Explore Scenic Coosa River Team Trail in Georgia | Trails, Camping, Paddling

Exploring the Scenic Coosa River Team Trail in Georgia

Nestled in the heart of west central Georgia lies the beautiful Coosa River, home to the peaceful Coosa River Team Trail. Spanning over 300 miles along the lush Coosa River valley, the multi-use trail provides outdoor enthusiasts endless opportunities to hike, bike, and paddle their way through the peach state's abundant natural beauty.

An Overview of the Picturesque Coosa River Team Trail

Formally established in 2021 in partnership between the Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Coosa River Team Trail aims to connect existing trails, parks, and protected lands along the Coosa River corridor between Rome and Weiss Lake. Still a work in progress, the envisioned route will someday allow people to walk, run, bike, paddle, fish and camp across 300 miles of scenic western Georgia.

Currently the trail features a 70 mile section between Rome's Ridge Ferry Park and the Villanow Trailhead. This segment takes travelers through peaceful forests and wetlands, with opportunities to view diverse wildlife. Future plans aim to extend the trail south through Rockmart, Cedartown, Cave Spring, Cedartown, Buchanan, Tallapoosa and other rural Georgia towns before terminating at Weiss Lake near the Alabama border.

Outdoor Recreation Along the Trail

The Coosa River Team Trail caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all types. Miles of pathways accommodate hikers, trail runners, wildlife watchers and bicyclists. The river itself invites paddlers to embark on flatwater excursions to take in spectacular views of the Coosa River valley. Anglers also flock to the area to reel in bass, crappie, bluegill and other freshwater species teeming in the river.

The trail’s peaceful forests and wetlands offer sightings of whitetail deer, raccoons, opossums, beavers, river otters and even bald eagles. Spring and summer wildflowers like spiderwort, sunflowers and ironweed also bloom in profusion, showing off their vibrant purple and yellow blossoms.

Sites to See Along the Coosa River Team Trail

One major highlight along the trail includes the Ridge Ferry Park in Rome. As the trail's current northern trailhead, the park contains camping facilities and boat access to the Coosa River. Heading south, paddlers and anglers often stop to explore the river islands of the Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge, a tranquil nature preserve brimming with hardwood bottomlands and blue heron rookeries.

Other notable sites along the route include the peaceful Dexter Rhodes Memorial Park, the historic darkness-to-light Bridge in Rockmart dramatized by southern author Catherine Brewer Benton and the 137-mile long Pinhoti Trail intersecting near Cave Spring. When completed, the Coosa River Team Trail will also adjoin the popular Silver Comet Trail near Cedartown.

Getting Involved With the Coosa River Team Trail

Visitors wishing to help support the building and maintenance of the Coosa River Team Trail can get involved with the Coosa River Basin Initiative. As a non-profit spearheading trail expansion efforts, the organization relies on volunteers and donations to create enhancements like river access points, camping facilities, signage and other amenities.

Those with paddling experience may also volunteer as river guides to assist novice paddlers and raise awareness regarding environmental issues impacting the Coosa River basin. Guides help coordinate multi-day excursions on the river while educating participants on topics like water quality, storm water runoff, invasive species monitoring and litter cleanup.

Planning Your Visit to the Scenic Coosa River Valley

Whether an avid hiker, paddler, angler or nature lover, a journey through the Coosa River valley promises stunning scenery and opportunities to enjoy the great Georgia outdoors. To plan your own adventure along the Coosa River Team Trail, consider the following tips:

Choose Your Activities

Decide how you want to experience the Coosa River valley. Opt for a day hike along a quiet forested section, or embark on a paddling expedition through the river's tea-colored waters. You can also cast for bass from river islands or reel in trout stocked in coldwater streams feeding the Coosa River.

Pick Your Route

Determine your starting and end points along the 70 mile developed section between Ridge Ferry Park and Villanow Trailhead. Long distance paddlers and bikers should consider a point-to-point trip, arranging shuttle transportation between trailheads. Those on foot may opt for an out-and-back hike on a short section.

Know Your Gear

Prepare properly for your chosen activities. Day hikers need sturdy footwear, water, sun protection and insect repellent. Paddlers should wear life jackets and pack drinking water, snacks, extra layers and dry bags to keep items dry. Anglers will need valid Georgia fishing licenses plus their own rods, tackle and bait.

Check River Conditions

Since weather affects river depth and paddling conditions, check for recent rainfall before an excursion. The Coosa River normally maintains a steady flow outside severe droughts or flooding. After heavy regional rains, beware of faster currents and avoid paddling during unsafe high water conditions.

Bring Proper Maps

Carry an official map like the Coosa River Paddling Guide that marks rapids, islands, shoals, landmarks and public access areas. Quality maps prevent you from getting lost along remote sections far from roads and civilization. Periodically check your map and note key features to track your progress.

With inviting forests, abundant wildlife and tranquil river scenery, Georgia's Coosa River valley rewards visitors with beauty and solitude at every bend. As development continues on the Coosa River Team Trail, people now have even more ways to explore this lesser-known but incredibly scenic region of the peach state. So set your sights west and enjoy an unforgettable outdoor adventure along the banks of Georgia's lovely Coosa River.

FAQs

How long is the Coosa River Team Trail?

When completed, the Coosa River Team Trail will span over 300 miles along the Coosa River corridor between Rome, Georgia and Weiss Lake on the Georgia-Alabama border.

What activities can you do on the trail?

The multi-use trail accommodates hiking, trail running, biking, paddling, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, camping and more.

What is the Coosa River Basin Initiative?

The Coosa River Basin Initiative (CRBI) is a non-profit organization spearheading the building and maintenance of the Coosa River Team Trail through the use of volunteers and donations.

How difficult is paddling the Coosa River?

The Coosa River typically maintains a steady flow suitable for novice and intermediate paddlers. But beware of faster currents or unsafe conditions after periods of heavy regional rainfall.