Hey Atlanta folks, if you’re craving a splash of adventure just a stone’s throw from the city, kayaking in North Georgia is calling your name!
With its winding rivers, serene lakes, and gentle rapids framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the region is a top spot for paddling. September is prime time for fun in North Georgia —cooler temps, fewer crowds, and those lingering summer flows make for smooth sails.
Whether you’re a newbie dipping your paddle or a pro chasing Class II thrills, here’s the scoop on the best kayaking spots, rentals, and tips for 2025. We’ve pulled from local outfitters and state parks for the freshest intel.
Kayaking in North Georgia: A Paddler’s Paradise
North Georgia’s waterways offer something for every skill level. Here’s a quick rundown:
Top Kayaking Spots in North Georgia
| Spot | Location | Difficulty | Highlights | Best Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toccoa River | Near Blue Ridge & McCaysville | Beginner-Friendly (Class I) | Scenic floats with mountain views, wildlife spotting, and fishing holes. Trips range from 1.5-6 miles. | Spring-Fall; check dam releases for faster currents. |
| Chattahoochee River | Helen to Gainesville area | Beginner to Intermediate (Class I-II) | Gentle bends through forests and past Helen’s alpine vibes. Great for half-day paddles. | Year-round; warmer months for tubing combos. |
| Chestatee & Etowah Rivers | Near Dahlonega & Ellijay | Beginner (Flatwater) | Relaxed 3-6 mile routes with waterfalls nearby. Family-friendly with easy access. | Summer-Fall; tubing season overlaps. |
| Chattooga River | Near Clayton (GA/SC border) | Intermediate-Advanced (Class II-III) | Wild gorges and rapids; guided tours essential for safety. | Spring for higher water; fall for foliage. |
| Tallulah Gorge State Park | Tallulah Falls | Advanced (Whitewater) | Dramatic gorge paddles with waterfalls; permit required for rapids. | Spring releases; check park schedule. |
| Lake Blue Ridge | Blue Ridge | Beginner (Calm Lake) | Island-hopping on 3,300 acres; launch from Morganton Point for loop paddles. | Year-round; sunrise for misty views. |
| Lake Nottely | Near Blairsville | Beginner (Lake) | Peaceful coves and bass fishing; rentals on-site. | Summer evenings for sunsets. |
These spots are all within 1-2 hours from Atlanta, making them perfect for a day trip. Pro tip: Fall colors peak mid-October, turning your paddle into a postcard.Rentals and OutfittersNo kayak? No problem—North Georgia’s got you covered with affordable rentals (typically $25-50 for 2-4 hours, including shuttles and gear like PFDs). Book ahead, especially for weekends. Here’s where to gear up:
- Rolling Thunder River Company (Blue Ridge): Single/double kayaks for Toccoa River trips. Add-ons like guided fishing kayaks. Open daily; call 706-632-6898.
- Ellijay River Outfitters (Ellijay): 1-3 mile self-guided floats on the Coosawattee. Funyaks (inflatable kayaks) for kids. Discounts for military/first responders.
- Appalachian Outfitters (Dahlonega): Canoe/kayak rentals for Chestatee and Etowah. Tubing hybrids available. Memorial Day-Labor Day focus, but fall bookings open.
- North Georgia Watersports (Blairsville): Lake Nottely launches with SUP options. General store for snacks and dry bags.
- NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) (Chattahoochee section): Sit-on-top kayaks for metro paddles. Experienced guides for beginners.
- Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking (Mineral Bluff): 6-mile Toccoa tours with epic views. Highly rated for safety and fun.
For whitewater pros, outfitters like Wildwater (Chattooga) offer guided trips starting at $60/person.Upcoming Events and ToursMark your calendars—2025 is stacking up with paddling fun:
- Paddle Georgia 2025 (June 7-14): Week-long camping/kayaking adventure on a North GA river (TBD, possibly Chattooga). Includes education sessions and catered meals. Registration opens Feb 7; scholarships for GA teachers.
- Tallulah Gorge Releases: Scheduled whitewater days in spring/fall—check gastateparks.org for 2025 dates.
- Local pop-ups: Fall foliage tours via Explore Georgia partners, often $40-80 with snacks.
Safety and Tips for Atlanta Paddlers
- Gear Essentials: Always wear a life jacket (provided with rentals), and pack sunscreen, water, and a dry bag for your phone.
- Weather Watch: September can bring pop-up storms—check USGS river gauges for flows. Water temps hover around 70°F now.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out trash; stick to designated launches to protect these pristine spots.
- Accessibility: Many outfitters offer adaptive gear; call ahead for details.
- Getting There: I-75 north to I-575 for Blue Ridge/Ellijay; GA-400 for Dahlonega. Traffic’s lighter mid-week.
Kayaking here isn’t just exercise—it’s therapy with a side of Southern scenery. Whether you’re floating solo or chasing rapids with the crew, North Georgia delivers.
Final Word
Kayaking rocks (literally)! Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, North Georgia has plenty to offer year-round. Whether you’re hiking to waterfalls, sipping wine, or exploring historic towns, North Georgia offers something for everyone.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com: