The glorious state of Georgia is a haven for anyone who desires to escape the white noise of the city and hit the winding rivers and creeks of the backwoods. Solitude, if that’s your style, fun, a workout and trips to never forget lie minutes two hours away, if you’re willing to trek down South.
7. The Chattahoochee
The classic Georgia river every true citizen knows and loves, this 430 mile long river lies from the Northeast Spring of Jacks Knob in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Gulf. Providing river rats all sorts of different styles of waters to raft from the calm and chilly waters around Atlanta and surrounding counties to the class III-V rapids in Columbus while being right on the Alabama border. Along with flowing solo, there are numerous companies willing to rent or guide you down this Goliath river.
6. Alapaha, River
For the truly dedicated outdoors man, the Alapaha River runs a solid 11.4 miles from Statenville to the end of the Upper Alapha Conservation Area in Florida. The trip normally takes 4 hours just going South so if you plan for this trip, get ready to paddle your day away.
5. Balus Creek
A little less taxing than the Alapaha, Balus Creek winds only at 4.5 miles and will only take you about 2 hours to traverse. Residing in Oakwood, this creek is a little off the grid and well worth the drive to a secluded day of kayaking or canoeing in a cul de sac-esque creek.
4. Tallapoosa River
The same length as Balus Creek at 4.5 miles, this river in Poplar Springs is a bit more snakelike in its shape, leaving room for more exploration of the river’s tangents. A nice 4 hour trip makes for a quality trip down to the true Georgia kayaking experience.
3. Borrel Creek
For a true trip to the outer edges, Borrel Creek is located in St. Mary’s and runs a contorted 5.9 miles, snaking in and out of the Georgia/Florida border. Start from the drop off point by Highway 40 and ride this bad boy down to the border and paddle east to the end of Highway 40 for a great trip through a scenic land.
2. Fort Yargo State Park
Conveniently in found in between Atlanta and Athens, this may be for the soul, not willing to feel the sting of burning gas all day but wants a pleasant area to hit the water. A huge 260-acre lake is the prime spot for kayaking for the simple pleasure of it to anyone learning the ropes of the sport.
1. Chattooga River
The best place to go for any level of paddler, the Chattooga river is one of the few major rivers left not obstructed by dams or man-made objects. A rookie riding Class I-II rapids near Earl’s Ford while the more experienced folk can float on down to Bull Sluice rapids for Class IV rapids. The river devoid of any civilization for miles and the scenery is more than any tourist or Georgia born river lover could ask for.
