Georgia Water Trails

Georgia’s Little River Water Trail is an intimate river with a wide array of wildlife and a rich history including gold mines, Quaker settlements and Native Americans. The trail coasts 20 miles along the McDuffie and Wilkes County lines from the Woodruff Bridge at Highway 80 to Raysville Campground on Clarks Hill Lake.

Trail Length:   20 Miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater-Class I

River Keeper info:

Outfitters:

            Raysville Campground Kayak

            https://www.raysvillecampground.com/kayak-rentals

            6489 Lincolnton Rd NE,

Thomson, GA 30824

            (706) 699-6257

Kinchafoonee Creek is a Class I stream that gathers from tributaries in Preston, GA before flowing southeast towards Albany. It stretches 58.6 miles and serves as a tributary of the larger Flint River. The name “Kinchafoonee” is derived from the Creek Native American language, and it translates to “river of the birds.” The creek boasts diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological richness of the area. The surrounding watershed supports a variety of habitats, including forested areas, wetlands, and marshes. Anglers can find various fish species in its waters, including bass, catfish, and bream. Due to the variety of the creek surrounding, kayakers should be cautious of deadfall, water levels, and locate opportunities to exit the waterway, if needed, before paddling. The trail is lined by mile markers; this allows paddlers to relay your location to first responders or people on land, if needed.

Trail Length:   58.6 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Class I

River Keeper info:

Outfitters:

            Kayak Attack Adventures

            https://kayakalbanygeorgia.com

            2998 N Slappey Blvd

Albany, GA 31707

229-669-1259

The Ochlockenee River Water Trail’s journey takes you through the heart of the Red Hills region, where you’ll find yourself enveloped by the tranquility of bottomland forests. Towering cypress trees create a striking backdrop, while black gum, oak, and willow trees provide an enchanting canopy. The sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled patterns on the water’s surface, creating a mesmerizing setting for your kayaking adventure.

The water conditions on the Ochlockonee River Water Trail can vary, adding an element of excitement to your journey. During higher water levels, the river offers a thrilling ride with reduced obstructions from submerged obstacles like deadfall, resulting in a faster-paced and more dynamic kayaking experience. However, it’s important to exercise caution as higher water levels can also increase the flow and associated risks.

Lower water levels, below 2.5 feet, reveal more exposed deadfall, especially in narrower sections of the river. While this may pose some challenges, it allows kayakers to enjoy the natural beauty of the river and its surrounding environment at a more relaxed pace.

Kayakers can generally expect a memorable journey characterized by lush greenery and a diverse array of wildlife, making each trip a unique and captivating experience. From otters and turtles to various species of birds, this river trail offers a front-row seat to the unspoiled natural beauty of southwest Georgia. It’s the perfect destination for kayakers seeking adventure and serenity in equal measure, where the changing water conditions only add to the excitement of the journey.

Trail Length:   53.7 miles

Paddling Season:        November – July         

Classification of Trail:             Class I

River Keeper info:

            Ochlockonee River Water Trail, Inc

            https://www.orwt.org 

            (229) 378-7610

The Ocmulgee River Water Trail in Georgia offers a 200-mile adventure along the picturesque Ocmulgee River. Paddlers can enjoy a mix of flatwater to Class II rapids, catering to various skill levels. The trail showcases stunning natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and diverse wildlife habitats. Historical sites, such as Native American mounds and mill ruins, provide cultural exploration. With convenient access points and support from local organizations, the water trail offers a well-maintained and immersive paddling experience.

Trail Length:   246 Miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater-Class II

River Keeper info:        

             Ocmulgee Water Trail Partnership

             https://ocmulgeewatertrail.com

             info@ocmulgeewatertrail.com

Outfitters:     

            Peach State Fly Fishing

            https://www.peachstateflyfishing.com

            912-269-1464

Three Rivers Outdoors 

www.3riversoutdoors.net

612 McNatt Falls Rd

Uvalda, GA 30473

912-594-8379

            Ocmulgee Adventures

            https://www.facebook.com/OcmulgeeAdventures/

            ocmulgeeadv@gmail.com

            Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions LLC

            https://www.ocmulgeeoutdoorexpeditions.com

            478-733-3386

The Upper Oconee Water Trail includes 98 river miles on the North Oconee and Middle Oconee Rivers in Jackson and Athens-Clarke counties which converge to create the Oconee River in Oconee county, and then, at Wallace Dam, forms Lake Oconee in Greene and Putnam counties. A portion of the UOWT flows alongside the Oconee River Greenway and the Oconee National Forest. The scenic UOWT includes beginner Class I and II shoals, beautiful rocky bluffs, historic textile mill ruins, wide sandbars perfect for a picnic, and miles of secluded forest. A plethora of wildlife reside here, such as kingfisher, river otter, osprey, blue heron, bald eagle, and soft-shell turtle…just to name a few.

