Book excerpt: The Flint River is arguably Georgia’s most beautiful river, and in terms of the terrain through which it flows on its 344-mile journey, there is not another Georgia river that exposes the river traveler to more diverse vistas. From the bottomland swamps in its headwaters, through soaring views of Pine Mountain and rapids in the Piedmont, to breathtakingly clear springs in the Coastal Plain, the Flint is filled with surprises at virtually every bend. The Flint River User’s Guide, the fourth in a series of Georgia River Network recreational guidebooks, is a portal to adventure on this spectacular river. The book brings to life the river’s cultural and natural heritage while providing all the details needed to get out on the river and enjoy it via canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or motorized vessel. Whether in your canoe, on the river, or on your couch at home, the Flint River User’s Guide will immerse you in the story of the river, which also happens to be the story of those communities along its course—from the headwaters in the suburbs of metro Atlanta to the backwaters of Lake Seminole near the Florida state line. 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 found along Georgia’s rivers Notes on safety and boating etiquette A fishing primer Notes on organizations working to protect the river Printed on waterproof paper