Sections of the Upper River that We Like

Your use of a raft, canoe, kayak, sit-upon or tube will depend upon your experience, the challenges of the particular section of the River, water level and temperature (air and water). Here are five river sections that we recommend.

• Nacoochee Valley, Sautee Creek to Hwy 255 Bridge above Lanier
  (Class I, 6 miles)
• Hwy 115 Bridge to Duncan Bridge above Lanier
  (Class I-III, 5 miles)
• Holcomb Bridge to Azalea Park in Roswell area
  (Class I, 9 miles)
• Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Landing in Atlanta area
  (Class I, 9 miles)
• Powers Landing to Paces Mill Park in Atlanta area
  (Class I-II, 3 miles)

A description of each river section is listed below. For additional details, see The Riverkeeper’s Guide to the Chattahoochee (purchase online).

Nacoochee Valley, Sautee Creek to Hwy 255 Bridge, Class I, 6 miles

This river section is nice for paddlers who have some whitewater experience, but are not quite ready for the racier rapids of the Hwy 115 paddle (see below). This run offers plenty of calm water with just enough whitewater to make things fun. Total distance is about 6 miles; boaters can expect to be on the River about 2-3 hours depending upon water level. Put-in for the paddle is at the Sautee Creek Bridge on Hwy 17. Park on the right side of the highway heading north toward Helen, and follow the well-trodden path which leads to a put-in under the bridge. Sautee Creek enters the Chattahoochee about 200 yards downstream from the bridge. Expect portages in low water. Due to private property constraints, take-out is on the left under the Hwy 255 Bridge.

Hwy 115 to Duncan Bridge, Class I-III, 5 miles
This is one of the best whitewater runs on the river, but paddling experience and river conditions must be taken into consideration. This run is best at the 1 to 3 foot water level (300-3,000 cfs). Only advanced paddlers should attempt this section, if the water level is greater than 3 feet. There are limited access and rescue points. Wildwood Outfitters uses a combined air-water temperature of 100 degrees as a minimum for their rentals.

Holcomb Bridge (Hwy.140) to Azalea Park, Roswell, GA, Class I –II, 9 miles
This is basically the run used for the UCR’s annual Back to the Chattahoochee River Race each June. Access is through the new Garrard Landing Park AT Holcomb Bridge Road. There are several Class I ledges and one Class II ledge at Island Ford just above GA Hwy 400 Bridge. This ledge is usually run on River Left. On River Right of the island, you will usually find several trout fishermen. The take-out is about ½ mile below the Roswell Road Bridge (Hwy 9) at Azalea Park. Parking is free but sometimes limited. Restrooms are available.

Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Landing (I 285), Class I, 9 miles
Flat, gentle water with a few Class I ledges, mainly at the end at Cochran Shoals just above the takeout at Powers Landing. This is a good stretch to practice your strokes. There is an access point at Johnson Ferry Bridge, in case you need to cut your trip short. Access via Morgan Falls Dam Road off of Roswell Road is north of Sandy Springs near the North Fulton Government Annex. Free parking is available below the dam. If you leave a car at the Powers Landing NPS site, you will need to purchase a parking pass.

Powers Landing (I-285) to Paces Mill Park (US 41), Class I-II, 3 miles
You will find it hard to believe that you are in the middle of Atlanta as you approach the Palisades Cliffs, one of the most beautiful sections of the entire river. The first two miles are Class II and the last mile is Class I. An emergency take-out is available at East Palisades Park on River left just south of the Cliffs. An NPS parking pass is required at both units and can be purchased onsite.

See information on water levels.

Especially after rain events, check bacteria levels (see Bacteria Alert) In general, when the River is highly turbid and muddy in color, it is a good idea to postpone water recreation until the water clears.