This section of the Broad River, in the rolling north Georgia foot-hills, is arguably its most popular paddling section. The ride is very scenic. The river’s banks are lined with ash, river birch and beard cane. At different water levels this run offers various challenges. When the water is low the river is very rocky. When the water is high the river’s rapids become more extreme, but most rapids will have less difficult alternate routes if desired. Just be aware of your skill level, and if the water is high and ask an outfitter whether or not the river is runnable. Generally, the largest rapids come near the Highway 172 Bridge; stay left for an easier route. Also, there are fees at the put-in and takeout points.

This tributary of the Savannah River begins north of Springfield Georgia and offers incredibly scenic paddling adventures. Ebenezer Creek was previously nominated as a state scenic river and this section of the blackwater stream is no exception. Large cypress trees line the banks of the slow moving creek sometimes creating wooded tunnels that enhance the paddling atmosphere. The tidally influenced current is slow enough that this adventure can be taken as an out-and-back. Be aware that at high water the landscape changes drastically, but the creek’s path should still be distinguishable.

The Chattooga River sits amidst the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest and offers a great North Georgia high mountain paddling experience without the intense rapids. Although this section of the river is the most doable of any on the Chattooga River it does contain some solid Class II and one Class III rapid, which will offer a challenge to novice paddlers. The superlative scenery is a prime example of unspoiled mountain scenery. Be apprised that a free river float plan must be filled and that getting out at Earl Ford requires around a quarter mile climb to the parking area.

The Chattooga River sits amidst the scenic Chattahoochee National Forest and offers a great North South Carolina mountain paddling experience. This section of the river offers a goo challenge to novice paddlers. The superlative scenery is a prime example of unspoiled mountain scenery. Wildlife that you may see include a variety of birds, fish and some small mammals. Be sure to check the water levels before you make the trip.

With Class III and IV rapids, Amicalola Creek (Cherokee for tumbling water) offers an experienced paddler a challenging paddle, and is often called the ‘best’ creek in Georgia. The majority of the more difficult rapids occur within the first three miles of this adventure, with the lower parts becoming nearly flat and easy flowing. This adventure offers scenery that is typical of a North Georgia river landscape as the creek winds through the beautiful Dawson County.

This paddle on Lake Jocassee features several waterfalls. The trip offers a beautiful paddling experience on clear waters, in a pristine mountain environment. Lake Jocassee has crystal clear mountain water. There are around 75 miles of shoreline, almost none of it has been touched by development. Lake Jocassee is a great fishing lake too, with a variety of fish species, including trout (some of the best in South Carolina), largemouth bass, sunfish and smallmouth bass. This trip is fairly long, so making it a two or three day trip is a good idea.

Draining over 10,000 square miles the Savannah River is one of Georgia’s largest rivers, hundreds of feet wide in places. This particular paddling adventure is rather lengthy, but the swift current of the river will aid your movement downstream immensely. The channel marker numbers have been left by the Army Corps of Engineers who manage the river. This section of the river winds through exceptionally remote wilderness, so it will be rare to see anyone else along the way.

This paddling adventure takes you through the southern part of Conagree National Park. The park has a shocking amount of biodiversity. It is said to be the largest area of bottomland hardwood forest that remains in the southeastern United States. Trees that you will see include cypress, a variety of oak species, riverbirch and more. Wildlife you may see include bobcats, deer, turtles, alligators, feral pigs, feral dogs, snakes, coyotes, armadillos and turkeys. Fishing is decent on this part of the river too.

This lower part of the Altamaha River is important to the seafood industry as well as being of ecological importance as an estuary. This adventure takes advantage of some of the smaller creeks and streams that branch off of the mighty Altamaha. Stud Horse Creek is lined by thick, jungle-like vegetation and is home to large numbers of alligators, as well as various water bird species. A shortcut is available through Rifle Cut, a slave built canal, which joins with the Darien River.

Originating from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia, the Suwannee River travels over 200 miles through the State of Florida before draining into the Gulf of Mexico. The river twists and turns through undeveloped wilderness terrain and offers a wide variety of scenery along the way. This section of the river starts at CR 6 and travels downstream for almost 25 miles to the take out at Stephen Foster State Park. The current along this portion is fairly mild but there is a section of rapids known as Big Shoals that can provide some challenge. The rapids can be run or there is also a trail on the left that can be used for scouting and portaging the rapids. The safety of running the rapids is very dependent on water levels so be sure to scout before taking on the rapids. There are some alternate access points along the trip that allow for a shorter trip down the river if desired. Primitive campsites are also available along the river but these can be limited depending on water levels.