you have accomplished.

The two participating parks within the Atlanta area include:

Chattahoochee Bend

At this park, explorers will venture on a five mile trip that starts at The McIntosh Reserve Park and ends at Chattahoochee Bend. All along the way, paddlers can expect to see otters, a variety of herons, water birds and Bald Eagles. Other animals that can be seen include deer, bobcats and coyotes that come to the river to drink. For information on renting and staying in the park overnight, be sure to check with Chattahoochee Bend State Park.

Sweetwater Creek

This park is the closet participating park to Atlanta. Paddlers will go on a three mile trip that takes you around the perimeter of the scenic reservoir and loops around the water control tower. For more details about the park and rentals, call or visit Sweetwater Creek State Park.

The other four parks participating in Georgia are Crooked River, George L. Smith, Reed Bingham and Stephen C. Foster. Participants may bring personal canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or rent from local outfitters. The cost for a membership card into the club is $10 and may be purchased online or at one of the participating state parks’ offices.

Join in on the fun and get outdoors to the water. For more information about the Park Paddlers Club and participating parks, visit www.gastateparks.org.

To stay updated on Atlanta new homes and all things real estate in the Atlanta area, check out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum.