Upper Chattahoochee River Adventure – August 16

Head to the hills for this classic North Georgia whitewater run on the legendary Chattahoochee River!

The 10-mile run begins in the Sautee-Nacoochee Valley and winds over gentle flowing water and occasion shoals before spilling over the Class II Smith Island Rapid. Identified as one of the popular paddling destinations that might be at risk of being closed to the public should the Georgia General Assembly adopt a narrow view of where Georgians have a right to float, this section of the Chattahoochee has been paddled regularly since the late 1960s. In fact, conflicts between property owners at Smith Island and boaters initiated some of the earliest litigation over boating passage in Georgia in the late 1980s.

Participants should have some whitewater paddling experience. Boating helmets will be required; Georgia Rivers will provide helmets for those who don’t have their own! Registration fees include guide services and maps and shuttle services. Rental boats can be reserved during registration. 

Skill Level Required: This is a flatwater paddle with Class I shoals and one Class II shoal. Experience paddling whitewater is recommended. 

TRIP LEADER

Paddle Georgia Coordinator Joe Cook has been leading Georgia Rivers’ trips since 2005. He’s traveled thousands of miles on Georgia rivers and has authored seven River User’s Guides since 2012.

Upper Chattahoochee River Adventure Paddle Route: