The Top Weight Loss Clinic in River Run, GA

North Oconee River Trail

This trail winds its way along the North Oconee River from Sandy Creek Nature Center through Dudley Park and the Oconee Hill Cemetery up towards Bailey St and Carriage Lane. Along the way you will see views of the North Oconee River, North Oconee River Park, Aguar Plaza, Oconee Hill Cemetery, Carr's Creek, and Dudley Park.

This multi-use paved trail is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.

East Campus Connector

This trail is a concrete, multi-use trail that connects the Oconee St Park and Ride Parking Lot near the Loop 10 interchange with the North Oconee River Trail and the UGA campus. It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.

This SPLOST funded project was completed in 2018 and serves as an important transportation and recreation corridor from the Eastside of Athens to UGA Campus and downtown.

Cook's Trail

Cook's Trail is a 2.1 mile natural surface trail that runs alongside Sandy Creek south of Sandy Creek Park. Please be aware that the trail does not loop and may flood during periods of heavy rain. Cook's Trail is open to foot traffic only. The trail head is located at Sandy Creek Park.

While enjoying the scenery, you can take the 1 mile Oxbow Loop trail. This trail follows the edge of a lovely Oxbow Lake and presents many opportunities for viewing the wildlife that is unique to this habitat.

Trail Creek Trail

This is a paved multi-use path within Virginia Walker Park, that is approximately one-mile in length and provides opportunities to experience nature in a variety of ways while linking parks, neighborhoods, and points of interest such as a Civil War gun emplacement site. It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.

The 2005 SPLOST project was designed by W. R Toole Engineers and built by Structural Resources. Additional project funds included a Georgia Department of Transportation and Enhancement grant.

Pulaski Heights Trail

This is a paved multi-use path, is ¼-mile in length and follows Moore's Branch, a creek draining from Downtown to the North Oconee River. The trail connects from Pulaski Street near the Leathers Building to the intersection of Hull and Hoyt Streets. It is available for use by pedestrians and any non-motorized modes of transportation, including bicycles.

The trail passes through the site of a former rail yard once used by the Southern Railway. The Southern Railway's historic depot is currently occupied by the Athens Community Council on Aging, a partner in the project.

Milledge Extension Trail

Milledge Extension Trail is a 1/4 mile paved multi-use trail that connects Milledge Avenue Extension with South Milledge Avenue. There is a UGA bus stop at the north end of the trail. Per the 2016 Greenway Network Plan, this trail will eventually extend down Macon Highway with a street based connection.

It is available for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, and any non-motorized modes of transportation.

Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is partnering with a Macon-based provider to open a healthcare center specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD.

Leaders say it’s the first of its kind in the country.

Set to open in 2025, more than $7 million from the state is funding the construction of a 16-bed crisis unit in Macon for people with IDD to be run by River Edge Behavioral Health with support from Mercer University.

Staff and community members broke ground on the site located near downtown Macon on Wednesday morning.

Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Kevin Tanner said on average in Georgia, 21 people with IDD get “stuck” in emergency rooms each day.

“And that’s not the proper place for them,” Tanner said. “They need to be somewhere they can have the right treatment and the people who understand how to treat them properly.”

Some people may end up boarded in an emergency room for months. Tanner said the so-called crisis stabilization diagnostic center will provide inpatient care for no longer than 90 days.

“The day someone walks into this building, we’re going to start the discharge planning process,” Tanner said, in order to connect people to permanent housing and long-term support faster.

The new center is part of a promise Georgia lawmakers made to expand mental health services when they passed the Mental Health Parity Bill, House Bill 1013, last year.

During the upcoming legislative session, Tanner plans to request $3.2 million in additional money to support operating costs at the center.

River Edge currently operates three support centers in Central Georgia for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families or caregivers.

In addition to crisis stabilization, the new center will also bring in specialists in dentistry, physical therapy, neurology and speech and language pathology, among others.

Tyasia Morrow is a case manager with River Edge for people with disabilities. She said specialized health care for them can often be really hard to find.

“It’ll be people who are working with individuals that have already done this work before, or are willing to,” Morrow said about staff at the new facility. “We do have individuals with different diagnoses, and it’s kind of hard for them to get the services with somebody who doesn’t know anything about it.”

But behavioral health staffing shortages may pose a problem down the line.

In West Macon, a 24/7 crisis service center operated by River Edge has been closed for months — a sign on the door points to pandemic-related problems, and encourages people to call another one of River Edge’s crisis centers in Baldwin County, about 40 minutes away, if they need help.

River Edge CEO Cass Hatcher blames the temporary closure on staffing shortages, and said they’re working on getting the crisis service center opened in the next couple months.

