The Great Outsmores

The Upper Chattahoochee River Keeper is guiding a paddling trip through the Suatee Valley to HWY 115 this Satuday. If anybody is interested in paddling, new to the sport, or new to the area, this is a great opportunity to check out some of the most beautiful paddling in North Georgia. From the UCR website:

Our river trip begins on Sautee Creek in the Nacoochee Valley downstream of Helen, Georgia. Sautee Creek enters the Chattahoochee after about 1/2 mile. The first river section, which consists of eight miles of Class I-II whitewater, has very little flatwater. It is very secluded and is the most beautiful section of the entire upper Chattahoochee. Changing fall leaves should make it even more beautiful. The second five-mile river section runs from Hwy 255 to Hwy 115. It is also very pretty with some flatwater, including a section named the Dead Sea and one Class II-III rapid at Smith Island. Beginners can run this rapid with instruction.

Meet at Wildwood Outfitters on the river at Hwy 384 in White County at 10:00 am. Wildwood will be closed, so we will need to provide our own shuttle, but rental boats can be arranged. Bring your own lunch, snacks, drinks and dry clothes, just in case you need them.

If you have any questions, call Gary Gaines: 770.654.5501 - Directions to Wildwood: Take Hwy 985 North from Atlanta approximately 20 miles past Gainesville to the 3rd red light. Take a left on Hwy 384(Duncan Br Rd) and travel about 5 miles to the bridge across the Chattahoochee. Turn right next to sign with kayak on top.

I’ve done the first section, and while it’s not challenging, it’s a lot of fun and a great experience.

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