Unlike many other Georgia rivers that begin their journeys to the sea along the flanks of ridges in the relatively pristine confines of national forest lands, the Ocmulgee—a name that means “where water boils up” in Muskogee—rises inside Atlanta’s I-285 perimeter highway as the South River in a jungle of asphalt and concrete. In fact, its very headwaters are buried beneath a hazardous waste site. Its other main tributaries—the Yellow and Alcovy—rise in Atlanta’s fast-growing northeast suburbs of Gwinnett County, and they too have not escaped the impacts of city life. Yet the Ocmulgee also hosts one hundred species of fish, eighty-five of which are native to the river, as well as eighteen native freshwater mussel species, including seven species found nowhere else on the planet.

In the Ocmulgee River User’s Guide, both novice and experienced water sports enthusiasts will fi nd all the information required to enjoy the full length of the river through Macon to its confluence with the Altamaha near Lumber City. Author Joe Cook includes detailed maps, put in and take out suggestions, fishing and camping locations, mile-by-mile points of interest, and an illustrated guide to the animals and plants commonly seen in and around the river. Day-trippers will enjoy the guide’s fascinating description of the cultural and natural heritage of this richly diverse waterway.

FEATURES:
An introduction and overview of the river
Chapters describing each river section with detailed maps and notes on river access and points of interest
A compact natural history guide featuring species of interest
Notes on safety and boating etiquette
A fishing primer
Notes on organizations working to protect the river

Maps by: Andy Carroll