One of the most beautiful wonders in the American south is a river in Georgia… and you’ve probably stood atop its headwaters without ever knowing it. In fact, according to Southern Living Magazine, “it could be said that more people have stood atop the headwaters of the Flint River than that of any other one on earth.” How? Great question… keep scrolling to learn all about the hidden wonders of the Flint River!
Wait… have I stood atop the headwaters of the Flint River?
Have you ever flown through the Atlanta airport? Then yes! Southern Living confirms,
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was built above the headwaters of the Flint, which flows undammed for more than 200 miles.
And since millions of people from all over the world travel to and through the Atlanta Airport, that means millions have stood on top of The Flint!
Where does the Flint flow?
According to Georgia Rivers,
The Flint River, which is contained entirely within the state of Georgia, originates on the southern edge of the Atlanta metropolitan area under the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, in Clayton County, and flows southerly in a wide eastward arc to Decatur County in southwest Georgia, before flowing into Lake Seminole. Here, the river joins with the Chattahoochee River as the two flow across the Georgia-Florida border, and the name changes to the Apalachicola River, which flows on to the Gulf of Mexico. The entire basin is often referred to as the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACT) basin.
And the Flint is also one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the Southeast, including as a home to the Halloween Darter, a new species of fish, found only in the Flint, Chattahoochee and Apalachicola Rivers. Learn more about the Flint River on Georgia’s river database, Georgia Rivers, here!
Can I swim in the Flint River?
Yes! In fact, “the Flint River was declared the #1 most scenic stream out of the 53 studied in Georgia in 1976 by the Department of Natural Resources.”
You can enjoy all kinds of family-friendly activities in the Flint by checking out Sprewell Bluff Park, like:
- fishing
- swimming
- trails for hiking
- grills and tables for cookouts
- a playground area
- restrooms
And so much more! There are also tons of water sports organizations and recreation centers along the river.
We’re in awe of the gorgeous Flint River, stretching through Georgia… and starting right here at our airport! So next time you fly out of Hartsfield-Jackson, say hi to the Flint!