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Let's Paddle Buford Dam to Abbott's Bridge




The Basics:
Event Type:Water
Event Location: Buford Dam, Lower Park   Water: Let's Paddle Buford Dam to Abbott's Bridge   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, May 22 2011  9:30 am >> Sun, May 22 2011 5:00 pm
Registration Opens: Tue, May 17 2011 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, May 21 2011 12:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Bobby Marie
Sharon H
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 17 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Won't you join me on the beautiful, clear, cold and fish filled Chattahoochee River just below Buford Dam for a day trip to Abbott's Bridge Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area!
This section is the beginning of the 48 total miles of paddling that is available with convenient ramps and take-outs on the way to Vinings near Atlanta. The river bottom is visible for most of the paddle and sightings of trout and other fish are common. Turtles, heron, and possibly Eagles can be sighted along the way.
We'll gather at the Park at the base of Buford Dam at 09:30am and drop our boats and gear. All possible vehicles will then be shuttled down to Abbott's Bridge take-out and we'll ride back up to the Dam and begin our ride! The idea is to be on the water by 10:30am for the 13 mile ride to Abbott's Bridge.

This is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) paddle and Kayaks and Canoes are welcome. Rubber Rafts, Tubes and any other soft floats are not suitable for this trip, please. Please bring Boat, PFD and paddle. PFD's must be worn from the Dam put-in to the Highway 20 bridge by requirement of the GA DNR. From that point on, PFD's are strongly urged to be worn due to currents, low water temperatures and strainers.

We will stop by Settle's Bridge for a bite to eat at this place about 4 1/2 miles into the paddle. From there, we re-board and paddle the rest of the way to Abbott's Bridge, 8 miles further down the river.

This paddle will be light rain or shine. The weather forecast for Sunday is mid 80's and mostly sunny!  If storms are predicted I will email everyone early on Sunday with final decision of go or no-go.

Take-0ut map: http://www.n-georgia.com/pdf/nps-abbots-bridge-map.pdf  
Chattahoochee map: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/upload/CHATParkMap.pdf

Required Items to Bring:
Boat (Canoe or Kayak), PFD, paddle.
Dry bag to keep gear dry and protected.
Snack and drinks for lunch and to stay hydrated.
River capable shoes or sandals or crocs.  No Flip Flops please.
A little bit of patience and a great deal of love for the river! 
Sunscreen, hat, sun glasses and temperature appropriate clothes.		Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera, Binoculars, extra clothes to wear on the way home if you get wet.

A small cooler if you wish,  NO glass containers permitted on the river.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Please see the map at this link: http://www.n-georgia.com/pdf/nps-bowmans-island.pdf


The meeting place is off the unnamed road at the WEST end of the bridge across the top of the dam. DO NOT go to the Island Ford parking! Parking fees ($3) are required, or the use of a yearly CRNRA pass.



From northbound US 23 - Peachtree Industrial Blvd.

  • Left onto Suwanee Dam Road 6.2 miles to Buford Dam Road.
  • Left on Buford Dam Road .5 miles to Lower Park entrance just across the dam.
  • Left into the entrance to the Lower Park and Ramp.


From northbound US 19 and GA 400

  • Take exit 14 (GA State Road 20/Cumming Hwy)
  • Left at third light, which will be Nuckolles Road.
  • The road will dead-end into Buford Dam Road, turn right.
  • Approximately 5 miles to west end of Dam
  • Right onto un-named road to Lower Park Ramp and parking.

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


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