Explore either saltwater or freshwater in the waters of Georgia. The state offers amazing rivers, fishing landings, and much more.
Georgia has many kayaking locations, often unknown to non-locals. Each spot is beautiful, especially in summer when kayaking is best. Thanks to Georgia’s mild climate, fall and winter kayaking trips are also enjoyable.
Discover water trails and paddle routes through forests of Spanish moss-draped cypress and tupelo trees, rustic fishing spots, and swimming holes on scenic rivers, salt marshes, lakes, and barrier island beaches across the state, from wildwater to flatwater and everything in between.
This article highlights several kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding locations in Georgia, showcasing what each offers visiting paddlers!
1. St Simons Island
St Simons Island offers a unique kayaking experience with its blend of saltwater marshes, tidal creeks, and coastal waterways. Paddlers can explore serene estuaries rich with abundant wildlife, including herons, dolphins, and a variety of fish species.
The island’s calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers seeking scenic views of Spanish moss-draped oaks and historic landmarks. Whether you choose a guided tour or venture out on your own, kayaking on St Simons Island provides a peaceful escape into Georgia’s coastal beauty and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Plan a kayaking weekend to remember by booking comfortable accommodation with Lighthouse Vacations.
2. Altamaha River
The undammed Altamaha River near Brunswick is about an hour from Savannah, or you may drive down the coast from Hilton Head. There are 138 miles along the Altamaha Canoe Trail from Lumber City to the Atlantic Ocean, with about 29 access points along the way to put in.
Brunswick is where many of the lighthouses of old Georgia are located, and this beautiful river snakes toward the ocean. The Altamaha River is the second-largest watershed in the Eastern United States, offering habitat and refuge to more than 130 rare and endangered species. It’s no wonder this location is known as “Georgia’s Amazon”.
The location is known for having tranquil waters, and you are quite far away from any real civilization in this place. You may find that this is a lovely place to rest for a couple of days of kayaking because the river does not require so much energy.
Ensure that you have tried this river when you want to kayak on your vacation on the Georgia coast. You are already on your way to Florida, and it may be a stop on your way to the Florida beaches or back up to Hilton Head and the South Carolina Low Country.
3. The Chattahoochee
The Chattahoochee River stretches across much of Georgia, winding through both bustling cities and serene forests. Kayakers can start their journey near Columbus, about two hours from Atlanta, where the river flows right through the city, offering numerous natural spots along its banks. Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top paddling destinations, the Chattahoochee caters to all skill levels.
Within Columbus, paddlers can enjoy calm, gentle waters perfect for a leisurely float through the heart of the city. For those seeking more adventure, the river offers challenging class III to class V rapids just downstream, marking the gateway to Alabama. These rapids are among the largest east of the Colorado River and form the longest urban whitewater course in the world, featuring more than eight thrilling rapids.
Columbus, tucked away in a lesser-known corner of the Southern United States, provides an ideal base for overnight stays, allowing paddlers to explore multiple sections of the river. Beyond the city, the river flows into Alabama’s thicker forests, with inviting riverbanks perfect for camping and charming riverside villages to discover.
4. Crooked River State Park
Photo Credit: damian entwistle via Flickr CC2.0
The Crooked River State Park off Cumberland Island is fun because you sit just off the shore of the barrier islands, and you can see the island when the river deposits you in the ocean. This is an excellent place for flatwater paddling because it is so quiet, and you may come out into the inner shore waters of the Atlantic where Cumberland Island sits.
This is another part of your trip along the coast that will allow you to stop every so often between South Carolina and Florida, and you may come here when you want to take Instagrammable pictures of the forests that hang over the water.
Crooked River State Park allows you to feel as though you are kayaking all the way to the ocean as if you were an explorer, and you may come here to relax and float out onto the ocean every day after a short trip down the river. Recommended paddling trails in Crooked River State Park include the four-mile Cherry Point Trail, the six-mile Harriet’s Bluff Trail, and the eight-mile Grover Island Trail.
5. Fort Yargo State Park
Fort Yargo State Park is located between Athens and Atlanta, where you are dropped in the middle of the badlands of Georgia. Winder is a fairly small town, and Fort Yargo sits in the middle of a large forest. The 260-acre lake that passes through the park allows you to kayak comfortably, and you may camp on the banks at any time.
Fort Yargo State Park has all the amenities that you need, as well as a boat ramp where you may slip into the water. This is a simple place to visit, and you may stay in one of their cabins overnight. Enjoy kayaking for more than one day, and you may find that this is the place you want to go when you need to get away. An ideal spot for beginners and families with kids.
6. Toccoa River
The Toccoa River near Blue Ridge is a place where you may get sucked into the nature and tranquility of it all. Blue Ridge is an escape in and of itself, and the town provides you with all the amenities that you need. You must drive about an hour and a half outside of Atlanta, but you land in a place with nothing but trees and beauty.