The closed center has nine temporary crisis beds. This new center will have 16, and Hatcher said it will need about 60 staff members to be fully functioning.

“We’re working closely with the governor and the General Assembly and we’re hopefully going to be able to get some additional funding for our staff,” Tanner said about the department’s plan to address staffing shortages. “We also are looking for some incentive funding for our crisis centers to be able to get them fully staffed.”

Also part of budgetary requests next year is almost $15 million to increase crisis center staff salaries across the state.

This story comes to the Telegraph through a reporting partnership with GPB News, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state of Georgia.

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There’s a famous saying in the South: “Whether you’re going to heaven or hell, you’re going through Atlanta.” It’s hard to avoid if you are flying or connecting through Hartsfield-Jackson International, one of the world’s busiest passenger airports. But that doesn’t mean visitors have to stay in the Peach State’s capital. Many towns in Georgia offer culturally rich experiences, outdoor adventures, and well-preserved architecture that are worth the trip. Here are seven reasons to discover Georgia beyond Atlanta.

Blue Ridge—Trout fishing capital of Georgia

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or first-timer, Blue Ridge offers a fishing experience that’s hard to match with more than 100 miles of trout streams in and around the town. The Toccoa River, with its abundance of rainbow and brown trout, is a local favorite. It’s also a gorgeous spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. But fishing excursions are not the only thing this charming mountain town offers. Trains take travelers along the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, through the iconic Appalachian Mountains and lush Chattahoochee National Forest.

(This photographer found peace while fly-fishing Kenya’s lush highland rivers.)

In town, visitors can hunt for antiques, dig into traditional barbecue, and browse family-run shops, such as Oyster Bamboo Fly Rods. In the latter, you can buy pre-made rod caps and fishing poles, sign up for a pole-making class (there’s often a waitlist), and order a custom handcrafted bamboo fly rod.

Tallulah Falls—The outdoor adventure hub of Georgia

This Victorian-era resort town turned adventure capital draws visitors to one of the Southeast’s most beautiful natural areas. Tallulah Gorge State Park features a breathtaking two-mile-long canyon with steep walls that drop nearly 1,000 feet and a group of six waterfalls flowing to the bottom. It’s a dramatic mix of suspension bridge crossings, hiking trails with stellar vantage points, and waterways ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding.

Hikers need a permit to get on the gorge floor; only a hundred are issued a day from the park’s Interpretative Center, so get there early. For outdoor gear, stop by Wander North Georgia, a family-owned recreation store dedicated to keeping North Georgia green. After a long hike, refuel at Tallulah Adventures’ The Edge Café.

Athens—More than a college town

Despite being home to one of the oldest public universities in the U.S., there’s more to Athens than college football. Explore the city’s music history by taking a self-guided walking tour. Visit locations that played a significant role in the careers of bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s or stroll through the Georgia Music Hall of Fame collection at the University of Georgia.

In November 2022, Athens launched the African American Heritage Pathway, a walking tour through downtown that calls attention to the nearly forgotten Black communities that helped shape Athens. After, explore Georgia’s many natural treasures at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Tree That Owns Itself, or Jackson Oak, on South Finley and Dearing Streets. According to legend, the original landowner loved the tree so much that he granted it and all land within eight feet of its base legal personhood in his will.

(This Canadian river is now legally a person. It’s not the only one.)

Augusta—Beyond the Masters Tournament

Each spring, thousands of people flock to this pocket of central Georgia for the Masters, one of the most revered golf tournaments in the United States. But this eclectic city offers more than just prized putting greens. Take a scenic boat tour along the historic Augusta Canal, Georgia’s first National Heritage Area, to learn about the impact of the Industrial Revolution.

Discover the rich legacy of Augusta’s African American community at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum. The two-hour guided tour takes visitors to more than 30 significant historical sites related to Augusta’s Black history. Don’t miss the new immersive experience, “Augusta’s Black Caddies—The Men on the Bag,” highlighting three legendary caddies who worked at the Augusta Nationals golf tournament. After, look for the more than 35 murals around the city, including the “Spirit of Funk: James Brown Mural,” located across the street from the James Brown Monument, just a 10-minute walk from the Augusta Museum of History.

Brunswick—Gateway to the Golden Isles

Once one of five ports of entry for the American colonies, Brunswick is the gateway to the Golden Isles, a group of barrier islands—including Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Sea Island—known for their stunning beaches, nature reserves, and well-preserved Victorian architecture.

(Discover the natural wonders along Georgia’s coast.)

Browse dozens of locally-owned shops, art galleries, and markets located along oak tree-lined streets of Historic Downtown Brunswick. The best time to visit is the first Friday of every month, when hundreds of people gather for art exhibit openings, live music, and street performers.

