Broad River Water Trail

Water Trail Information

The Broad River Water Trail runs from the confluence of the Hudson River and Middle Fork Broad River to Bobby Brown State Park. It includes 10 access points (2 public and 8 on private property with public access to boat launches), plus 8 highway bridge crossings. Counties within the Watershed include: Athens-Clarke, Jackson, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Elbert, Oglethorpe, and Wilkes and Lincoln. The water trail will ultimately be 70 miles long beginning on the Hudson or 75 miles on the Middle Fork, continuing downstream along the Broad River, and finishing in Clark’s Hill Reservoir.

The Broad is one of Georgia’s last free-flowing rivers and is known for its historical importance and relatively unspoiled nature, with numerous shoals and mild rapids meandering through farmlands and bounded by bluffs of up to 200 feet (60 m) in height. The National Park Service recognized 99 miles of the Broad River as pristine enough to qualify for consideration in the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Learn even more about points of interest along the river, see the latest data from water gauges and access a handy guide to wildlife in the area on the Georgia River Guide app. 

Outfitters
Broad River Outpost – (Rent boats locally with transportation or for off-site use with a deposit)
Slow Water
The Sandbar –  (Only rent for Sandbar trips)

Overnight Trip Options
Yes

Nearest Population Center
Toccoa (Stephens County), Eastanolle (Stephens Co.), Martin (Stephens, Franklin Co.), Lavonia (Franklin Co.), Carnesville (Franklin Co.), Bowersville (Hart Co.), Canon (Franklin, Hart Co.), Franklin Springs (Franklin Co.), Royston (Franklin, Hart Co.), Bowman (Elbert Co.), Danielsville (Madison Co.), Comer (Madison Co.), Elberton (Elbert Co.), Lexington (Oglethorpe Co.), Tignall (Wilkes Co.), Washington (Wilkes Co.), Lincolnton (Lincoln Co.), and Athens (Clarke Co.)