NOTE: Registration is closed.
Date: Friday, July 22, 2022
Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Leader(s): Travis McDonald, South Zone Fisheries Biologist
Making it possible: US Forest Service, Cherokee National Forest
Location: Blue Hole Snorkel, Conasauga River TN
Outing Description:
$25 / person. Ages 12 & Up. Wet suits, masks and snorkels will be provided along with instructions in their proper usage. Participants must stay within the designated swimming area. Underwater viewing scopes (snoods) will be available for those not wishing to snorkel. Please understand that we are prepared to continue to do programs during light rain, air temperatures in the 70’s, and water temperatures in the 60’s.
Picnic tables and restrooms are available. Tents will be set up for changing rooms. No flip flops will be allowed for use during snorkeling.
Participants should come with printed and filled Cherokee snorkel waiver: https://gafw.org/oldsite/wp-content/uploads/Cherokee-waiver-snorkel.pdf
“The ancient age of the Southern Appalachian Mountains has enabled aquatic species in small watersheds to attain extreme levels of diversity compared to the much larger western watersheds. Salamanders, mussels, snails, crayfish and other invertebrates show similar levels of diversity to fish. Streams in the Cherokee National Forest have an extraordinarily diverse assemblage of fish. In the clear waters of the snorkeling sites, it is typical to see 15 to 20 species of fish on any given day. Over 45 species of fish have been documented at or near individual sites. • Freshwater drum as large as 6 pounds swim in schools in the deep pools; sporting fish, such as bass and bream, are seen in their natural habitats. Colorful darters and shiners may be seen spawning and feeding. • Several thousand fish will be present on any given day. The experience is like swimming in an aquarium full of fish. Turtles, tadpoles and salamanders are all usually present.”
Snorkeling in the Chattahoochee National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3837336.pdf
GAFW Youtube short: https://youtu.be/PUeuFJPuGVU
Meeting Place Directions:
Subway, 79 Highway 286, Suite E., Chatsworth, GA. Be prepared to travel on a gravel road for several miles.
See meeting place on Google Maps
Distance and Difficulty:
Attendees must be comfortable in water without disturbing the bottom of the streambed. See above for more information.
What to Bring and Wear:
Lunch, plenty of water, meds/epi-pen for allergies, swim suit, wading shoes/strap-on sandals, a towel, lunch, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Participants should come with printed and filled Cherokee snorkel waiver: https://gafw.org/oldsite/wp-content/uploads/Cherokee-waiver-snorkel.pdf
Cancellation:
If Outing is cancelled due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will notify you via email by 6:00 pm on the evening before.
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Participation Limit: 24
NOTE: Registration is closed.
We will not have a waitlist for this event.