Columbus—Walk among the stars

Situated on the Chattahoochee River, Columbus offers a range of activities, from virtual space exploration to outdoor recreation and world-class sporting events. Discover what it is like to be an astronaut at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center. Interactive exhibits include the Space Shuttle Odyssey launch simulator and the Challenger Learning Center mission simulator, where visitors can test their ship piloting and rover driving skills.

Come October, watch elite athletes worldwide showcase their freestyle canoeing skills at the I.C.F. Canoe Freestyle World Championship. This is the first time the event has been in North America after almost a decade. Visitors can have their own water adventure at RushSouth Whitewater Park. Watch kayakers battle challenging rapids on Riverwalk Island, the longest urban white water course, or ride on the first dual zip lines connecting two states (Georgia and Alabama). For those wanting to stay dry, join the RiverWalk GeoTour, featuring 31 challenging geocaches with collector game pieces.

Macon—Where history and culture meet

The history of music runs deep in Georgia, especially in Macon, located about an hour and a half drive from Atlanta. Learn about the rise of the Allman Brothers Band at the Big House museum, or “rock, roll, and stroll” through Macon music history on a guided outing with Rock Candy Tours. Catch a live show at the restored Grand Opera House, which hosts concerts, theater productions, and dance events.

History buffs should explore the Tubman African American Museum, the most extensive gallery in the Southeast devoted to African American art, history, and culture. Across the street, visitors learn about the state’s most outstanding athletes at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the largest state sports hall of fame in the U.S. From here, head to Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, adjacent to downtown Macon, which was once a thriving Indigenous center for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Advocates are currently working to make the site Georgia’s first national park.

Starlight Williams is a Georgia native and travel editor for National Geographic. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This story was created with the support of Explore Georgia and Visit Augusta.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on August 28, 2023 to reflect new information.

Maybe you could spot an alligator swimming in the Chattahoochee, but it’s not a sure thing.

Tubing the ‘Hooch is a favorite pastime of people growing up in Northeast Georgia, where I’m from.

Helen, GA provides an Old Bavaria backdrop to a popular tubing attraction right there on the river banks where they start at the north.

By the time you get to the bottom of the Chattahoochee River, though, you will be clear down in Florida.

All around you are water moccasins, aka black snakes, that are big and scary but not venomous.

But do you have to watch out for alligators as well?

You should, due to the close proximity of the Okefenokee Swamp where thousands of alligators live in the wild.

Find out more about what kind of alligators are in the Chattahoochee, and what you should do if you are swimming in their backyard.

Contents [show]

So… Are There Alligators in the Chattahoochee?

Yes, there are alligators that make their way up to the Chattahoochee River.

Britannica defines “Chattahoochee” to mean either pounding rock or cornmeal from the local Native American tribal languages.

The river itself flows from northeast Georgia into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

As a leading water source for the state of Georgia, the Chattahoochee continues down through Atlanta and into Florida.

The Chattahoochee River spills into Apalachicola Bay, which is where it becomes the Apalachicola River.

From here, the now-Apalachicola River drains into the Gulf of Mexico through the lands between Panama City Beach and Tallahassee, Florida.

The river powers Georgia, quite literally, through electricity generated by two dams on the river.

These dams include Buford Dam in Buford, GA on the northeastern side of Atlanta, as well as along Lake Lanier in Gainesville, also in the same vicinity.

For a river that flows for about 436 miles through one of the busiest cities in the Southeast, the Chattahoochee River is popular with tourists and water sports enthusiasts.

Several tubing, kayaking, rafting, and water slide businesses are maintained along the river, and trout fishing along with fly fishing are major affairs.

This makes having alligators in the river quite troublesome for tourists and water sports enthusiasts alike.

The Chattahoochee is in close proximity to the Okefenokee Swamp and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness.

The swamp is home to 10,000 to 13,000 American alligators as their natural habitat.

Located in Southeast Georgia and Northern Florida, the swamp has an obvious connection to the Chattahoochee River.

However, the Chattahoochee River does not flow into the black water swamp.

The Okefenokee is fed by the Suwannee River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico, the same as the Chattahoochee.

It is imaginable that American alligators living in the Okefenokee Swamp could travel along the Suwannee River into the Gulf of Mexico.

From here, the alligators could swim back up into the US through the Chattahoochee River.

But this is not possible due to another reason.

Alligators can’t live in saltwater.

Therefore, the Gulf of Mexico, which is a saltwater habitat, is inaccessible to the American alligator.

The National Zoo of the Smithsonian explains how alligators can live in saltwater, but not for long.

Alligators lack salt glands, an organ found in saltwater species like sharks that excrete salt.

