Talking Rock Creek in Georgia

Trip Overview

Talking Rock Creek runs into Carters Lake under Highway 136.

Stay on Highway 136 to just before it crosses Carters Lake...just before it crosses the lake an old paved road runs down to the banks of talking rock creek, it will run beside 136 on the left...if you miss it (as I did) dont worry; cross over the lake and there are several places to turn around, even pulling a trailer as I was, just a short distance.

My wife and I attempted to paddle this creek on a Sunday afternoon about 4:30 pm....we couldnt get to the creek due to the number of cars parked along the old road and people fishing from the bank. I suggest an early morning launch to avoid this; also it will give you room to turn your vehicle around.

An alternate launch would be on the other side of the bridge and just carry your kayak down the bank...if the water is up....this is part of Carters Lake and the water was drawn down to where the only water was Talking Rock Creek, which was about 100 yards from the bank across a muddy flat. Much to our disappointment we left the kayaks on the trail and went searching for another less populated spot on this day, but when the water rises you can bet we will give this spot a try because once you leave the put in point and head up the creek it looked great and remote.

Dont let the fact that its a popular bank fishing spot scare you away...get there early, go during the week or right after a rainit looked like a great area for a quiet couple of hours on the water.

Paddle on!

Accommodations:

Plenty of places for fuel, food, supplies on way up on 575 or 515.

Fees:

No fees....parking obviously is on the side of the dead end road leading to Talking Rock Creek...road is about 100 yards long.

Directions:

I-75 north, I-575 north, Highway 515 toward (Ellijay), turn left (west) on Highway 136 follow signs to Carters Lake take forks to the right where 136 splits.

Launches:

Just before 136 crosses the lake, turn left on dead end paved road that runs to Talking Rock Creek...paddle up stream on Talking Rock Creek or go downstream under bridge on to Carters Lake.

Resources:

Map of Georgia or Carters Lake map...we got our directions from a review on Paddling.net