Best Waterways in Georgia

Trying to find the best waterways in Georgia? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Georgia, Franklin County

02 :45 hrs
6.6 mi
20.351593 ft
II

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.

2

Georgia, Effingham County

02 :47 hrs
6.6 mi
1.0080025 ft
I

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.

3

South Carolina, Oconee County

02 :34 hrs
6.2 mi
24.653412 ft
III

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.

4

Georgia, Rabun County

08 :06 hrs
19.9 mi
125.97238 ft
III

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.

5

Alabama, Cherokee County

04 :22 hrs
10.9 mi
3.4095917 ft
SK II

This is a great day trip located on Weiss Lake. Begin at the AL 36 bridge crossing over the Chatooga River. Put in underneath the bridge and begin your paddle to the Driftwood Campground. Start off by paddling along the Chatooga River before reaching Weiss Lake. Passing multiple beaches along the way, you have the option of stopping to rest and have a nice lunch break before continuing on. Stop off at Hog Island, one of the largest islands on the lake. and enjoy the view before finishing your day trip at Driftwood Campground. Camping is available along the lake, which can turn this into a multi-day trip if desired.

6

Georgia, Dawson County

03 :46 hrs
9.4 mi
69.15195 ft
IV

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.

7

Georgia, Decatur County

02 :45 hrs
6.1 mi
2.999918 ft
I

Lake Seminole is a huge reservoir settled in between the borders of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.Tthis is a popular place for water sports, so be aware of other boaters. Watch for wildlife such as turtles and birds. This is a good place for fishing, camping, and hiking as well. If you paddle south of the boat ramp you will see the dam that formed this massive lake.

8

South Carolina, Oconee County

16 :05 hrs
18.9 mi
14.473999 ft
I

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.

9

Florida, Madison County

07 :06 hrs
15.8 mi
7.158622 ft
I

Starting just north of the Florida/Georgia border, this paddling trip follows the first half of a designated canoe trail on the Withlacoochee River through Twin Rivers State Forest. The scenery along the trail includes dense forests, sandbars, and clear springs. The river is wide for much of the run with a decent current but there are some sections that are more narrow with a few small rapids. The difficulty of the run does vary depending on water levels as rocky shoals can be an issue during low water levels. The take-out for this run is at Madison Blue Spring State Park which is the site of a beautiful spring that is great for swimming but can be crowded.

10

Georgia, Burke County

05 :59 hrs
14.1 mi
5.3984547 ft
I

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.

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