The Top Kayaking Spots In North Georgia

Those who love kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) will want to know where they can go kayaking in North Georgia while staying here. With the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, there are several inviting lakes, waterways, and rivers to explore. If you don't have your gear with you, you will be able to rent it at one of the spots recommended later in this article.

There are a plethora of choices when it comes to paddling in North Georgia, as calm lakes and exciting whitewater rapids are all part of the natural abundance offered to those who kayak and paddle. Many of the best experiences are nearby in Blue Ridge and Ellijay and others are within easy driving distance.

Let’s explore the best kayaking in North Georgia.
 

Ellijay River & Cartecay River

Photo Credit: pickellijay via Instagram 

These two spectacular rivers merge to form Coosawattee — an extremely popular spot for kayaking, tubing, and SUP. Which river you choose will depend on your experience and confidence in the water:

Ellijay River

The Ellijay River is a great pick for beginners who want to enjoy relaxing watersports in the North Georgia Mountains. These calm waters are suitable for families with children, and any style of kayak can be used.

There are various access points along the flatwater river — you can put in as far up as Goose Island Lake and let the currents take you past vineyards and other scenic areas. Boaters should take out before getting to the confluence to avoid choppier waters.

Cartecay River

The Cartecay River has Class II rapids and is best for those with kayaking experience because it flows quite fast at points. This river is fine for teens and older but should be avoided by unconfident swimmers.

A popular access point is at the bridge on Lower Cartecay Road. Much of the river runs alongside residential areas so there are few spots available for bathroom breaks — bear this in mind before you put in.
 

Lake Blue Ridge Dam

Lake Blue Ridge Dam gives way to the pristine waters of the Lower Toccoa River and is a stunning 2-3 hour kayaking experience. This waterway is on a dam system and when it’s released kayakers must be able to steer well to handle the flow. Any skill levels are safe to kayak here when waters are not being released. You can check the schedule for the next day after 4 pm.
 

Carters Lake

This beautiful mountain lake in the Appalachian foothills is a tranquil place to kayak and tends to be less busy than many of the other options on this list. Keep an eye out for the deer, kingfishers, turtles, and vultures that call Carters Lake home.

The main access point is at the boat ramp at the Ridgeway recreation area. Note that the shoreline of the lake is rocky and steep and there aren’t many places where you can pull up.
 

Fort Mountain State Park

Located in Chatsworth on Highway 52 in the Cohutta Wilderness, Fort Mountain State Park is a great spot for SUP and kayaking. This location offers some beautiful lakeside scenery and picturesque meandering water trails. Visitors can relax as they paddle its scenic waterways or combine the trip with some hiking for a more active day in the mountains.
 

Chattooga River 

This spot is a little further away but is worth the drive if you’re looking for some challenging waterways. This is possibly the best-known whitewater experience in the Southeast — confident boaters can tackle class IV rapids and class V rapids including the famous Five Falls. If you prefer calmer waters, you’ll also have no problem finding waters better suited to first-time paddlers — just take care to choose the right put in for your skill levels.
 

Toccoa River

The drive to Toccoa River is around an hour from Ellijay and is a great place for families to enjoy a day of laid-back paddling. This pretty waterway is actually the headwaters of the famous Ocoee River — note that the Toccoa River is dam-controlled and water is released at various times. This can result in the water becoming faster and deeper without warning, so non-swimmers should not kayak here.
 

Recommended Kayaking Outfitters in North Georgia

Photo Credit: austinparrish20 via Instagram

If you are not bringing your own kayak or SUP and wish to take a tour of the water, there are several outfitters that do kayak and whitewater rafting trips. Some offer more than kayaking, and other trips may be arranged as well.

Ellijay River Outfitters

This reputable company is located in the heart of Ellijay and offers various packages including tubing and sit-on-top kayaks. Kayak rentals are available for all the equipment you’ll need to safely explore Ellijay River.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

The Nantahala Outdoor Center offers whitewater rafting tours as well as paddleboards and kayaks at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area — just an hour away from Ellijay. Find them at Johnson's Ferry and Powers Island.

Wildwater Limited

Wildwater Limited offers lake kayak and SUP tours as well as class III and up whitewater rafting and zipline canopy tours. If you’re looking for easygoing class I rapids and stunning waterfall vistas, check out their Nantahala River tours.

Appalachian Outfitters

The team at Appalachian Outfitters is located near Dahlonega. It offers tubing, kayaking, and canoeing in Etowah River and Chestatee River which are less than an hour away from Ellijay. These scenic routes are the perfect way to spend a relaxing weekend.
 

Go on the Kayak Trip of a Lifetime in the North Georgia Rivers

These are just a few of the places to go for exciting and inspiring kayaking in North Georgia. Breathtaking scenery, adventure, and a host of wildlife viewing opportunities are part of a kayak experience in our area.

Whether you are a beginner or able to tackle the Class-V rapids, rafting or paddling in Northern Georgia will be an adventure that you want to include in your stay. Those who love adventure will opt for the more adrenaline-enhanced rapids, but whichever you choose, find a lake, river, or waterway that you love and get out on the water.

Ellijay is located less than 80 miles from Atlanta, making it the ideal place for a weekend escape in nature. You’ll want to come home to a cozy cabin after a day on the river trails — and better yet, you’ll have no trouble finding a vacation rental with spectacular mountain views.