White Water Paddling in Atlanta, GA

Most of the Intown paddling on the Chattahoochee River is only class I, but there are a few class II and III sections. Paddlers will find the fastest moving water on the shoals from the stretch of Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill. However, the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail offers longer stretches of paddling on some Class II and II rapids. 

On the Etowah River, most of the shoals and whitewater are north of the city from miles 7-31. The first set of rapids is at Hightower Falls, where class II Doc’s Falls creates a series of shoals that lead to a playful 2-foot drop. Later you’ll encounter another class II called Ange Hole Rapids that has a sliding 6-foot drop.  

The real place to get the best whitewater in the Atlanata area is at Tallulah Gorge during the bi-annual Whitewater release. Tallulah Gorge was dammed in 1913, but it wasn’t until May of 1993 that the first kayakers tested its waters. An average of 500 cubic feet per second cascade through the gorge, creating Class IV and V rapids that are perfect for advanced paddlers.