Exploring the coastal region by kayak, of course! The Brown, Purple, Blue, and Pink trails are also considered moderate. The Okefenokee Wilderness Area encompasses 400,000 acres of swamp and wetlands. All Rights Reserved Down in Newton County at the Mt. Fishing is another popular activity here. , an outfitter that provides river rafting, zipline tours, and much more. Augusta is known for its outdoor activities but they dont just offer golf. If you are interested in Tallulah Gorge kayaking, you are not alone. The paddle consists of a few shoals but is mainly flat water. In Euharlee you can take a short detour up Euharlee Creek to see a historic covered bridge. At that time, the Federal Agency Regulatory Commission was forced to look at alternative uses of the Tallulah River as part of the relicensing process for the Georgia Power Company Hydroelectric Projects. Even though theyre technically called canoe trails, kayakers are welcome here too! Kayakers experience peaceful paddles or exciting river rapids when out for a day on the water in Milledgeville! The most noted is located in Northeast Georgia and best suited for whitewater paddling, but the Chattooga River near Lyerly in Northwest Georgia is great for a leisurely paddle and family adventure. Find perfect kayaking for beginners and families in west Georgia near the Alabama border. They offer a 5.3-mile trip down the Augusta Canal to Lake Olmstead. Plan a full day for this paddle. Section 1 begins at the Five Forks Bridge access in Gwinnett, and has some Class I rapids perfect for beginners. But in 1913, the river was dammed to create Tallulah Falls Lake and hydroelectric power. South Georgia offers kayakers a chance to explore swamps and tea-colored rivers, and to observe wildlife you wouldnt see anywhere else! There are no rapids here just easy flatwater to enjoy! There are sections of flatwater, Class I, Class II, Class III and an optional Class IV rapid. They provide a family-friendly scenic float on a Class I, 6-mile section of the river, and a Class II section that offers some cascading rapids for those looking for a few more thrills. For more than 80 years, the Tallulah River was only a shadow of its former self, but in the mid-1990s, kayakers were given the opportunity to reclaim their North Georgia playground. Another fantastic kayaking company is Wildwater, an outfitter that provides river rafting, zipline tours, and much more. The Cartecay River is fine for teens and older; it has Class II rapids and is best for those with kayaking experience, as it flows quite fast at points. Cities: Cave Spring, Rome, This river flows down from the mountains of the Cohutta Wilderness but once it reaches the valley it slows and becomes a beautiful, quiet river teeming with wildlife both on and off the water. After leading whitewater rafting trips in Georgia since the 1970s. Wildwood Outfitters rents single and tandem kayaks, and includes shuttle service. This series of water trails are for you! Want to try something new? Stay Near All of the Best Kayaking and Rafting in North Georgia, After your incredible kayaking or rafting adventure, head back to Glen-Ella Springs Inn and put your feet up in of our, . Its also a great complement to swimming or fishing. Choose a quick floator a half-day adventure, and experience Macon from the waters of the Ocmulgee River with Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions. Bring your kayak and explore the beautiful canal! Serene waters, picturesque Southern scenery and abundant wildlife encounters make this secluded water trail in George L. Smith State Park a must-see. All of their rentals also include shuttle service. They also provide transportation for your rental, or you can bring your own gear and theyll provide the transportation. Paddle through the black waters and cypress trees, and enjoy the peaceful scenery of south Georgia. Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. Glen-Ella Springs Inn & Restaurant GETAWAY NASHVILLE: UNPLUG & REFRESH AT NASHVILLES NEWEST TINY HOMES{discount code}, FLORENCE MARINA STATE PARK: 6 IMPRESSIVE CAMPING INSIGHTS REVEALED, DOLPHIN CRUISE GULF SHORES: 17+ AMAZING TOURS YOULL LOVE. With 17 access points along the way, its easy to plan any length of paddle youre up for on the Chattahoochee! Main Phone: 706-754-7295 Explore a salt marsh with your family! You can enjoy the experience of Tallulah Gorge kayaking without kayaking! They also offer kayak tours, and shuttle services. Atlanta offers so much, but if youre looking to take a break from city life, and get back to nature its got that too! Motorized boats are not allowed on the lake here, so this is for kayakers looking for a peaceful and relaxing flatwater experience. No shuttle requiredpaddle out and back. This trail is perfect for beginners and experts alike. THINGS TO DO They offer single and tandem kayak rentals and shuttle service. (While in Albany, stop by the Flint RiverQuarium and check out their blue hole spring filled with over 100 mysterious creatures!). perfect for our outdoorsy thrillseeker guests. Between our premium amenities, breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Foothills, and delicious food, you might not even want to venture back out! BOOK YOUR ESCAPE NOW!