Metro Chattahoochee River (Atlanta, GA)
Skill Level Driving Time Directions
Put-In Take-Out Meeting Places
Recommendations Medical Facility Water Temps
River Levels Gauge Info Comments
Skill Level
Class I-II
Driving time from Atlanta
None
Directions
On the northside of I-285, one exit East of I-75, take I-285 exit Powers Ferry Road North. This will put you on an access road that runs parallel to I-285.
Also, see the Comments section for more specific information from members & another suggestion for the put-in under Buford Dam.
Put-in
I-285 exit Powers Ferry Road North. Follow the access road until you reach the National Park Service's parking lot for the Chattahooche River Recreation Area. There is a boat launch area for kayaks as you cross over the footbridge. Parking Fees are $2.00 per vehicle which you need to pay using the envelopes at the information station.
Also, see the Comments section for more specific information from members.
Take-out
I-285 or I-85 to Cumberland Parkway exit. Turn west off exit ramp and then turn left onto Hwy 41 (Cobb Parkway). Entrance to Chattahoochee River / Park is on right after the BP gas station. Parking fee here is also $2.
Meeting Places
Meet at the put-in or take-out
Lodging / Eating Recommendations
Please submit information
Medical Facility
Please submit information
Water Temperatures
The water is dam released and is cold year-round.
River Levels
Please submit information
Gauge Information
Please submit information
Comments
Good trained beginner river & easily to paddle for just a few hours.
Another option is the put in at Buford dam, there's parking and a boat ramp. The run is very easy and is good for practicing standard paddling strokes,ferrying, eddy turns etc. There are a couple of rapids, one is actually pretty nice with a small wave train on it. It actually picks up quite a bit if you're there after a dam release. The best take out we've found is (for a short run) the old Settles bridge. It is a dirt road access but a car can get in as it seems to be pretty well maintained. For a longer run, take out a McGinnis Ferry is good. The water is cold. I think the mean ! Temperature year round is 58 degrees, it'll take your breath in a hurry if you roll.
Sope Creek: A nasty urban creek, Sope Creek in East Cobb is still a fun run. Depending on level, in can vary from Class 3 to Class 5. The 45 degree sloping ledges develop classic large keeper holes at bigger water. The gauge is at the put in on the Lower Roswell road bridge. Sane levels are from 4.5 to 7 feet. It has been paddled (badly) at much higher levels. If the water smells bad, wait 30 minutes. Park at the Bell Telephone green box. Beware of bad holes and down trees and pipes at two locations. Also watch for strainers that develop under golf course bridges. Take out is on the Chattahoochee at the end of Columns Drive.