Public access to the Alapaha River is available from the south side of Howell Road, east of the Alapaha River, between the road bridge and the railroad bridge. Access is controled by the Echols County Commission.

Both sides of the road on both sides of the river are owned by Echols County parcel 022 002, owned by Langdale H Trust. However, according to Elliott Minor, AP, 29 September 1985, Sheriff Concedes Loss In Battle To Shut Beach,

Superior Court Judge Marcus Calhoun this month ended the dispute by ruling that the commissioners have ultimate authority over the beach.

According to AP, Rome GA News-Tribune, 9 October 1985, Dust settles after beach reopens,

“Mayday beach is open now until the world ends … till Gabriel blows his horn.”

Echols County in Georgia Encyclopedia.