Image Via Pexels.com
If you live in or nearby Dahlonega, there are plenty of places where you can go canoeing or kayaking. This small city in Georgia is surrounded by a 40-mile area that boasts more than two dozen popular waterway sections where one can spend a delightful day paddling. Here are some of the best places for canoeing and kayaking in the area.
Chestatee and Etowah Rivers
The Chestatee and Etowah Rivers are probably the most popular and well-traveled canoeing and kayaking destinations in the area. Although both rivers offer a few challenging sections, they are predominantly known for their Class I and Class II rapids. As water levels and conditions are ever-changing in these waters, it’s advisable to consult with professionals before you embark on your trip.
Appalachian Outfitters River Outpost, which is located in Dahlonega, offers exciting river trips for both beginners and experienced paddlers who are looking for something a bit more adventurous. The lower Chestatee River trip, for instance, is ideal for first-time paddlers and families, as it features several gentle rapids and beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for more challenging rapids, sign up for the Upper Etowah River trip, which also includes a portage around the 10-foot drop of the Etowah Falls.
Cartecay River
Flowing through the mountains in and around Ellijay, the waters of the 19.1-mile-long Cartecay River is a very popular whitewater run in the area. As is the case with the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers, the Cartecay River offers mainly Class I and Class II rapids, with notable rapids including Blackberry Falls and Clear Creek Falls. As the river flows quite fast in certain places, it is best to have a bit of experience before kayaking or canoeing in these waters or to use a guide.
A trip down the Cartecay River offers scenic views through calm waters for a few miles until you reach a long stretch of outstanding whitewater. Two companies that offer kayaking trips on this river include Ellijay River Outfitters and Cartecay River Experience. You can rent equipment from both companies or you can opt to bring your own.
Toccoa River
The waters of the Toccoa River start in the Chattahoochee National Forest and end up in the Blue Ridge Lake. Within the National Forest, the Toccoa offers a 13.8-mile canoe trail that winds through beautiful scenery, including forested areas, laurel and rhododendron thickets, and pastoral private lands. Although the trail features a few Class I and Class II rapids, it generally offers a placid and peaceful canoeing experience.
As this section of the river is also excellent trout habitat, those who enjoy fishing may want to cast a line while canoeing through these waters. You could also make this a canoe camping trip, as a large part of the area through which the trail runs is open to camping.
Now that the sunny summer months have arrived, take some time out to get to know the beautiful scenery that the area in and around Dahlonega has to offer. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to just gently float down peaceful waters or a seasoned paddler who is looking for a more adrenaline-fueled experience, the waterway sections in the area provide the perfect paddling experience for everyone.
Connect with us
