Local environmentalist Dan McBee is one of the few Calhounians who has experienced the history, ecology and biology of the Coosawattee River – until now.

McBee, who is the president of New Echota Rivers Alliance, teamed up with Marcus Palazolo, of the Calhoun Cycling Club, and Howard Withrow, of Georgia Mountain Music Club, and all three groups found a way to bring people together who enjoy kayaking, biking and bluegrass music in Gordon County.

On March 16 and 17, these three groups hosted “Paddlin, Peddlin and Pickin,” a free, community-wide outdoor camping event at the Ralston’s farm in Resaca

“We had an excellent turnout for our first Paddlin, Peddlin and Pickin Event with participants from as far away as Asheville, NC and several participants from the Atlanta and Chattanooga areas. Gordon County is becoming well known throughout the Southeast as a great location for family paddling,” McBee said.

“This past weekend was a great example of the many outdoor opportunities we have in Gordon County and all of Northwest Georgia.”

McBee said local rivers are perfect for the first time paddler yet exciting for those more experienced and the scenery is beautiful.

McBee also mentioned the recent formation of a group named Northwest Georgia Outdoors which will act as a clearinghouse for all planned outdoor activities in Northwest Georgia.

“In the very near future you will be able to go to the Northwest Georgia Outdoors Facebook page or website to see a calendar of all outdoor events in this area from trail rides to triathlons. We want to make it as simple as possible for everyone to know what is going on in this area,” McBee said.