Trail Length:   98 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater – Class III

River Keeper info:

            Upper Oconee Watershed Network (UOWN)

            www.UOWT.org
            info@uown.org

The Lower Oconee Water Trail begins at the base of Sinclair Dam and runs some 140 miles to the Oconee’s confluence with the Ocmulgee River to form the Altamaha River. While the four miles immediately below Sinclair Dam feature numerous shallow shoals and one significant navigational hazard created by a breached mill dam, the remainder of the trail features free-flowing flatwater as the river meanders through the coastal plain where it is characterized by cut banks, high bluffs, wide sandbars and numerous oxbow lakes and sloughs.

Trail Length:   143 Miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater-Class I+

The Okefenokee Wilderness Area offers over 400,000 acres of wetlands and swamps to explore with multiple overnight shelters available. Paddlers can float through cypress forests, wet prairies, and pine uplands with plenty of opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.

Trail Length:   120 miles

Paddling Season:        Call to check water levels      

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater/Swamp

Outfitters:

Okefenokee Adventures

https://okeswamp.org

4159 Suwannee Canal Road

Folkston, GA 31537

912-496-7156

The Oostanaula River Water Trail runs 49 miles from the confluence of the Coosawattee and Conasauga rivers in northwest Georgia. Mostly a flatwater ride, the Oostanaula features occasional shoals and gravel bars, limestone bluffs and islands, but it is best known as a hotbed of freshwater mussel and snail diversity. These invertebrates can be found among the rivers many gravel and sandbars where they work to keep the river clean. The river also features unusual rock weirs constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the 1800s to facilitate riverboat navigation between Rome, Calhoun, and Carter’s Quarters, an especially rich agriculture area along the Coosawattee River. The trail begins near Calhoun and New Echota State Historic Site and ends in historic downtown Rome where the Oostanaula joins the Etowah River to form the Coosa. Outfitters provide boat rental and shuttle service in the Rome area and local organizations like the Coosa River Basin Initiative in Rome and New Echota Rivers Alliance in Calhoun sponsor regular trips on the river. In 2017, Rome/Floyd County voters approved special purpose local option sales tax projects that included a “boat in only” campsite for this water trail. The campsite should be in place before 2023.

Trail Length:   49 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater – Class I

The Satilla River Water Trail is located in southeast Georgia. The trail is approximately 140 miles long, beginning in Jamestown, and continuing downstream to the city of Woodbine. We invite you to experience the wild beauty of the Satilla River, and the plants and animals it supports.The mission of the Satilla River Water Trail partnership is to encourage residents and visitors to celebrate the historic, scenic and environmental richness of the beautiful and unique Satilla River. Through designation of our water trail we hope to promote eco-tourism through outdoor recreation, events for paddlers and river enthusiasts, and maintaining a family friendly environment on our river.

Trail Length:   ~140 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater – Class I

Outfitters:

Southeast Adventure Outfitters
https://southeast-adventure-outfitters.myshopify.com
1200 Glynn Avenue
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-638-6732

Winges Bait and Tackle
https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100057313366001
440 Memorial Drive
Waycross, GA 31501

The Southeast Coast Saltwater Paddling Water Trail was designed by the Coastal Regional Commission and funded by the Department of Natural Resources Coastal Zone Management Program. The National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance program provided technical expertise and guidance on the project. The new SECT website is the primary source for all-inclusive information on navigating the coastal water trails of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Featuring detailed maps that highlight access sites, lodging and supply centers, paddlers can now travel an unbroken trail of tidal marshes and rivers more than 760 miles along the coasts of all four states. In addition, the Georgia Saltwater Paddling Trail Guide is designed to provide paddlers with a preliminary planning document for paddling trips on the Georgia Coast. This trail is considered open water paddling and tidal conditions are definitely in play.

