Not many people realize it, but one of the state’s natural wonders begins right under the wheels of the plane during takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The headwaters of the Flint River begin as ground seepage in East Point and at the airport before being fed by creeks in Fayette County. It is one of the only rivers in the country to flow more than 200 miles unimpeded and drains more than 8,400 square miles of land with a length of about 344 miles. Its river basin is the second largest in the state behind the Chattahoochee, which the Flint meets to form Lake Seminole where they join to become the Apalachicola River. The river is among the most biodiverse of any in the country, with a number of unique species and numerous fish and freshwater mussels that are found in abundance.
In an effort to raise awareness of the Flint and the planned recreational activation of the river, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is hosting “Flint Week” from October 17-22. The public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about the future of the Flint Riverway trail, as well as volunteer opportunities for a river cleanup in Jonesboro and two different block parties – one in Hapeville and one in Jonesboro. Featuring games, food and music, attendees at the block parties will be able to talk with trail planning staff, review maps with potential trail routes and, of course, share their thoughts on the needs of the project.
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