Participants will enjoy the stunning scenery of the Alabama Scenic River Trail.
The inaugural Tallapoosa River Fest takes place on Saturday, June 5. Participants will paddle on the peaceful waters of the Tallapoosa River while taking in stunning scenery and enjoying a day in the great outdoors.
The 125 registered paddlers will arrive as early as 7:30 a.m. at Kylee Cooper Farm, where shuttles will take people and their canoes or kayaks to the river and back. More than 90 paddle-goers live outside Tallapoosa County, representing cities in Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia.
The six-mile journey on the Alabama Scenic River Trail will take place rain or shine, starting at Horseshoe Bend Bridge and ending at Jay Bird Creek. The trail combines peaceful waters with shoals to provide a little extra adventure on this family-friendly outing, where paddlers will enjoy seeing Shoal and Cahaba lilies. River-goers have spotted bald eagles in the area.
“We are truly excited about our first Tallapoosa River Fest,” said Sandra Fuller, Tourism director for Tallapoosa County. “We wouldn’t be able to put on the event without our great group of volunteers and sponsors. We will have some incredible safety paddlers joining us as well that will be strategically placed throughout the route. It’s going to be a beautiful day and Cahaba lilies will be in full bloom!”
Sponsors include the Tallapoosa County Commission, Off the Beaten Path, Alabama Power, Alexander City Parks and Recreation, Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, Lake Martin EDA, Kleinschmidt Group, Tallapoosa County Extension, Tallapoosa County EMA, Alex City Rescue Squad, Kylee Cooper Farms and Alabama Scenic River Trail.
After the river trek, attendees will enjoy a cookout with live music, games of horseshoes and corn hole and several giveaways. Vendors from Tallapoosa County and Lake Martin will provide information booths about fun things to do in the area.
For more information, visit Tallapoosa River Fest (tallapoosacountytourism.com).
