6th Annual Mayor and Chairman’s Paddle Rescheduled to March 22, 2025

Due to high water conditions, the City of Valdosta and Lowndes County have rescheduled the 6th Annual Mayor and Chairman’s Paddle to Saturday, March 22, 2025. This free-collaborative event promotes clean waterways and outdoor activity and will now take place one week later at Troupville Boat Ramp. 

Paddlers will gather at Troupville Boat Ramp at 8 AM, with the paddle beginning at 10 AM. Participants can choose between two route options: 

  • A two-hour trip along the Little River frontage, recently purchased by Lowndes County for Troupville River Camp and Nature Park. The route follows the Little River to its confluence with the Withlacoochee River, ending at Paul DeLoach’s private boat ramp. 
  • A full six-hour journey past Valdosta’s cleaned-up outfall from the Withlacoochee Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), with a mid-point lunch stop, ending just past Spook Bridge, a site known for its historical legends and movie appearances. The Langdale Company has provided access, and Steve Miller will assist paddlers with a 4-wheeler to reach the paved road. 

The Troupville Boat Ramp is located at I-75 Exit 18 – go west, then turn left at Val Tech Road, Valdosta, GA 31602. Throughout the paddle, the left bank will be Lowndes County, while the right bank will be Brooks County. 

This annual event highlights the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the importance of maintaining clean and healthy waterways.  

Participants should keep in mind to bring along the usual essentials, including a personal flotation device, boat, paddles, food, drinking water, warm clothes, and a first aid kit. Additionally, to support the event’s focus on clean waterways, bringing trash pickers and trash bags is highly encouraged. 

The event is free for all participants and is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the City of Valdosta, Lowndes County and the WWALS Watershed Coalition as Suwannee Riverkeeper Georgia Power. 

Special thanks to Georgia Power for their sponsorship and support of this year’s paddle, Phil Hubbard for leading the paddle, and Phil Royce for serving as sweep. 

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