- Travel With Confidence With Blue Sky Cabin Rentals. Kayakers have an amazing view of historic sites and wildlife on the hours-long paddle to Olmstead Lake. Photo Credit:austinparrish20 via Instagram. Non-kayakers may observe the release for free from the roadside overlook porch at Tallulah Point Overlook, or onlookers may enter Tallulah Gorge State Park to hike the North or South Rim Trails and observe the release from there. EXPERIENCES This 48-mile long trail is perfect for kayaking, and has both Class I and Class II sections. Their rafting tours last about 5-6 hours and are perfect for the whole family. All rights reserved. Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking offers single and tandem kayaks for 6-mile or 12-mile trips down the Toccoa River. Twelve boat ramps are maintained by the National Park Service, and there are additional ones in the cities of Duluth, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. The Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail starts in White County and ends in Hall County at Clarks Bridge Park. info@glenella.com. No matter what your skill level is, kayaking and rafting in North Georgia offer opportunities to get out and enjoy the fresh air and cool water. This 53-mile flatwater trail travels through Gwinnett, DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton counties, and provides a chance to get out of the city and enjoy the river. Website Designed by Lara J Designs, 14 Awesome Paddling Adventures in Northwest Georgia. Kate Gelsthorpe is a former TV news writer, and a born and raised Georgia girl who grew up camping with her family at state parks around central and south Georgia.After 18 years in Atlanta, her family recently moved to Athens, and in their spare time you can find them exploring their new hometown.She and her husband, Kevin, are the proud parents of an 8-year-old dinosaur expert, and a 6-year-old outdoor-loving fashionista. Complete a route and have the official passport stamped at one of five approved locations. Its all copyrighted. Section IV is the most challenging section, with Class IV rapids throughout. Take a break from the water and stretch your legs on the 3.5 mile trail around the lake, or cast your rod from any of the four fishing platforms on site. Cities: Chickamauga, Fort Oglethorpe, Ringgold, Graysville, Dubbed the ABC lakes of Northwest Georgia, Lake Allatoona, Lake Blue Ridge and Carters Lake make up the three largest bodies of water in Northwest Georgia. Featured on NOAA's "Rivers to Reefs," and "Survivorman," Three Rivers Outdoors is the perfect adventure for nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are 2.5 miles of rapids ranging from Class II to Class V! They offer single and tandem kayak rentals, and instruction. The Ellijay River also has a "lazy river" that can be right for beginners. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Outfitter: Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club. Cities: Lyerly, Summerville, The Rocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area is located near the Chattahoochee National Forest and offers 2 lakes totaling 559 acres with boat access for paddling and fishing. And if youre interested in paddling farther out to Cumberland or Sapelo islands, or the Altamaha or Satilla Rivers theyll help you out there too! A multitude of blue heron and white ibis, soaring and nesting above, lends a surreal, jungle-like feel to the paddle. A sandy swimming area, watercraft rentals and a pro shop with fishing tours provide a wide variety of watersport recreation. These water trails are mostly flatwater trails with some Class I rapids, and are great for experts and beginners alike. It does have a couple of Class II rapids, but a beginner paddler could manage. Known for abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling outdoor recreation, the North Georgia Mountains are an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers alike. The park has picnic shelters and plenty of parking. Fishermen