Whether flowing in creeks or poured from a glass onto the ground in Ringgold, Rossville, Chickamauga or Fort Oglethorpe, most of Northwest Georgia’s water drains into the Tennessee River.
Tributaries like West Chickamauga Creek, which snakes through Walker and Catoosa counties, once powered mills and served as watery highways when roads were few or nonexistent in the Tennessee Valley.
Though no longer used for commerce or transportation, both counties’ most recent 30-year comprehensive plans recognize the creek’s historical significance and its potential.
Following the plan, local government have expressed commitment to making West Chickamauga Creek part of a watery trail network that focuses on the Tennessee River between Chickamauga and Nickajack dams. Sometimes called blueways – like greenways but for paddling rather than walking – water trails are corridors that cross city, county and state lines.
“Water has no boundaries,” said Jane Polansky, scenic rivers administrator with Tennessee State Parks.