Community leaders came together last week for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the West Chickamauga Creek Canoe Launch at Lee and Gordon’s Mills. The canoe launch will serve as the head of a day-long route through the Chickamauga Battlefield to Fort Oglethorpe and on to East Ridge at Camp Jordon. This recreation outlet will enhance tourism in the area for Civil War historians and outdoor enthusiasts.
West Chickamauga Creek flows from Mountain Cove to Camp Jordon, where it joins South Chickamauga Creek from Ringgold. The Blueway continues as South Chickamauga Creek from Camp Jordon through East Ridge, Brainerd and East Chattanooga, crossing Amnicola to join the Tennessee River at the River Park near Chattanooga State. Boat launches are already in place from Camp Jordon down to the Ross’s Landing and along the Tennessee River. Funding for the network of canoe launches has been provided by the local and state governments as well as the Chattanooga-based Lyndhurst Foundation.
“The establishment of the Blueway is an exciting development for Northwest Georgia and Walker County, and we expect to see a huge economic impact through this new partnership,” said Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell. “The popularity of blueways in other cities has contributed more than one million dollars to their local economy through the addition of new businesses and increased tourism, and we hope to see similar successes here.”
The canoe launch is opening in time for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga, which will be commemorated in 2013 when at least 30,000 attendees are expected to travel to Walker County for a series of anniversary events. Historic bend crossings used by soldiers during the war aren’t currently accessible by land but will be available to view by boat on the creek’s Blueway.
“West Chickamauga Creek is a significant part of the local Civil War history that draws in visitors from all over,” said Bruz Clark, president and treasurer of the Lyndhurst Foundation. “We’re thrilled to be opening the head of the Blueway in time for the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga, and hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and history that’s here.”
“I want to thank the Lyndhurst Foundation for including Walker County in the scope of its Blueways Initiative, and for supporting other conservation projects in our community to enhance our natural setting,” said Heiskell. “The canoe launch at Lee and Gordon’s Mills and the West Chickamauga Creek will be a great addition to Walker County’s economic development. We look forward to the growth it will bring.”
Local businesses are excited about the possibility of increased traffic to the area by historic Civil War tourists as well as outdoor and nature enthusiasts, and believe the opening of the Blueway will boost the local economy. New businesses moving to the area might include boat rental companies at the head of the creek.
Source: Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell