If you are a whitewater paddler living in North Georgia then you’re lucky enough to have several excellent spots for kayaking that are close by. Chattooga River has a variety of rapids for the intermediate and expert kayakers while Cartecay River in Ellijay offers great practice for the novice or intermediate paddler. Whether this is your first time in a kayak or you’re an expert paddler, there are plenty of opportunities in North Georgia.
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Chattooga River
Running along the border of South Carolina and Georgia, the Chattooga River offers up some excellent class III and class IV rapids. Consider putting in your kayak in Section III, at Earl’s Ford and tackling some class III rapids which includes two 90 degree turns on Dick’s Creek Ledge. After tackling Eye-of-the Needle you can choose to either bypass Bull Sluice or take on the power of this class IV rapid. Advanced paddlers may want to take on section IV of the Chattooga River where rapids range from class III all the way up to class VI.
Chattooga River
Earl’s Ford Road
Clayton, Georgia
Tallulah River
Tallulah runs through Tallulah Gorge in North Georgia. It is perhaps most famous for Oceana, a class V rapid. Tallulah is one of the most difficult places to kayak in North Georgia. Aside from tackling the rapids, you also have to make your way down more than 500 steps to get to the river. Once you’ve tackled Oceana you’ll find an excellent spot for cart wheeling.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr.
Tallulah Falls, Georgia 30573
Cartecay River
If you’re a beginner or even an intermediate paddler looking to practice your whitewater skills, consider stopping by Cartecay River close to Ellijay. Put in by the bridge at Lower Cartecay Road and take your time enjoying the flat water before building up to some excellent class II and class III rapids. There are three main rapids along Cartecay River as well as several small drops. For the best flowing waters, visit Cartecay River during winter and spring.
Cartecay River
Lower Cartecay Road
Ellijay, Georgia 30536
