Ocmulgee River Day Paddle
Macon to Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
one-day
Commitment
beginner - intermediate
Fitness level
macon
Location
What to Expect
Join the Georgia Conservancy for a fall day paddle on the Ocmulgee River! We’ll launch from Spring Street Landing in downtown Macon and travel approximately 9 miles downstream on the Ocmulgee River, finishing near Bond Swamp National Wildlife Refuge near the site of the proposed Bondsview Road boat landing. This is primarily a flatwater paddle with no significant rapids, but the distance makes it best suited for paddlers comfortable spending several hours on the water.
This section of the Ocmulgee offers a remarkable transition from the heart of Macon into one of Georgia’s most culturally significant river landscapes. Macon sits along Georgia’s Fall Line and historically served as the head of navigation for commercial traffic moving inland from the coast. Just downstream, the river passes through the broader landscape associated with Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and then enters the vast bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands surrounding Bond Swamp. The National Park Service has recognized the larger Macon-to-Hawkinsville Ocmulgee River corridor as nationally significant for its combination of archaeological, Indigenous, historical, and ecological resources. We are also privileged to be joined by Matt Chalfa, Director of Strategic Planning for The Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative (ONPPI), who will help guide our weekend exploration of the Macon area’s natural and cultural history, including interpretation along this paddle.
We hope you’ll join us for a unique opportunity to experience Macon and the Ocmulgee from the water. Participation and boat rentals are registered separately. Participants who have their own appropriate kayak or canoe should purchase the participation ticket only. Participants who need a boat should also reserve a boat-rental ticket, which will include the boat, paddle, and PFD.
If you have questions about whether this trip is appropriate for you, please contact Shaundon Moore, Stewardship Trips Manager, Georgia Conservancy, at smoore@gaconservancy.org.
Sunday Morning launch:
Meeting point: Bond Swamp Entrance (Exact location will be shared after registration). Macon, GA
9:00 AM – Participant check-in and trip overview.
9:40 AM – Shuttle to Spring St put-in.
10:00 AM – Gear check and boat assignments.
10:15 AM – Paddle launch from Spring St.
We will paddle approximately 9–9.5 river miles with periodic stops for rest, lunch, wildlife observation, and interpretation of the Ocmulgee River corridor.
Around 3:00–3:30 PM – Arrive at our takeout near the proposed Bond Swamp NWR boat landing/Bondsview Road.
Around 4:00 PM Program concludes.
Actual paddle time will depend on river flow, weather, group pace, and conditions at the takeout. This route is mostly flatwater, but the approximately 9-mile distance means participants should expect several hours of continuous paddling.
Plan your trip
The Details
Arrival Time
Plan Your Trip
Please arrive no later than 9:00 AM at Bond Swamp so we have enough time to check everyone in, organize equipment, complete our safety briefing, and launch together.
Please do not arrive directly at Bond Swamp unless specifically directed by Georgia Conservancy staff. The downstream access is currently an undeveloped takeout near the location of a proposed future DNR boat ramp, rather than a conventional developed public landing.
What Should I Pack?
- Bring your own lunch, snacks, and at least 2 liters of water
- DO NOT WEAR COTTON
- Wear athletic, synthetic, wool, or quick-dry clothing appropriate for the forecast
- Bring an additional warm layer; the beginning of November can bring cool air and water temperatures
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Closed-toe water shoes or secure sandals with a heel strap
- Waterproof/dry bag for personal items
- Prescription medications and other necessary personal items
- Change of clothes and dry shoes to leave in your vehicle
- Optional: binoculars, waterproof camera, and other outdoor items to keep you happy and healthy exploring the outdoors
- All participants must wear a properly fitted PFD while on the water
How Difficult Is The Paddle?
The paddle is approximately 9–9.5 river miles.
This is primarily a flatwater river paddle without major shoals or rapids, making the technical paddling relatively approachable. However, the distance is substantially longer than a short recreational float.
Participants should be comfortable:
- Sitting in and controlling a kayak or canoe for several hours
- Paddling approximately 9 miles
- Entering and exiting a boat independently or with minor assistance
- Managing wind, current, and normal river obstacles
- Getting out of the boat at a more natural, undeveloped takeout
Accessibility & Terrain:
Participants should expect:
- Mud, sand, vegetation, and uneven ground
- A potentially steep or slippery riverbank
- A short boat carry from the river
- No restroom facilities along the route
- No reliable intermediate public takeout once the group moves well downstream of Macon
- Limited vehicle access near the Bond Swamp floodplain during wet conditions
- Bond Swamp is a river floodplain where high water can make both road and foot access difficult, and the refuge may close portions during flooding
Register For This Trip
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