Paddle slower, I don’t hear banjos - Chestatee River paddle and picnic

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.

Paddle slower, I don’t hear banjos - Chestatee River paddle and picnic

The Basics:

Event Type:

Water

Event Location:

Dahlonega, GA

Water: Paddle slower, I don’t hear banjos - Chestatee River paddle and picnic

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 13 2025 11:00 am >> Sat, Sep 13 2025 3:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 10:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Tue, Aug 26 2025 8:03 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sun, Sep 7 2025 8:00 am

Event Duration:

4 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D3: Moderate

Distance:

6 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Lisa
SusanF

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$31.16/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

We're taking this one slow. We plan to paddle at a leisurely pace and take our time (thus the "I don't hear banjos" line). We will stop as a group on Big Bend beach and enjoy a community picnic. We ask that you bring something to share with the group - think heavy apps, cheese and crackers, fruit, veggies and dip, something sweet, etc. Please remember no glass. We'll stop on the beach for about an hour to eat, swim, play, talk and laugh.

This is a very scenic trip and the water does most of the work for you! The trip is suitable for beginners, averages 2 - 3 hours float time, and is 6 miles long. We will be using their sit on top kayaks. The Outfitter will provide shuttle, kayak, PFD (personal flotation device) and paddles. We leave from the Outfitter's "home base" and from there we will float/drift/paddle to the takeout spot. We'll take a shuttle back to the "home base". There are nice changing areas and maintained porta potties for us to use before and afterwards.

While this trip is rated for beginners, please be comfortable enough around moving/swift water to take care of yourself and possibly swim. If you fall out of your boat, you need to be able to take care of yourself while waiting on assistance from someone else to retrieve your boat and/or paddle and/or help you back in your kayak.

Payment is due within 48 hours of your signing up. If you don't pay within 48 hours of signing up, you will be automatically moved to the waiting list regardless of what your Paypal banner says. Don't expect a reminder email about payment being due. See Cancellation Policy below for more details. Paypal is the only accepted method of payment.

The folks that run Appalachian Outfitters are great. They work hard hauling these kayaks around and work mostly for tips. Please bring a few bucks to tip them. Lisa and Susan would be happy to collect tips and give them to the guys at the end.

Please print, complete and sign the waiver and bring it to the event:

https://appalachianoutfitters.checkfront.com/reserve/documents/directory/?kiosk=2

Required Items to Bring:

See recommended items. Technically, nothing is required.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

On the river wear clothing you don't mind getting wet or dirty. Bring a change of clothes for after your trip.
Wear something on your feet for protection - old running shoes, sandals or river shoes - NOT Flip-Flops!
Food or snacks in unbreakable containers. Bring plenty to drink, especially if it's a hot day.
Dress according to the weather. Shorts, bathing suit and t-shirts are great for hot days and wind breakers, wool or nylon shirts for cool days.
Sun protection, sunblock, hat and sunglasses.
Waterproof watch.
Leave all unneeded items like wallets, keys, etc. behind. We have a safe place to leave car keys at the outpost while you're on the river.

DO NOT BRING:

Large coolers, styrofoam coolers, glass bottles.

Radios, non-waterproof cameras.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

It's best to use the coordinates below and customize directions from your departure point. Go to maps.google.com and paste the bold text in to the search bar. Chose Satellite view and it will show you the parking lot of the Outfitter:

34.50760, -83.97404

2084 South Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

82Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

10:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $32.80 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

- Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

- Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

- Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

- No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

- Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$31.16/Person

Cost Includes:

* $29.16 paid to the outfitter for kayak rental, paddle, PFD and shuttle, plus

* $2 non-refundable service fee goes to the Atlanta Outdoor Club.

* Your total payment to PayPal is $31.16.

Payment Cut Off:

Payment must be received by the AOC on Sun, Sep 7 2025.

Make a Payment:

Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Payment is due within 48 hours of your signing up. If you don't pay within 48 hours of signing up, you will be automatically moved to the wait list. Don't expect a reminder email about payment being due and your PayPal banner may not reflect your 48 hour window. See Cancellation Policy below for more details. If you cancel on or before September 9 at 8:00am, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund beginning September 9 after 8:00am unless someone replaces you and pays in full; then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. The Trip Leaders will make a reasonable effort to replace your spot after September 9th but can make no promises. PayPal (instant payment) is the only accepted method of payment. Anyone moved from the wait list after September 9th is expected to pay the same day via PayPal.

This event is rain or shine unless extreme weather is forecast.

Registration for this event opens at 8/26/2025 8:03:00 PM