COLUMBUS, GEORGIA–MARCH 2019–When looking for outdoor adventure, look no further than Columbus, Georgia. Conveniently located just about 90-minutes southwest of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and basically home to Fort Benning, Columbus has more of the “best,” “only” and “newest” outdoor adventures to experience than most people could ever imagine. Pair this with great dining, comfortable lodging and year-round pleasant weather, and you have found a new go-to place for great outside fun.
Whitewater
The city’s marquee attraction is the Chattahoochee River. After tremendous efforts by a team of forward-thinking citizens and government officials, the gates holding back the opportunities for Columbus were literally blown up to create the world’s “longest” urban whitewater course. Visitors can enjoy the river in a variety of ways right in town, an area affectionately referred to as “Uptown Columbus.”
Upon project completion, the river restoration project that yielded whitewater along this section of the Chattahoochee River was named by USA Today as one of the “Best Man-made Adventures” on the planet. Throughout the day, the river’s flow changes to create unique and dynamic experiences for everyone who jumps at the chance to paddle the waterway. In addition, when the dams were removed, the masterminds installed state-of-the-art wave-making technology to control the water. Now, Columbus plays host to internationally-acclaimed watersport events with a great setting for spectators. For those not paddling, within walking distance there are plenty of things to do and see, including a playground for children.
For Whitewater rafters, the Classic Trip (low flow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is a great way to experience awesome rapids and enjoy time on the water with friends and family, while the Challenge Trip (high flow, beginning at 4 p.m.) offers some of the biggest thrills on the East Coast. Rafters have the option of taking on Cutbait, a fast-paced, high-intensity rapid that will leave rafters dreaming of it until their next adventure!
For those wanting more of an individual experience on the water, rentals and instruction are available for kayaking, inflatable duckies and stand-up paddleboards.
To book a trip in advance, visit www.WhiteWaterExpress.com/chattahoochee or call 706.321.4720.
Below the river’s featured whitewater, there is flat water great for fishing, motorboating and jet skiing. A boat launch is available at Rotary Park, just south of Uptown Columbus adjacent to the Port Columbus Naval Museum.
RiverWalk’s Surprises
Along the famous waterway is the RiverWalk, a 22-mile linear park where residents and visitors alike can get outside, relax and enjoy nature. A curious thing to see here is a much larger-than-life bird’s nest. It serves as the starting point of the Blue Heron Zip Line course. As the “only” dual-zip lines that connect two states, thrill-seekers cross the Chattahoochee River not once but twice as they reach speeds of up to 40 m.p.h. The fun doesn’t end there! The Blue Heron Aerial Course, a treetop experience, will meet thrill-seekers in Phenix City, Alabama, with a total of 10 obstacles. The excitement continues as guests explore the Treetops Zips Course and then zip back to the outpost in Georgia where the adventure began.
The RiverWalk’s miles of hard surface trails along the Chattahoochee is ideal for walking, cycling and jogging. The locale also provides visitors with a splash pad, public art, greenspaces, an accessible rock-outcrop island for a close-up view of those rafting and kayaking, fishing, public entertainment spaces, historical architecture, birding and easy access to Uptown Columbus for great dining, shopping and entertainment.
The DragonFly
The Dragonfly is Columbus’ “newest” network of off-road greenway trails created for recreation, transportation and interaction. Connecting the RiverWalk to Fall Line Trace for a total of 34 miles, another 27 miles is planned throughout Columbus culminating with more than 60 miles of interconnected trails. “The Dragonfly” name was chosen because dragonflies are an indicator species for clean water in a community.
Columbus, Georgia, continues to evolve and bring visitors the best of great adventure, things to experience, and memories to make.
For When You Go, Fun Facts about Columbus, Georgia:
If you travel near Port Columbus Naval Museum, don’t be alarmed if you hear cannons or gunfire–they are just re-enacting the Civil War.
Be sure to be at the RiverWalk at sunset as it is something to witness (and capture images).
Though the apparel company Salt Life is primarily focused on “salt” water, the company is based in the founder’s hometown of Columbus, Georgia, where it recently opened its only store near water that isn’t salty. Be sure to stop by.
For those participating in whitewater rafting, kayaking or zip-lining, the individual adventure company will supply all your equipment. Just remember to print and complete your waivers in advance and bring them to turn in the day of your visit. This will save you a few minutes.
Outfitters
Whitewater Express, 1000 Bay Ave, Columbus, Ga., 31901, is open daily 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., offers rentals for rafts, kayaks/duckies, stand-up paddleboards, bicycles and fishing. In addition, Whitewater Express offers group and individual instruction. Ride on Bikes, 1036 Broadway, Columbus, Ga., 31901, is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.