12 Paddles in 12 Months: Paddle 1 - Sweetwater State Park

12 paddles in 12 months in 12 Georgia State Parks

Did you know that there is Georgia State Parks offers a paddlers club? All you have to do is paddle in 12 (or more) GA State Parks. Join me in completing this paddling challenge in 2026! More information on the 12 months of paddling is below. 

Paddle 1 is an easy paddle around the lake at Sweetwater Creek State Park. We will traverse through the culvert under the road and explore the other portion of the lake. Late in the day you can sometimes see some nice birds. 

This is a bring your own boat (BYOB) event. The park only rents kayaks in the summer months. There are several folks in the club that have extra boats so reach out if you would like to try to borrow one. 

More information on the "12 paddles in 12 months in 12 Georgia State Parks" (see GA State park list here https://gastateparks.org/sites/default/files/parks/pdf/clubs/ParkPaddlers_MemberCard_2023_fillable.pdf )

I will post the following paddles at least 1 month ahead of the date of the event. The paddles with the * will have boat rentals. I have 1 make-up paddle listed but will likely repeat others over the summer so you wil have several oppurtunities to get 12 paddles. The last paddle is at the Okefenokee, we will rent some cabins and have a celebration for those folks who paddle in 12 parks in 2026. 

Paddle 1: January 17^th: Sweetwater Creek State Park

Paddle: 2 February 21: Watson Mill Bridge

Paddle 3: March 14^th: Chattahochee Bend

*Paddle 4: April 11^th: George L. Smith State Park in Twin City

*Paddle 5: May 23^rd – 25^th High Falls State Park, Dames Ferry State Park and Indian Springs (we have a primitive campsite rented for people who want to stay overnight at High Falls). 

*Paddle 6: June 20: Hard Labor Creek State Park

*Paddle 7: July 18: Moccasin Creek State Park (Lake Burton)

*Paddle 8: August 15^th Don Carter State Park (Lake Lanier)

*August 22^nd (make-up Paddle): Fort Yargo State Park

*Paddle 9: September 19: Elijah Clark State Park

*Paddle 10: October 31: Halloween Paddle: James H Floyd State Park

Paddle 11: November 7th: Fort Mountain and Hike the Gahuti Trail

*Paddle 12: December 4-6: Stephen C Foster State Park - Okefenokee

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LFdSmwb6tYkoBSoV7

When you drive down Mt Vernon the boat launch area is on the left before the entrance to the area where the hiking trails are located.  You'll see the lake first and then the boat launch area.

I will boat even it it is cold, just wear layers. Please arrive early enough to unload your boat so that we can make introductions and start paddling at 3:00 pm.

No AOC fee but you will need a GA State Parks Pass or pay the $5 daily fee.