There is a lovely railroad that starts in Blue Ridge, and you may choose to come down to the river early in the morning to enjoy the fog and the birds singing. The rapids are subtle in many parts of the Toccoa, but there are falls where the waters get much heavier. There are some wonderful rapids in this location that will blow you away, and you must be experienced to ride the most difficult parts of the river. For a long paddling journey, consider taking the Toccoa River Canoe Trail from the Deep Hole Recreation Area and then about 13.8 miles along to Sandy Bottom.
The Toccoa is a premier trout fishing destination in North Georgia, beginning at Lake Blue Ridge and traveling into Tennessee past the Blue Ridge Dam. The Toccoa is a Class I/Class II river ideal for pitching a tent at a waterfront campsite in the remote Blue Ridge Mountain wilderness. You are completely surrounded by the forests on both sides, and you will love this place because you have a nice city to go back to when the ride is over.
You may choose to camp on the banks, or you can opt for a Lake Blue Ridge cabin rental to maximize your recreation access.
7. Chattooga River
The Chattooga River is a premier destination for kayakers of all skill levels, offering a captivating blend of adventure and natural beauty. This major river, flowing freely without dams or man-made obstructions, is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the Southeastern United States. Positioned in North Georgia and passing through the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Chattooga River also marks the natural boundary between Georgia and South Carolina.
Known for its exceptional whitewater kayaking and rafting opportunities, the river features thrilling rapids such as Seven Foot Falls and Five Falls that challenge even experienced paddlers. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Earl’s Ford provides gentle Class I and II water trails, perfect for beginners or leisure paddles. Meanwhile, advanced kayakers can test their skills on the demanding Class IV rapids at Bull Sluice.
Whether you’re after a peaceful paddle on a sunny summer weekend or an adrenaline-filled ride, the Chattooga River promises a diverse and unforgettable kayaking experience set amidst stunning wilderness scenery.
8. Ocmulgee River
The Ocmulgee River offers a peaceful and scenic kayaking experience through the heart of Georgia’s diverse landscapes. Paddlers can enjoy a mix of calm waters and gentle currents as they navigate this historic river, which flows through rich bottomlands and forested areas.
Along the way, kayakers may spot abundant wildlife, including various bird species and fish, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers. The river also passes by several historic sites, adding a cultural dimension to the journey. Suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, the Ocmulgee River provides an accessible and rewarding kayaking adventure that invites visitors to explore Georgia’s natural beauty and heritage.
9. Okefenokee Swamp
One of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders, Okefenokee Swamp is North America’s largest blackwater swamp, covering over 400,000 acres in total across southern Georgia into Florida. It’s a nature lover’s dream, where visitors enjoy discovering the diverse array of wildlife and fauna, including trees veiled in Spanish moss, wading birds taking flight, and even alligators.
Begin your journeys on Monkey Lake to encounter the best sights. The Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Trail System offers options for one- to five-day trips through the cypress swamps of Southern Georgia.
10. Flint River
The Flint River, located near Albany in southwestern Georgia, is about a 90-minute drive from Macon and roughly three and a half hours from Atlanta. It’s also easily accessible from Alabama and not far from Florida’s panhandle.
Although one of Georgia’s smaller rivers, the Flint River offers a gentle and enjoyable paddling experience with soft rapids that carry you along without much challenge. Flowing freely for 200 of its 344 miles, the river features scattered blue hole springs and abundant wildlife, making it a scenic and peaceful destination for kayakers.
The Albany area provides plenty of attractions to enjoy during your visit, and the river itself offers excellent spots for camping if you wish to extend your trip beyond a day. Paddlers can float down the river into the southernmost parts of Georgia, combining a relaxing kayak journey with opportunities for hiking and exploring the surrounding nature.
11. Etowah River
The Etowah River in Georgia offers a fun kayaking experience for paddlers of all skill levels. Flowing through the scenic North Georgia Mountains, this river features a mix of calm stretches and gentle rapids, making it perfect for both beginners and more adventurous kayakers.
Along the way, paddlers can enjoy abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including deer, herons, and various fish species. The river also passes by several historic sites, adding cultural interest to the journey. Multiple access points and launch areas make it easy to plan trips of varying lengths, whether you want a leisurely day paddle or a longer excursion.
With its beautiful natural surroundings and welcoming waters, the Etowah River is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in kayaking.
Hit the Water in Georgia
The wonderful locations that you choose for kayaking are spread out around the state, from the coast to the panhandle of Florida and the extreme north near Chattanooga.
You may ride the Chattahoochee down from Atlanta to Columbus, or you may come to the forests of Northeast Georgia, where the rivers are busy and beautiful. Kayaking in Georgia is a recreational option for any family, and you must give it a try today.
For more of the best kayaking in the USA, check out our guides for Mississippi, Vermont, and Nevada.
