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Living in Atlanta: Kayaking on the Chattahoochee River
Starting as a mere trickle in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia, the Chattahoochee River descends nearly 2,400 feet in its first hundred miles alone, becoming a might torrent by the time it empties into Lake Seminole, 434 miles from its headwaters. It meanders right through the Atlanta city limits along the way, offering what our real estate agents consider to be some of the best paddling water in the state.
Chattahoochee River Paddling
The Chattahoochee River is, almost without exception, a very easy river to navigate by canoe or kayak. It rolls along gently between its banks, with an average water speed of around 3 miles per hour, through fields, forests, and farmlands. Only in spring, when runoff from the mountains causes the river to swell, does paddling become more of a challenge. But throughout summer and fall, the Chattahoochee is one of the most reliably calm paddling waters in the Southeast.
The Chattahoochee provides the main water source for residents of the Atlanta metro area, and dams along its course provide much of the area's electricity as well. It's also an excellent fishing stream, home to bass, bream and catfish, and one of the southernmost spots in the entire U.S. where anglers find trout regularly. Fishing the Chattahoochee from a canoe or kayak is about as good as it gets.
Explore the Water Trail
The Chattahoochee River National Water Trail protects 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River beginning just below the Buford Dam. It's arguably the best and most accessible part of the river for kayaking, with calm waters and 12 boat ramps managed by the National Park Service. All that access makes it easy to tailor the length of your float trip to your needs, whether you have just a few hours or an entire weekend to spend on the river.
The water trail is part of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, a linear park that follows the river through the Atlanta area, offering endless possibilities for recreation. With 70 miles of hiking and cycling trails, beautiful riverside picnic areas and ample fishing and boating access along the riverbank, it's a perfect destination for outdoor exploration in Atlanta. While you cannot camp in the park, several nearby state and local parks offer camping, including Chattahoochee Bend State Park and Bluff Creek Campground, so options are available for overnight float trips.
Gearing Up for the Trip
Kayaks, canoes, float tubes and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent at Shoot the Hooch in Roswell, GA. They're just a few minutes outside of Atlanta, and also offer transportation to and from the river, including pick-up at the end of your float trip. It's a perfect place to get started if you're new to the river. Give them a call to rent equipment in advance. Nearby High Country Outfitters also provides guided river trips.
Contact us today to learn more about enjoying the great outdoors in and around Atlanta. From the mighty flow of the Chattahoochee River to the rugged slopes of the Southern Appalachians, Georgia is ripe for exploration, and our agents offer the best selection of Atlanta homes for sale.