Trail Length:   170 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater

Outfitters:

            Southeast Adventure Outfitters: Brunswick

            https://southeast-adventure-outfitters.myshopify.com

            1200 Glynn Avenue

            Brunswick, GA 31520

            912-638-6732

            Savannah Canoe and Kayak

            http://www.savannahcanoeandkayak.com

            414 Bonaventure Road

            Savannah, GA 31404

            912-341-9502

            Canoe Canoe Outfitters

            http://www.canoecanoe.com

            1102 US-80

            Tybee Island, GA 31328

            912-786-8732

            Tybee Jet Ski and Watersports

            https://www.tybeejetski.com

            1A Old US HWY 80

            Tybee Island, GA 31328

            912-786-8062

            4-H Tidelands Nature Center

            https://georgia4h.org/4-h-centers/4-h-tidelands-nature-center/

            100 S Riverview Dr

            Jekyll Island, GA 31527

            912-635-5032

            Up the Creek Xpeditions

            http://jacksonvillekayakcompany.com

            1417 Sadler Road #243

            Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

            912-882-0911

            Southeast Adventure Outfitters: Village Creek

https://southeast-adventure-outfitters.myshopify.com

313 Mallery St

St. Simons, GA 31522

912-638-6732

            Altamaha Coastal Tours

http://www.altamaha.com

85 Screven St

Darien, GA 31305

912-437-6010

            Sea Kayak Georgia

https://www.seakayakgeorgia.com

1102 HWY 80

Tybee Island, Georgia 31328

912-786-8732

            Barry’s Beach Service

            http://www.stsimonskayaking.com/kayaking.html

            420 Arnold Road

            Saint Simons Island, Georgia 31522

            912-638-5225

            North Island Surf and Kayak

            https://www.northislandkayak.com

            1 Old US HWY 80

            Tybee Island, Georgia 31328

            912-786-4000

The St. Mary’s is a blackwater stream that originates in the Okefenokee. It serves as the border between Florida and Georgia at the southern most tip of Georgia. Florida Greenways and Trails designates the stretch from Highway 121 bridge at McClenny to Scotts Landing in Boulogne as a state paddling trail. The St. Mary’s River Management Committee SMRMC, which is an interlocal agreement between the four counties sharing the river, Camden & Charlton in Georgia, Baker & Nassau in Florida, also works for the protection of the St. Mary’s, sponsoring an annual river cleanup, and the St. Mary’s River Celebration.

Trail Length:   60 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater

The Suwannee River receives a majority of the water exiting the Okefenokee swamp 85% as it flows southwest into Florida and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. On the Georgia side of the border, the river meanders through a relatively pristine floodplain for approximately 29 miles before crossing the state line. Nearly all of the land along the Suwannee in Georgia remains in private ownership.

The Suwannee Headwaters project as proposed is comprised of three components: land acquisition, hydrologic restoration, and recreation enhancements. All are intended to enhance the conservation and recreation values of the Refuge, Suwannee River, and Suwannee Sound in the Gulf of Mexico. Few paddlers follow the river downstream out of the Refuge due to lack of accommodations and facilities catering to overnight paddlers along this stretch of river. The expansion of recreational infrastructure would connect the Refuge and the SRWT to create an extensive trail system totaling approximately 350 miles. Stakeholders include: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, The Conservation Fund, Georgia DNR, Georgia Forestry Commission, USFWS Coastal Program, USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Suwannee River Water Management District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Florida Wildlife Federation, Clinch County, City of Fargo, Suwannee Riverkeeper, Georgia River Network and The Nature Conservancy.

Trail Length:   29 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round

Classification of Trail:             Class I-III

River Keeper info:

            WWALS Watershed Coalition

wwalswatershed@gmail.com

(850) 290-2350

Outfitters:

American Canoe Adventures

https://aca1.com

10610 Bridge St

White Springs, FL 32096

386-397-1309

Suwannee Canoe Outpost

https://www.facebook.com/p/Suwannee-Canoe-Outpost-100063694534103/

2461 95^th Drive

Live Oak, FL 32060

386-364-4991

The Toccoa River Canoe Trail located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia begins at the Deep Hole Recreation Area and flows 13.8 miles to the takeout at Sandy Bottoms. This 13.8 mile beginner-level trail along the Toccoa River is perfect for those looking to experience a few rapids and relax amid beautiful scenery. Primary uses of the trail are canoeing, paddling, kayaking, and fishing. The cool mountain stream attracts recreation enthusiasts of all interests and is perfect for trout fishing. Enjoy viewing forested public lands, pastoral private lands, laurel and rhododendron thickets, and their associated wildlife. The put-in is located at the Deep Hole Recreation Area, a U.S. Forest Service campground off of highway GA 60, south of Blue Ridge and north of Suches, GA. The canoe trail begins on the north bank of the river, flowing west and north toward Blue Ridge to its end at the Sandy Bottom Canoe Take-Out.

