Amicalola River in Georgia

Trip Overview

Below Ga Hwy 53

We put in the water about 6:30 p.m., not knowing how long it would take to paddle to Kelly Br. take out. The first 3 miles usually has a lot of good class II-III rapids, but with very little rain lately, the water is low. We spent a lot of time stuck on rocks in the more shallow areas. Once we passed the section of river with rapids our trip started to get better. We were surrounded by wildlife and awesome scenery, but dusk had set in. Thinking it would not take long to paddle this trip, we did not bring light. We spent 2 1/2 hrs paddling in the dark. We arrived at the take out at 11:30 p.m. Despite our troubles we highly recommend this trip when the water is high. *Just make sure you have enough time (5 hrs).

Directions:

Put in: Take Ga Hwy 53 west about 7 miles from Dawsonville. WMA road to the right of the bridge. Take out: Continue on Hwy 53 to Handy Corner store. Turn left and go to 1st stop sign. Turn left onto Kelly Br. Rd. Go about 4 miles to the Etowah River. Parking $2.00 a person.