also enjoy this river hoping to catch bass, striper, and catfish. The upper section starts at the Sinclair Dam and stretches to the Milledgeville Greenway. Cities: Woodstock, This 260-acre reservoir lake in Lafayette is truly a hidden gem. You can kayak the Ellijay and Coosawattee rivers for an adventure; guides can take you down the river, which has some whitewater areas. The addition of Amerson River Park in Macon has really brought renewed interest to kayaking in the area. Some of the nearby attractions include the Chickamauga Battlefield, Lee and Gordons Mill, the Creek Walk in Ringgold and Georgia Winery. We highly recommend trying it on one of our beautiful North Georgia lakes! EVENTS A beautiful river trip through the cypress and sycamore trees draped with Spanish moss, this south Georgia trip could be accomplished in a day. The beautiful black water is calm, with so much wildlife and plant life to observe and enjoy. Here is a list of top 14 options for enjoying the wetter side of Northwest Georgia. Enjoy a calm paddle around gorgeous Lake Sinclair, perfect for beginners. There are so many places to explore on the water from the salt marshes of the coast, to the mountain rivers of the north. They provide fully guided trips, or self-guided trips, and also offer shuttle service if you have your own gear. Cities: Dalton, These rivers offer challenge and sections are more suitable for experienced paddlers. Tucked away yet easily accessible, people of all ages and abilities enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. What can make a visit to Georgias beautiful coast even better? A little off the beaten path, these Georgia rivers and lakes offer unbeatable scenery for paddlers. Find out more at Ellijay River Outfitters or the Cartecay River Experience in Ellijay. With 58 miles to choose from, and five access points, you must know what youre getting yourself into before attempting to paddle any section of this river! The float between the two launches takes about 3-5 hours depending on water level. Photo by @mpwhidby. LAKE BLUE RIDGE CABIN RENTALS FOR YOUR NEXT ESCAPE, ELLIJAY CABIN RENTALS YOURE GOING TO LOVE, 21 Undeniable Reasons Your Family Should Visit Blissful Milledgeville, Ga, Lake Sinclair +17 More Reasons Nature-Lovers Should Visit Milledgeville, Hidden Treasures: 13 Stunning Small Towns In Georgia (& What To Do There). Cities: Dalton, Varnell, Chatsworth, Guess what?! Check with one of the outfitters listed via the link and determine your best option. It originates near Lumber City and ends at the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a wide range of different excursions so you can choose the one that best suits your skill level and preferences. Use the water trails interactive map to plan your trip and learn even more about what discoveries are waiting to be found. Fort Yargo State Park offers kayak rentals to enjoy on their lake from April-October. They serve kayakers who want to tackle the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trails. After the whitewater subsides, there are about 1.5 miles of flat water. Cities: Canton, Woodstock, Cartersville, Euharlee, Rome, This area once produced cotton ropes back in the 1800s but now is a favorite site for launching into a paddling adventure that takes you to an enchanting waterfall. Canoes and kayaks are fairly similar in design, but a canoe is heavier and completely open on the top. The name Conasauga comes from the Cherokee language meaning grass. The normal water flow through the gorge is 35-40 cubic feet per second (CFS), but during a whitewater release, the flow can increase to 700 CFS. Oconee Outfitters. They also offer individual and group classes. The river runs 24 miles through Haralson County, which is where you can find four launch points in Tallapoosa, GA. One of the most popular routes begins off GA HWY 100, and paddlers can enjoy 4.5 miles of relaxation on the river down to Broad Street. GDEcD. Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions offers single kayak and double canoe rentals for either a shorter 2-hour trip or a longer 6-hour trip. Follow us here: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube. Enjoy beautiful mountain scenery and pastoral lands in North Georgia, while kayaking small rapids, or calm lake waters in Blue Ridge! Choose a two or five-hour adventure, exploring unique river features, near one of Georgia's Seven Natural Wonders, Radium Springs. Starting at the Oconee River Greenway and taking you down to the State Boat ramp, there are no rapids here. Beyond the Augusta Canal, you could explore three more waterways in Augusta to complete the Serene 18 Paddle Trail. Cities: Lafayette, There are two branches of this creek: West Chickamauga Creek and South Chickamauga Creek. Tugaloo River Corridor comprises the only remaining untamed portion of the historic Tugaloo River. The Upper Flint River trip is a 6-mile trip from Sprewell Bluff Outdoor Recreation Area ($5 parking fee), to Albanys Flint River Outdoor Center. Plan a unique stay in Georgia. kayakringgold.com Led by the expertise of Mill Pond Kayak, paddlers tour thick stands of moss-draped cypress and tupelo near the restored Parrish Mill. Looking for something for everyone? Tabor access point, Section 7 is great for beginners. And Section 8 is a 10-mile section in Newton County that starts at the River Front Road access point, and is great for beginners who are looking for a longer route. Northwest Georgia is brimming with outdoor adventure including lakes and rivers for fun family paddle outings as well as for those who are looking for a challenge. Georgia is home to many different kayaking adventures for every type of paddler. that will have you feeling refreshed and ready to explore again the next day. (Note: Some changes have been made due to COVID-19 such as the shuttle service. Section 3 starts at Yellow River Park in Gwinnett and is mostly flatwater with some Class I, which makes it perfect for beginners. Okefenokee Adventures offers single and tandem kayak and canoe rentals, including multi-day rentals for overnight trips at the Okefenokee Swamp. The 215-acre George Sparks Reservoir is popular for fishing and provides a pretty setting for feeding ducks and picnicking. Outfitter: Mill Pond Kayak / George L Smith State Park. Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about upcoming events. The Orange Trail is a moderate trail that begins near the main east entrance at the Suwanee Canal Recreation Area and is a 10-mile trail. They offer 1.5-mile and 6-mile trips, and due to water releases from the dam causing the 1.5-mile trip to sometimes only take 20 minutes, they now offer a 3-mile trip too! All articles belong to 365 Atlanta Family LLC, and all photos belong to us as well, unless otherwise noted. Cities: Rome, HOME It passes through Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Cumming, Canton, Cartersville, Euharlee, and Rome. For more local insight about the regions best activities and attractions, be sure to, Where to Go Kayaking and Rafting in North Georgia, Tallulah Gorge kayaking dates back long ago, to a time when the Tallulah River carved its way through the Tallulah Dome rock formation and naturally created beautiful rapids and rushing waterfalls through the 2-mile gorge. Kayaking in Augusta, Georgia. Some of the Best Reasons to Explore Lake Rabun, Georgia, Enjoy the View at Black Rock Mountain State Park, Top Reasons Why Hiking in Tallulah Falls Should Be on Your Bucket List, 6 Amazingly Beautiful Waterfalls in North Georgia, How to Plan the Best Visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains of GA. For those who are particularly passionate about the water, North Georgias rivers offer a year-round playground for paddlers of all ages and feature tons of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, rafting, and more. Clarkesville, GA 30523 Built in 1845, the Augusta Canal is a Class I trail that offers kayakers a chance to observe several of the remaining 19th century historic sites along the way. When youve worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious gourmet meal in our. Outdoor Augusta Riversiderentssingle and tandem kayaks for usage at Riverside Park in Evans! Another section thats mainly flatwater with some Class I rapids, is Section 4. Section 3 is the most popular section, and features three Class II rapids that get bumped up to Class IIIs when the water level is up! Photo Credit:jennastrawberry via Instagram, 2022 | Blue Sky Cabin Rentals All rights reserved. Tubing in Georgia: A Must-Have Summer Adventure. We cant wait to hear about where the river takes you. The launch on Hwy 2 north of Dalton is behind a country store so you have opportunity to get any last-minute snacks if you like. Section II of the river is a great place for beginners, as it has sections of calm waters up to Class II. A canoe offers more room (for up to 2-3 passengers) than a kayak and looks more like a traditional boat. Pass by pastoral lands, wildflower thickets and catch a glimpse of wildlife as you take in the surrounding mountain vistas. Youll find Class II rapids near the end. Want to get up close and personal with alligators? There are seven clearly-marked flatwater trails to explore. Discover hidden