Whitewater systems in Georgia

More Recreation

Alternative Outdoors
• Orienteering
• Kayaking
• Tree climbing

Kayaking & Rafting

Atlantans have easy access to several great rivers for kayaking, rafting and canoeing. One of the best-kept secrets is the Chattahoochee River, which is touted as a great place to learn good technique. The Chattooga, Ocoee, Hiwassee and other rivers are less than two hours away for more advanced paddlers.

Clubs, outfitters & courses

CLUBS

The Atlanta Whitewater Club
http://www.atlantawhitewater.com/
Founded by a dedicated group of Atlanta kayakers and canoers to provide educational services and events that increase the enjoyment, safety and skills of paddlers at every level of the sport. They hold monthly meetings and schedule whitewater trips.
Address: P.O. Box 11714, Atlanta, GA 30355

The Georgia Canoeing Association
http://www.georgiacanoe.org/
A volunteer organization formed to promote recreational paddling, river courtesy, skill development and river safety for canoers and kayaks.
Address: P.O. Box 7023, Atlanta, GA 30357

The Atlanta Center of Excellence
Trains Olympic hopefuls in whitewater kayaking, including eight U.S. Canoe and Kayak Whitewater Slalom Team members, and also offers coaching for recreational boaters.
Phone: 770-937-5073

Paddling links listed by Georgia Canoeing Association

OUTFITTERS

Southeastern Expeditions
http://www.southeasternexpeditions.com
Provides whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking trips on the Chattooga and Ocoee Rivers for all skill levels. Clinics are also available.
Phone: 404-329,0433; 800-868-7238
Addresses: Reservations, 50 Executive Park So., Suite 5016, Atlanta, GA 30329
Ocoee Outpost, 1248 Hwy. 64 East, Ocoee, TN, 37361
Chattooga Outpost, 7350 Hwy. 76 East, Clayton, GA 30525

Wildwater Ltd.
http://www.wildwaterrafting.com/mainpage.html
Offers rafting trips on the Chattooga, Nantahala, Ocoee and Pigeon Rivers. Lodging is available.
Phone: 800-451-9972
Address: P.O. Box 309, Long Creek, SC 29658
Email: wwltd@carol.net

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
http://www.noc.com
Offers rafting, paddling instruction, mountain bike rentals, riverside dining, lodging, outfitters store, hiking, group adventure programs. Operates on the Nantahala, Chattooga, Ocoee, Pigeon, French Broad, and Nolichucky Rivers.
Phone: (888)905-7238
Headquarters:
Nantahala Campus, 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713
Chattooga Outpost, 851A Chattooga Ridge Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Ocoee Outpost, 856 Hwy 64, Ocoee, TN 37361-3403
Nolichucky Outpost, Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650
Pigeon Outpost, Hartford, TN 37753
French Broad Outpost, Hot Springs, NC 28743

RIVER SYSTEMS (Class scale: I - least difficult; V - most difficult)

Amicalola Creek - Runs from Goshen Road to Hwy. 53 in Dawson County. Class III river.

Big Cedar Creek - Runs from Route 100 back to Route 100 in Polk and Floyd counties. Class I to II.

Chattahoochee River (upper) - Runs from USFS Road 44 through Robertson White, Habersham and Hall counties. Class II to IV. Or from Robertson to Route 115 in White, Habersham and Hall counties. Class I to II. Or from Ga. 115 to Duncan Road in White, Habersham and Hall counties. Class II to III.

Chattooga River - Runs from Route 28 to Russels Bridge in Rabun County. Class II. From Earls Ford to Route 76 in Rabun County. Class I to V. From Route 76 to Tugaloo Lake in Rabun County. Class III to V.

Chestatee River - From U.S. 129 to Lake Lanier in Lumpkin. Class I to III.

Coosawatee River - Runs from Route 5 to Carter's Lake in Gilmer. Class I to II. From Route 5 to the Chattahoochee River in Douglas County. Class III to IV.

Rottenwood Creek - Runs from Route 41 to Chattahoochee River in Cobb County. Class II to III.

Sope Creek - Runs from Roswell to the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County. Class II to III.

Sweetwater Creek - Runs from I-20 to the Chattahoochee River in Douglas County. Class II to III.

Yellow River - Runs from U.S. 78 to Lake Jackson in Gwinnett County. Class II to III.