Snorkel-Palooza 2026

Snorkel-Palooza 2026 on the Blue Ridge Ranger District

The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest invites families to the first Snorkel-Palooza at the Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area. This free event, open to all ages 8 and up, is designed to introduce youth and adults to aquatic ecosystems and outdoor recreation in a fun and supportive environment.

Saturday, August 22, 2026
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area, Old Dial Rd Morganton, GA

There will be a snorkeling station set up as well as an aquatic habitat discovery station for viewing macroinvertebrates. The U.S. Forest Service will provide wetsuits, masks, snorkels, changing stations, and snorkeling instruction.

Participants who wish to snorkel should bring a bathing suit and water shoes. Shoes and wetsuit use are required for snorkeling participation. No flip flops will be allowed.

Snorkeling sessions will start every hour on the hour from 10am to 1pm (event ends at 2pm). There is a maximum of 24 snorkeling participants at one time. The sessions will be filled on first come first served basis.

The aquatic habitat discovery station will run continuously throughout the day and does not have a participation limit. If a snorkeling session is full, you can attend the aquatic habitat discovery station while waiting for the next available snorkeling session.

Participants can print and pre-sign the liability waiver and photo release form or register at the event. A parent or legal guardian must complete a snorkeling liability waiver and photo release form for each participant prior to participating in the event.

Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy:

• Snorkeling
  • Please fill out the Snorkeling Liability Waiver
  • Snorkeling Program Quick Information

• Aquatic Habitat Discovery
  • Learn about lesser known but incredibly important organisms in our aquatic environments.

This event is geared toward youth of all experience levels, including those who have never snorkeled before.

Come out and enjoy a day of snorkeling, learning and connecting with the outdoors on your national forest.

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