treasures like waterfalls, coves, swimming beaches and parks. But in 1913, the river was dammed to create. Paddle down the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail and enjoy the first designated National Water Trail in the United States! Shoot the Hooch is a well-known outfitter located in Roswell right on the Chattahoochee! and hydroelectric power. It is easy and provides lots of opportunities for you to enjoy scenic viewsof an unspoiled environment. Kayaking at George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia. If youre ready to kayak some rapids, northwest Georgia has a great water trail for you! Evans, GA 30809 to pick up your free t-shirt! You know just about everything there is to know about kayaking and rafting, but what about canoeing in North Georgia? Tallulah Gorge kayaking requires Class-V skills on most occasions. Toll-Free: 888-455-8786 Section 2 is for you! Families of young kids or beginners will love the lower section, with plenty of sandbars for you to stop, relax, and explore. Lazy River Outfittershas single and tandem kayak rentals and shuttle service on the Dub Denman Canoe Trail! They deliver rentals to Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee and provide shuttle service to their most popular destination the Oconee River! Three Rivers Outdoors is located near Lumber City and offers kayak rentals and tours of the Altamaha River. Kayaking at George L. Smith State Park in Twin City, Georgia. Please dont repost anything elsewhere without asking me first. Southeastern Expeditions has a team of friendly, professional guides who can help you have the best day ever kayaking in Georgia. Cole Watkins Tours offers kayak tours and rentals of single or tandem kayaks! Having a good time on the water does not necessarily mean traveling to the oceans coastline. Their kayak rentals include transportation back to their outpost. Cities: Tallapoosa, This river is perfect for those looking for a few rapids and beautiful scenery along the way. There are 10 access points to the Broad River Water Trail, as it travels through 12 Georgia counties, including Athens-Clarke. With a distance of almost 160 miles, there is a lot of exploration on this water trail that travels through Valdosta, Moultrie, Tifton, and Quitman before heading south into Florida! Class-IV rapids can be part of a skilled kayaking experience here. The April and November whitewater releases draw avid kayakers from around the world. Kingfisher Paddleventureshaskayak rentals and tours and serves St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick. A kayaking trip here makes a great day trip from St. Simons Island! The Georgia section includes 170 miles of tidal marshes, rivers, and coastline to explore, and is great for all experience levels, including beginners and families with young children. The Sandy Springs location offers rentals right from the park during the spring/summer season, so you dont need to transport your kayak anywhere. This site uses cookies to enhanceyour experience. This 13.8-mile river trail begins at the Deep Hole Recreation Area and ends at the take out point at Sandy Bottoms. This water trail is great for any type of kayaker its mostly flatwater with some Class I rapids but nothing a beginner couldnt handle. If youre ready for some kayaking excitement, northeast Georgias water trails are for you! Glen-Ella 2022. As a result, the river has seen an increased daily flow of water, intermittent aesthetic releases, and whitewater releases since that time. Their Buckhead location offers year-round kayak rentals, and youre free to take your kayak anywhere you want to go. Download a trail map for more details about the sites you will encounter and enjoy. This section also includes Bull Sluice, which is a Class IV rapid. Flowing free for 200 of its 344-mile length, the Flint River is dotted with the mysterious appearance of blue hole springs. This river travels through a bottomland forest, and is filled with sandbars, beaches, and lots of wildlife watch out for alligators! The river is a flat paddle with a class 1 area of rapids coming away from the first launch at Yonah Dam. 1789 Bear Gap Road There are eight access points along the route, and overnight camping opportunities as well. They also offer zip-lining and cabins. Beginners can get their sea legs on Class I trips, and heart-pumping Class VI excursions are available for brave experts. Although this river includes calm, flatwater sections, it also includes Class I, II, III, and IV sections too. You are guaranteed to love spending time floating through Georgias hidden wilderness! No matter what