Salt glands would allow the gators to breathe in the saltwater.

American alligators can live in freshwater in swamps, such as blackwater that is sulfuric, as well as marshes, lakes, and rivers.

By understanding how alligators live in certain types of water, it is easier to see how these reptiles can travel along certain waterways.

As a result, alligators are not able to breed outside of these waters.

You can find alligators in the Suwannee River, though.

This is why some say that alligators could theoretically leave the Suwannee River and make it over west to the Chattahoochee River.

There are approximately 150 miles between these two river banks at Chattahoochee, FL, and the Suwannee River at O’Brien, FL.

Alligator Species in Chattahoochee

In the Chattahoochee River, there could potentially be an American alligator.

This is the most common alligator found in Georgia and Florida and the only known breed of a wild alligator in the region.

The Florida Everglades are another place where American alligators live, along with American crocodiles.

In fact, South Florida is the only place on the planet where American alligators and American crocodiles live together peacefully.

Is it Safe to Swim in Chattahoochee?

Yes, swimming in the Chattahoochee and the local lakes, including Lake Lanier, are major ways to cool off in the summertime in Georgia.

Finding somewhere along the river’s banks to jump in for a dip is not impossible as there are plenty of local fishing holes that are open to the public.

At Blue Rope in northeast Georgia on the way to Helen, you can walk down beneath the bridge to either put a kayak or canoe in the river or simply swim.

There are free places to go swimming in the Chattahoochee all throughout Georgia and Florida.

However, the river is most inviting for swimmers at the northern end near Helen, where the tourist industry is booming.

The local businesses have made it their business, quite literally, to provide the public with easy access to the Chattahoochee for recreational purposes.

The southern state is known for being a humid scorcher, and wading and swimming in the river is a lot of fun for locals and out-of-town tourists.

I would not recommend swimming in the Chattahoochee River before April due to the cold snowmelt coming from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Interesting Alligator Facts in Chattahoochee

Alligators have been in south Georgia for centuries! According to the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, “The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) lives in the swamps, marshes, rivers, ponds, and lakes south of the Georgia fall line, which is the geological boundary that runs northeast across Georgia from Columbus to Augusta.”

So finding no alligators in the Chattahoochee River is actually a rare occasion.

Alligators vs. Crocodiles

There are both alligators and crocodiles in the Southeast of Georgia and Florida.

The prevalence of alligators in the blackwater swamp of Okefenokee is the primary reason we have alligators that could be in the Chattahoochee.

The American crocodile is another story.

Here you have a saltwater species of reptile that lives as far north as South Florida.

Saltwater breeders that they are, crocodiles simply cannot live in the Chattahoochee River at all.

So, if you see something reptilian swimming in the river, it must be a lost alligator.

Alligators are black, too, compared to the white coloration of a crocodile, which looks like it has been salted permanently by saltwater.

3 Safety Tips for Swimming in Alligator-infested Waters

Frequently Asked Questions

Not at all.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) explains that alligators and crocodiles cannot breed because these two reptiles–even though they look exactly alike to many–are too genetically different. Isn’t that interesting?

Considering how donkeys and horses can breed, as well as many other near-species, it is curious that alligators and crocodiles are unable to do so according to the world of science and nature.

There will not be an “allidile” or a “crocogator” any time soon in the Chattahoochee River.

If the alligator is provided with a means of transportation, such as in the back trailer of an unsuspecting truck driver, they could easily go 150 miles from the Suwannee to the Chattahoochee River.

That’s why it is possible you could see an alligator in the Chattahoochee, so keep your eyes peeled when you go tubing down the ‘Hooch this summer.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper reports alligators visiting the upper area of the Chattahoochee in northeast Georgia, as well as the region of the Chattahoochee in central Georgia.

These one-off sightings, though, are not from alligators traveling to seek more feeding or roaming ground.

Alligator males generally stay within a two-mile range, states the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and this is more than the females of the species.

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) states that “American alligators can be found in the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas.”

Therefore, it is not as if these alligators cannot travel that far and survive.

An occasional alligator might be relocated to the Chattahoochee from a pet store or by escaping from a home habitat of a reptile owner.

However, the only way for an alligator to survive in the Chattahoochee River, it has to be able to reproduce.

American alligators can only reproduce in warm water.

The Chattahoochee River does have warmer waters down south of Columbus, GA.

However, there are very limited waterways in south Georgia on route to cross Florida into the Gulf of Mexico.

Additionally, alligators would not be able to live in the gulf’s salt water.

Therefore, there is a limited chance that any alligator would travel from the Okefenokee Swamp and the Suwannee River west to the Chattahoochee to start a “new family and life.”

To date, there have been no deaths from an alligator attack in the river.

Additional Resources