Trail Length:   13.8 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Class I – Class III

River Keeper info:

Outfitters:

            Rolling Thunder River Company

            20 Hughes St

            McCaysville, GA 30555

            706-492-5720

            Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters

            15 Black Ankle Creek Road

            Cherry Log, GA 30522

            706-838-0200

            Toccoa River Tubing Company

            340 Toccoa Ave

            McCaysville, GA 30555

            706-492-5280

            Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking

            56 N River Road

            Morganton, GA 30560

            706-258-2411

            Toccoa River Outfitters Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters

            26 Bypass Rd

            Morganton, GA 30560

            706-900-4004

Forming the border between Stephens County, Georgia and Oconee County, South Carolina, the Tugaloo River Corridor comprises the only remaining untamed portion of the historic Tugaloo River. The Corridor extends ten miles from Panther Creek and the Yonah Dam area south to Broken Bridges at Georgia Hwy123 and Lake Hartwell. The area’s natural beauty is unparalleled. Water for this river comes from the nearby Chattooga River, Rabun County. In the 18th century the Tugaloo River Corridor and its tributaries was home to a number of Cherokee towns and villages while being the capital of the Cherokee Nation. Following the Revolutionary War, the Tugaloo Corridor became the ‘Gateway to the West’ as tens of thousands began their trek on Georgia’s first interstate highway to the west—the Unicoi Turnpike. Today Tugaloo River Water Trail paddles are conducted each Memorial and Labor Day weekend in cooperation with the Stephens County Foundation, initial sponsor of the Tugaloo River Water Trail. Self-guided kayak tour brochures are available. The Tugaloo Corridor boasts a river island, timber sluice, the remains of Prather Bridge covered bridge, Longnose Creek Falls and grist mill, twisted rock escarpment evidencing the Brevard Fault zone, the Tugaloo Mound, the Southern Railway Viaduct, and the Stephens County Park at Broken Bridges Park.

Trail Length:   10 Miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater – Class I

The Withlacoochee River is one of the few undammed left in this country, flowing in its unruly blackwater splendor for 115 miles past cypress, river birch, oaks, and pines through Georgia and Florida with shoals and springs, including Madison Blue Spring State Park, to its confluence with the Suwannee River. The Little River is also an undammed tea-colored blackwater river which joins the Withlacoochee just outside Valdosta in Lowndes County, the largest population center in the entire Suwannee River Basin.

The Withlacoochee and Little River Water Trail has two dozen landings on two tea-colored blackwater rivers in two states, plus Reed Bingham State Park on the Little River and Langdale Park on the Withlacoochee River, with two of only six second magnitude springs in Georgia (McIntyre Spring and Arnold Springs), and in Florida first magnitude Madison Blue Spring and many other springs all the way to the Suwannee River.

Trail Length:   156.9 miles

Paddling Season:        Year-round     

Classification of Trail:             Flatwater – Class I

River Keeper info:

Outfitters:

            Banks Lake Outdoors

            https://www.facebook.com/bankslakeoutdoors/

            307 HWY 122 W

            Lakeland, GA 31635

            229-569-0147

Mood Force Support Squadron

https://moodyfss.com/equipment-rental/

4379 George St, Bldg 840

Valdosta, GA 31605

(229) 569-0147

Valdosta State University Center for Outdoor Recreational Experiences

https://www.valdosta.edu/student/rec-wellness/campus-recreation/core/rental-center.php

1300 Sustella Ave

Valdosta, GA 31698

(229) 333-5898

NWXpeditions

https://d.facebook.com/NWXExpeditions

229-289-5573

bretnetus@yahoo.com

Water Trail Information

An intimate river with a piedmont flavor, the Yellow River Water Trail stretches from suburban Atlanta to Lake Jackson covering the counties of Gwinnett, Dekalb, Rockdale and Newton with put-in and take-out points located approximately every 5-10 miles. The 53 mile river is mostly flatwater, and has a wide array of wildlife and a rich history from prior mill towns and Native American Indian settlements. The upper suburban stretches offer locals a quiet, peaceful, paddling get-a-way from hectic life.

Overnight Trip Options
No

Community Partners
Georgia River Network
City of Porterdale, Ga.
Newton County Water & Sewer Authority
City of Covington
Newton County
Jackson Lake Homeowner’s Association
Keep Covington Newton Beautiful
Newton Trails

Water Trail Section Maps ~ Produced by GA River Network and NE GA Regional Commission
Section 1: Five Forks Rd Bridge Access to Highway 78 Access
Section 2: Hwy 78 Access to Yellow River Park Access
Section 3: Yellow River Park Access to Norris Lake Drive Access
Section 7: Mt. Tabor Access to Highway 81 Bridge Access
Section 8: River Front Road Access to Hwy 212 Access