your skill level is, offer opportunities to get out and enjoy the fresh air and cool water. When youve worked up an appetite, enjoy a delicious gourmet meal in our on-site restaurant that will have you feeling refreshed and ready to explore again the next day. We only write about places we love in an attempt to help you in your adventures, but we cant guarantee you will love them, too. Euharlee Creek Outfitters in Euharlee offers single and tandem kayak rentals and shuttle services, and offers several different trips that range from 4 miles to 17 miles! Sign up for our newsletters, and let Explore Georgia provide inspiration for your next trip. And if you do not own your own kayak, most of these sites also include links to outfitters who can supply what you need. With 35 access points along the coast, and overnight trip options, this is a great way to explore wildlife along the coast. Oconee Outfitters also does a lot of event paddles such as a full moon paddle, and a ladies paddle. If all of this sounds exciting, but a little too risky for your taste, dont worry! Download the trail map for details. (Note: Due to COVID-19, time slot reservations are currently required.). Nomadic Flow Outfitters have kayak rentals for those who are looking to explore the Yellow River Water Trail! Kayak Attack guides paddlers through historic downtown Albany, to fantastic fishing holes, and searching for mystical blue holes! Just south of Atlanta, middle Georgia offers peaceful paddle experiences with amazing views. Photo by @gracemyers25. Each has their own unique qualities and eventually converge not too far from the Tennessee River in nearby Chattanooga, TN. Named by Nature Conservancy as "one of 75 last great places in the world," the un-dammed Altamaha River is the second-largest watershed in the Eastern United States and supports more than 130 rare and endangered species. The Broad River Water Trail has 75 miles of trail, and the sections range from flatwater to Class II. The average distance between take outs is 13 miles. Official website of the Georgia Department of Economic Development 2022. Also called the Lower Chattooga River Canoe/Kayak Trail, a 7.5 mile paddle begins at the launch on Lyerly Dam Road in the Town of Lyerly, Georgia, and is usually a 6 hour trip to the take out point on Holland-Chattoogaville Road below Lyerly. The Etowah River Water Trail is a massive trail that spans 163 miles from Lumpkin County to Floyd County. The river is home to 90 species of fish and 25 species of freshwater mussels. Although kayaking the Savannah River is reserved for more advanced paddlers, theAugusta Canal is an experience everyone can enjoy. Choose from several trips, including the most popular from the Radium Springs landing to the Flint River Outpost, which is approximately eight miles. Known for abundant wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and thrilling outdoor recreation, the North Georgia Mountains are an ideal destination for nature lovers and explorers alike. Kayak on the Altamaha River and find out why the Nature Conservancy considers it one of the worlds 75 Last Great Places! The Altamaha Water Trail is long 138 miles long to be exact! We are not responsible for content on external web sites linked from ours, including linked resources, an external blog post, any partner site, hotel property sites, or affiliate sites. The Broad River makes for the perfect kayak trip. Tallulah Gorge kayaking dates back long ago, to a time when the Tallulah River carved its way through the Tallulah Dome rock formation and naturally created beautiful rapids and rushing waterfalls through the 2-mile gorge. Its a beautiful trail that winds through downtown Macon, offering unique views of the city. (COVID-19: The beach is currently closed.) (NOC) has become an excellent resource for having an amazing day on the water. They offer both single and tandem kayak rentals, in addition to shuttle service if you have your own kayak. Dont be surprised to see some wildlife along the way. They also offer fitness and sunset paddle tours! Perfect for families with kids, the Satilla River Water Trail is 140-miles long and has 11 public access points from Jamestown to Woodbine in southeast Georgia. This 163-mile waterway spans six counties with three of them in Northwest Georgia starting near Canton and ending in Rome. See a view of Macon you can't get anywhere else, floating through town and forest, passing historic sites, and paddling class I rapids. This gave whitewater groups and conservation groups the chance to petition the Georgia Power Company to vary the amount of water released over Tallulah Dam.