Many people know Georgia for its beautiful forests and rolling hills, incredible food, and coastal beauty with barrier islands that rival the most pristine beaches in the world. But many people don’t know that Georgia is streaked with rivers and lakes, each one more beautiful and majestic than the last.
As a result, kayaking in Georgia is a hugely popular source of exercise, adventure, and excitement. Georgia residents love paddling out onto the beautiful lakes and rivers, whether they’re in it for fitness or simply to enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. The only problem is that finding the perfect place to kayak isn’t always easy.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best places to kayak in Georgia, from major rivers to smaller waterways that will reward you with calm, beautiful paddles through Georgia’s natural beauty. Here are the 13 best places to kayak in Georgia.
Chattahoochee River
Georgia’s longest river is the Chattahoochee, so it’s no surprise that it’s filled with great spots for kayaking. The river flows right through Atlanta, too, which means that portions of it are accessible from Georgia’s largest city. You’ll find plenty of calm and more exciting stretches of river, as well as great spots to fish, run, and hike when you’re done kayaking. You’ll also be rewarded with plenty of wildlife sightings all up and down the banks of this historic waterway. It’s certainly one of the best places to kayak in Georgia no matter who you ask.
Chattooga River
One of the largest and wildest rivers in Georgia, the Chattooga River is also one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the U.S. Found in the northeast corner of the state, the Chattooga is definitely not a kayaking destination for absolute beginners. It features lots of whitewater, rapids, and rocks to navigate, so its best for experienced kayakers who are comfortable taking on exciting challenges. The best time of year to visit is summer, when the trees are lush and green and the water level is perfect.
Okefenokee Swamp
If you want a calm, relaxed kayaking experience through an iconically southern landscape, look no further than Okefenokee Swamp. Mysterious, beautiful, and larger than any other blackwater swamp on the continent, Okefenokee is a bucket list destination for many kayakers. Take in the beautiful Spanish moss, Georgia native birds, and even the occasional alligator peeking up from the calm waters that surround you.
Altamaha River
Altamaha River is an undammed waterway that lays claim to the title of 2nd largest watershed in the Eastern U.S. This river is beloved as a spot for seeing over 125 endangered species of bird, fish, and other wildlife, and there’s no better way to see them than from the water. Perfect for high-intensity exercise or simply kayaking at sunset through the natural beauty of the watershed, it’s tough to beat Altamaha River as one of the best places to kayak in Georgia. Some people even like to turn their kayaking excursions on the mighty Altamaha into multiple-day adventures, camping along the shore each night.
Augusta Canal
The Augusta Canal is a laid-back, calm waterway that’s perfect for kayakers of all skill levels who simply want to get out and paddle. While other rivers and lakes may be more secluded, the Augusta Canal offers the chance to find an accessible kayaking adventure that allows you to take in historic sites, exciting wildlife, and more as you wind your way to the destination of Omstead Lakes. There are also kayak rental facilities nearby, making it easier than ever to enjoy one of the best places to kayak in Georgia.
Serene18 Paddle Trail
This strangely named kayaking destination is named for the 18 miles it covers, incorporating the most peaceful and beautiful areas of Clarks Hill Lake, the Savannah River, and the Augusta Canal. In that way it’s more of a trio of kayaking destinations all rolled into one, but it’s a fun event that can be completed in a day. The best part? There are four locations along the Serene18 where you can have a passport stamped by officials, which can then be redeemed for a free t-shirt at the end of your journey. It makes for a fun family weekend event amongst one of the best places to kayak in Georgia.
Flint River
The Flint River is a very popular kayaking spot in Georgia, and it’s not hard to see why. Nearly a third of the 350-mile river is completely free-flowing, but that’s not what’s made the Flint River so legendary. that‘s reserved for the blue hole springs that dot the river, their origins unknown but their beauty unmistakable.
If you want to extend your Flint River adventures, visit the Flint RiverQuarium to see firsthand some of the amazing wildlife that call the river home.
George L. Smith State Park
Located in Twin City, George L. Smith State Park features some of the most unique landscapes in all of Georgia. You’ll never forget the incredible trees growing right out of the river, their wide bases like something from an alien landscape. A paddling trip in George L. Smith State Park will also reward you with the chance to see blue heron, white ibis, and more wildlife along your journey. This is a quintessential Georgia kayaking excursion, so don’t miss it if you’re in the Twin City area.
Lake Blackshear
Found near the town of Cordele is Lake Blackshear, a 8,700-acre lake surrounded by lush greenery and replete with wildlife of all kinds. Birds, turtles, and even alligators can be seen in and around the lake, so keep your eyes peeled as you paddle around the beautiful water. If you’d like to make a trip out of it, we recommend the Lake Blackshear Resort, which is found right inside of Georgia Veterans State Park. You can supplement your kayaking with golf, eating at one of the two onsite restaurants, and more.
Ocmulgee River
Ocmulgee River is one of the best places to kayak in Georgia thanks to the incredible variety you can experience in just a couple hours of kayaking. You’ll go from pristine waters along historic sites to Class I rapids that send you rushing through forests and views of the town of Macon along the banks. For a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation, it’s tough to beat kayaking on the Ocmulgee River. If you’re looking for a kayak rental, try out Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions for good rates and convenient access to the river.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
One of the closest spots to kayak near Atlanta is Sweetwater Creek State Park. Just a few minutes from downtown ATL, you’ll follow a beautiful woodland trail to the waterside framed by the historic ruins of a Civil War era textile mill. Once you hit the water, you’ll be rewarded by the George Sparks Reservoir’s 200+ acres of beautiful water, with plenty of places to fish, paddle, and even feed the local ducks. There are plenty of spots to rent kayaks and other watercraft, too, so all you have to bring is yourself, a picnic lunch, and a sense of adventure.
Toccoa River
The Toccoa River flows into Georgia all the way from Tennessee, where it’s known as the Ocoee. World-renowned as a trout fishing destination, the Toccoa River is also an incredible spot to kayak as you take in historic landmarks, wildlife, and beautifully lush greenery on all sides. Plus, the crystal clear waters of the lake are legendary in Georgia and beyond. The Toccoa River is one of the best places to kayak in Georgia at just about any time of year, so it should definitely be on your list of destinations.
Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge boasts over 3,000 acres of gorgeous turquoise water. Formed by the construction of a dam on the Toccoa River nearly a century ago, since then it’s been enjoyed by kayakers, fishers, and hikers alike. You’ll pass under historic bridges, past old growth forests, and be surrounded by wildlife everywhere you look. For anglers, the nearby Toccoa River provides one of the best places in Georgia for catching trout. You don’t want to miss out on Lake Blue Ridge as one of the best places to kayak in Georgia.
Conclusion
Kayaking in Georgia is just one of the many wonderful activities you can enjoy in this amazing state. If you want to travel to all of the natural beauty Georgia has to offer, you’ll want to make sure that you’re properly insured at a rate you can afford. If you’re looking for more information about driving in Georgia and staying insured while you do it, our Freedom National website has the resources and tools to help you be more informed and safe on the roads. You can also check out our blog to learn more about car insurance and the sights and attractions of the beautiful state of Georgia.
Freedom National offers some of the best cheap car insurance online, thanks to our automated quote generator and our commitment to making car insurance more accessible to all. We also look for ways to insure those who may find it difficult to get cheap car insurance in Georgia. For example, we offer a path to insurance coverage for those with negative driving histories or SR-22s on their record. We want to help you get driving and see the beauty that states like Georgia have to offer. Get your quote today.
