Best Places To Kayak In North Georgia
North Georgia is where you’re heading to after a planning of ages. But now that you’re free from your hectic work routine, it’s time to enjoy your vacations to the fullest!
Without a doubt, it is undeniably a fantastic country for kayaking, as you’ll find comfortable temperatures and good waters here.
From enchanting rivers and inviting lakes to reservoirs and creeks, there’s something for everyone who longs to go kayaking.
But which specific spots should you visit there to have a pleasant kayaking experience? Of course, North Georgia is quite vast, so deciding beforehand is important, right?
And so, we’re here with a list of the best places to kayak in North Georgia you won’t regret considering. Let’s have a look!
Top 5 Destinations To Kayak In North Georgia 2024
1. Chattahoochee River
The Chattahoochee River offers you ultimate adventure and enjoyment along its hundreds of miles course, which begins in the highlands of North Georgia and ends at Georgia’s southern border. Here are the best things about Chattahoochee River you will surely love:
Highlights:
- If you are planning a family kayaking trip, locations between Powers Island and Morgan Falls Dam are perfect for visiting.
- This destination comes with a few moderate rapids (Class I–II), making it accessible to novices while offering excitement.
- Put-In Sites, Azalea Park, and Cochran Shoals around this river are the most loved places to begin your journey.
- Another highlight of this place is Johnson’s Ferry North, situated beside the river, which has an outfitter where you can rent kayaks, tubes, shuttles, and even a boat ramp.
- There are many opportunities to continue downstream to locations, including Palisades Island or Paces Mill — making it an excellent place to jump into the water and start a paddling trip.
- Overall, Chattahoochee River is a beautiful site to end a day on the water because it has excellent amenities, easy access to trails, and parking to make your trip worthwhile.
2. Broad River
Now, let’s talk about another fantastic place with something for everyone. The Broad River is undeniably a great choice for someone who wants to enjoy with a big family. But wait, there is more! This spot also has fantastic amenities; you can conveniently rent cabins, RVs, and RV sites.
Highlights:
- It is well-known for its unspoiled beauty and gentle rapids that offer serene paddling and mild adventure.
- And here comes the best part: if you are on a simple day excursion, the Broad River Outpost provides convenient rentals and shuttle services.
- It offers breathtaking vistas of forests, undulating hills, and rocky outcrops as it flows through scenic settings — making it the perfect setting for nature lovers.
- You’ll find this place ideal for outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and tubing. If you want to try something adventurous, you must put this place on your bucket list.
- It also inspires local art, music, and literature, reflecting its significance in the cultural fabric of the area.
3. Toccoa Riverb
Our next pick, the Tocca River, is popular for its clear crystal water and scenic view, as well as for different outdoor activities like camping, paddling, fishing, and many others. As if that’s not enough, the river becomes a hotspot for tubing, especially in the calmer sections.
Highlights:
- Toccoa River is known for its scenic and natural beauty. If you are a true lover of nature, you will see beauty everywhere.
- While paddling, visitors can enjoy the charming mountain view that enhances the overall paddling experience.
- Paddling in upper Toccoa is ideal for beginners, and lower Toccoa is suitable for experienced ones.
- In the summer season, you should definitely try tubing here. While tubing, you can go to any place with your friend to enjoy the water together.
- The upper section of this destination is family-friendly, with shady areas and calm water, and is suitable for beginners and children.
- Its cold water also means that this area stays cooler even in the summer — offering a refreshing experience.
4. Etowah River through Dawson Forest
Are you someone who longs for thrilling activities in a peaceful environment? If yes, Etowah Rover can be your best bet. This fascinating location grabs the visitor’s attention due to its numerous outdoor activities.
Highlights:
- It is a 25,000-acre public land area and provides a map for guidance.
- Along the river, there are campsites thats include a spot beside Bear Foot Falls, which will be a calm place to set up.
- Paddling takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the flow of the river.
