Cost of the event is $25.00 per adult, $12.50 for children under 16. That covers use of the park/lake after hours for our group, use of a picnic shelter and the catered meal. We must have at least 35 people sign up for the meal to happen! 

Boat rentals are in addition to the event fee.   Kayaks are $40.00, canoes are $65.00.  

IMPORTANT: You must register and make payment on the Event Brite page for your spot to be held. Boats are 1st come first serve so register quick.

You are not registered for this event until you click on the green button and pay for the event.  We have a total of 16 sit in kayaks and 3 canoes that will be delivered so if you want a boat you must pay early.  Thanks.

This is a family affair and will be shared by four meetup groups.  Atlanta Area Paddlers, Kayak Classes Ga, Outdoor Club South and Georgia Adventures Group.  (PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP ON ONE SITE!)

You will find a list of activities and maps of how to get to the park o n their website:

http://www.gastateparks.org/FortYargo

There will be hiking, biking and paddling along with a catered meal cooked hot on the spot!  Camping if you make a reservation fast enough!

If you visit the park website you will find there is plenty to do if you want to come early and make a day of it with your friends and family. Of course you can paddle all day if that is your preference. There are 15 miles of hiking trails. Mountain bikes are also welcome on the trails.  Hey, if you have a horse, they are welcome too. There is camping in the park but I have no idea what the availability of sites will be, I just know they go fast in the fall.

IMPORTANT,,,,,IMPORTANT,,,,,IMPORTANT,,,IMPORTANT If you do not have an Annual State Park Parking Permit, there is a $5.00 per car parking fee. Must be paid in cash.

All ages are welcome. Pets on a leash are welcome! Everyone is welcome! Details will be updated if we find good people to lead the hikes and bike rides.  If no one steps up to lead those events feel free to come on out to the park and do your own thing until the paddling starts.

Hiking: On your own.

Biking: On your own.

As to the PADDLING PART and the CATERED MEAL this is how it goes:

If you have never experienced the thrill of paddling on a still lake by moonlight, you really need to join us for this event. If you have done this before, I know why you want to come back!  We have received special permission to use the lake at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder for our group on this one night. Normally the lake is closed to all boats at dark so we will have the lake exclusively to ourselves. (no dodging power boats) We will be using Area B in the park. (Area B has a separate entrance off of Highway 81) We will plan to be off the water by 12:00 so that is plenty of time to enjoy the lake.

Part 1: 1:00 pm  Optional for those who want to get wet!  Don't want to get wet? Come and paddle when you are ready!

We will meet at the AREA B, day use boat ramp at 1:00 PM and have a class on kayak safety. Paddle float re-entry, deep water re-entry, bow rescues, how to tow a boat, etc., and just generally have a good time paddling and getting wet. If you have a spray skirt for your boat please bring it. If we get a few volunteers to help me we can throw in ROLL CLASSES OR PRACTICE. Any volunteers???? If you come for this part, be sure to bring dry clothes.

Part 2: 5:00 pm  MEAL TIME FOR EVERYONE, HIKERS, BIKERS, PADDLERS 

We will meet by the Area B picnic shelter for a hot picnic meal provided by Back Yard Burgers, hot off the Grill. Even if you do not stay to paddle, a great way to end the day!  You will have a choice of Grilled Chicken, Hamburgers or Veggie Burgers  Sides will be Cole Slaw and Potatoe Salad with a Big Cookie for dessert.  Drink choices will be Iced Tea or Lemonade. We must have your menu choices when you sign up, to include drink selection.

Part 3:  6:00 pm

Meet at Area B boat ramp at 6:00 PM to sign in and go over the rules for the moonlight paddle. All types of boats or rafts are welcome, if it floats, bring it. This is a family affair, paddlers of all ages are welcome. I think our youngest paddler so far was 8, and I believe he had the best time.

A FEW SIMPLE RULES:

PFD's are required for all paddlers, a park rule. If you are not willing to wear one, please do not come to this event. I want to be welcome back here year after year.

No alcohol. A park rule. If you have to drink to enjoy- see above!

NO FLASHLIGHTS of any kind will be allowed on the water except for emergencies. This is a moonlight paddle, not a flashlight paddle. (smiling here) 

I suggest you bring folding chairs, seating for the meal will be limited. Also, remember, it gets chilly on the water at night, plan accordingly.  In four years I have only had one person turn their boat over and he was playing and showing off so you should not have a problem staying dry, other than your feet.

If events are added during the day, all who sign up will be notified.  If you have any questions or suggestions to make this a better event, please contact: John Miller at [masked] or e-mail at [masked]