Kayaking In Georgia

Are you planning a trip to Georgia anytime soon?

Do you like to watercraft and spend time outdoors on the water?

Would you like to head out kayaking in some of the best spots in Georgia?

If you have any time to spare while you’re in Georgia, and happen to love boating too, we definitely think you will love the spots we are going to talk about. In this article, we will share with you 11 such spots that will be perfect for kayaking when you are there.

From the exact location to the price range to the skill levels required for each spot to what else you can do nearby and how long the trip might take, we are sharing all these details here and more. So, if you’re ready to head out and make the most of your trip there, read down till the end and find out your perfect spot.

Is Georgia known as a great destination for boating?

Georgia is one of those places that may have lesser-known and lesser-explored spots for canoeing, but these are actually quite awesome spots that locals and those who love to explore the unexplored often head out to for kayaking.

What makes this a prime area/location for this paddling activity?

• Georgia has some uninhabited barrier islands, secluded areas for camping, whitewater rapids, rivers and more.
• Most of these spots are not very far from the major cities and are easily accessible.

11 of the best places to go boating in Georgia

Option #1

ALTAMAHA RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Half day to a few hours

Exact location

• This is located near Brunswick.
• Coordinates are 31°18′57″N 81°17′5″W

Description of the site/area

• Undammed river with large watershed
• 29 access points
• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Fort McAllister, Fort Morris State Historic Site, Crooked River State Park, Cumberland Island National Seashore
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Calm water
• Many endangered species
• Beautiful natural views of woodlands, salt marshes and wetlands

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall

Option #2

AUGUSTA CANAL

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: A few hours

Exact location

• In the Augusta area
• 33°30′08″N 81°59′57″W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, First Friday Downtown art and culture, Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, Augusta Market
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Easy rental options
• Short and easy
• Good for first timers

Cons

• Not the best shuttle services

Option #3

CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate and Difficult
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ few hours

Exact location

• It forms the southern half of the Alabama and the Georgia border
• 34°49′26″N 83°47′28″W

Description of the site/area

• Home of the USA Freestyle Boat National Championships
• You can try out different skill levels from class I to class IV rapids
• The more adventurous parts are around the Columbus area
• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Hike along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Old Mill Park, Breakout Games Atlanta, Chattahoochee Nature Centre, Vickery Creek Trail, Island Ford Park, Pontoon Brewing, Newtown Park, Sprayground at Riverside Park, Don White Memorial Park
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Great for all skill levels

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall

Option #4

CHATTOOGA RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate and Difficult
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ few hours

Exact location

• Northeast Georgia near South Carolina state line
• 35.0681968°N 83.115585°W

Description of the site/area

• Popular for whitewater
• Not obstructed by dam
• Class I rapids at Earl’s Ford, Class IV rapids at Bull Sluice
• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Square Dancing at Oconee State Park, Highlands NC playhouse, Brooks Centre for musicals, Chattooga Waterfalls, Horseback Riding at Sunburst Stables
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Something for all levels
• Many outfitters available
• Historical spots on the way
• Multiple duration options

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall

Option #5

CROOKED RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: A few hours

Exact location

• Crooked River State Park
• 30.84190°N 81.48621°W

Description of the site/area

• Great flat water paddling
• Family-friendly
• Try the more popular trails such as 4 mile Cherry Point trail, 6 mile Harriet’s Bluff trail or the 8 mile Grover Island trail
• Things to see and do – St. Mary’s Aquatic Centre, McIntosh Sugarworks, St. Mary’s Submarine Museum, Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum, Crooked River State Park
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Relaxed
• Gorgeous views
• Easily accessible
• Beautiful trails through trees

Cons

• Beware of ticks

Option #6

FLINT RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ few hours/ multiple days

Exact location

• 33°40′07″N 84°26′23″W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Camp and fish around, Flint Farmers Market, Flint Children’s Museum, Longway Planetarium, Stepping Stone Falls, Applewood Estate, Buick Automative Gallery
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Beautiful views
• Perfect for beginners
• Mellow current
• Great for kids
• Spot wildlife
• Beautiful blue hole springs

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall

Option #7

OCMULGEE RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Few hours, overnight

Exact location

• Near the Lloyd Shoals Dam
• 33°19′15″N 83°50′39″W

Description of the site/area

• This option gives the best views of Macon
• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, Farmers and Crafts Market, Hay House Museum, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, The Allman Brothers Museum at The Big House
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Historical sites on the way
• Calm water
• Camping option
• Easy floating

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall 

Option #8

OCONEE RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ few hours/ multiple days

Exact location

• Originates at Hall County, Georgia
• 31°57′35″N 82°32′37″W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Walking trails, Oconee State Park, Oconee Station State Historic Site, Station Cove Falls
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Camping sites
• Perfect for beginners
• Camping options

Cons

• Not as clean as most of the other rivers or water ways

Option #9

OKEFENOKEE SWAMP

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ few hours

Exact location

• Near Waycross
• 30°37′N 82°19′W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Paddle through Monkey Lake to spot more wildlife
• Things to see and do – Okefenokee Swamp Park, Hickox Family Farm, Cyberstation, Okefenokee Adventures, Folkston Funnel Train Watching Platform
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Very peaceful
• Gorgeous scenic views along the way
• Number of outfitters
• Spot different birds and water creatures
• Lots to see and do

Cons

• Lots of bugs

Option #10

SATILLA RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ a few hours/ multiple days

Exact location

• Ben Hill County
• 30°59′1″N 81°27′29″W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – North Georgia Zoo and Farm, Shallowford Bridge River Tour, Sprewell Bluff Park
• Onsite gear rental available

Pros

• Lots of life to see
• Full family adventure
• Lots of paddling types and duration to choose from
• Multiple things to do around
• Good for beginners

Cons

• Most people seem to love it overall  

Option #11

TOCCOA RIVER

Difficulty/skill level: Easy/Beginner to Moderate
Trip cost/price: $
Trip duration: Whole day/ half day/ few hours/ multiple days

Exact location

• Near Blue Ridge
• 35.2061°N 84.6578°W

Description of the site/area

• Family-friendly
• Things to see and do – Go on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, hike through the Appalachian Trail, walk to the Swinging Bridge, horse riding along the river bank
• Onsite gear rental available 

Pros

• Great for fishing
• Small fun rapids
• Easy for kids under adult supervision

Cons

• Choose outfitters carefully

When is the best time to come to Georgia for kayaking?

The best time to come to Georgia for boating is between the months of April and October.

Is there a high and low season for this activity?

The months between April and October usually see a higher turnout of people who come over for kayaking. During the remaining months, the weather conditions are not always the best, as well as the water levels that may not be the best for boating, which is when the number of people who come for kayaking is less.

Now that we have shared so many spots with you that are already so loved by paddlecraft enthusiasts, we hope you have surely found some that are best suited to what you are looking for. Make sure to keep a little extra time in hand, so that you are not too rushed. And yes, while you are ready to enjoy your time on the water, make sure that you and your loved ones always wear the life jacket, so that you can all have loads of fun, while being safe as well.