- This place is also well-known for its fishing activity. Late afternoon and early morning are the best times to fish, as the fish move all around actively.
- Being tourists, you’ll be able to avail endless facilities for parking, kayaking, and much more.
- You’ll also get to enjoy the rich mixture of outdoor adventure and natural scenic, and also for its historical attractions.
5. Lake Tugalo
Lastly, Lake Tugalo is situated in Northeast Georgia and is well-known for its remote boat-in campsites. This lake needs you to paddle out to the arrival of the campsite, which offers that out-and-back journey you are looking for. Sounds good, isn’t it?
Highlights:
- The lake is covered by forest, with no accessibility road to the campsites, which makes it a very silent and isolated place for camping.
- Different campsites are arranged around the lake, containing a few on the Tallulah Gorge arm to make your journey more adventurous.
- You’ll find this region full of wildlife, with bald eagles, deer, and different bird species, providing a chance for wildlife photography.
- Also, this spot is popular for its superior fishing possibilities, with abundant catfish, bass, and trout populations.
- Nearby trails give travelers more recreational chances to discover the surrounding forest and be pleased by its charming views.
Tips For Kayaking In Georgia
Want to make your trip to Kayaking In Georgia more fun-filling and enjoyable? We’ve got you covered! Try to follow these tips and unlock a trip to everlasting memories:
- Pick Your Location Carefully: First, select a place that best meets your needs; it is recommended that you consider your preferences for accessibility or isolation. If you are seeking privacy, then Lake Tugalo is a place you should visit. What makes it even more remarkable is its secluded camping experience with no cell connection and the need to kayak to campsites.
- Observe River Conditions: Depending on the water level, the Toccoa River’s rapids, notably those close to the swinging bridge, may differ in severity. These waves can be challenging at high water, so ensure the river flows safely before you go. Moreover, a flow of approximately 350 cfs is advised for reasonable paddling when carrying camping gear.
- Pack Lightly for Camping Trips: Bring only necessities for overnight excursions, especially on rivers such as Toccoa or Etowah. This is crucial if you’re using a smaller boat or sit-on-top kayak, where storage is at a premium, so maintaining gear dry is vital.
- Be Aware of Safety and Regulations: Avoid lakes under TVA or Corps of Engineers management if you carry a firearm for safety, as these locations usually have gun control laws. However, if you want more latitude about guns, think of Georgia Power Lakes.
- Make a Shuttle Service and Secure Parking Plan: Ensure you park your car securely at night. For an out-and-back paddle, some locations provide parking and transportation for a fee, including Toccoa Valley Campground. These services can give you convenience and peace of mind.
- Be Ready for Remote Environments: Since there is no cell service in remote areas like Lake Tugalo, carry all the essentials, a first aid kit, and maybe a GPS or map for guidance. Make sure that someone knows your plans in case of an emergency.
- Subjectively Assess: Based on your experience, estimate the difficulty level and ensure you’ve thoroughly examined the river.
Best Season For Kayaking In North Georgia
In Georgia, the perfect time to go kayaking is generally between March and May. These seasons provide normal temperatures and optimal water levels thanks to the seasonal rain — offering an effortless and enjoyable kayak experience.
Snowmelt in July and August can be caused by the upper water level, creating the rivers Tskhaniskali and Rioni that are best for kayaking. However, Tergi and Enguri can be more exciting for expert kayakers.
FAQS
Q1. Can anyone try kayaking in North Georgia?
Well, beginners can usually get their sea legs on Class 1 trips, & heart-pumping Class 6 excursions are accessible for experts. No matter which level you are, kayaking in this place comes with several opportunities to enjoy cool water and fresh air.
Q2. What to avoid when kayaking?
If you’re going to kayak in North Georgia, avoid the following things:
- Don’t paddle if you’re drunk or taking drugs
- Use caution while paddling, especially in cold water
- Paddle with a group instead of going alone
- Never strap a lifejacket or a person to kayak