PADDLING GUIDE

Cool off from the warming temps and take advantage of our region’s peaceful lakes, fresh mountain streams, blissful bays, and rushing rivers. From leisurely tubing to advanced whitewater kayaking, beginners and experts alike will find a sense of adventure in our guide. Make your summer memorable with one of these paddling excursions!

RIVERS AND RAPIDS IN Dawsonville, GA

From rushing rapids to family-friendly swimming holes, Dawsonville, GA is the ideal destination for water lovers. Various paddling opportunities combined with excellent dining, shopping, and lodging options are what makes Dawsonville a must-visit for those looking for unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Head to the edge of the world, literally! Running along the scenic Amicalola Creek, the Edge of the World Trail is a user fee area that takes hikers on a 2.5-mile trail or .5 mile path full of wildlife, canoe launches, and fishing spots before ending at some of the most challenging stretches of whitewater in the region. The Edge of the World rapids are class II-IV, and are perfect for our paddling aficionados. Although Amicalola means “tumbling waters” in Cherokee, the 15-miles of Amicalola Creek also contain calm stretches of water, ideal for those looking for a leisurely float. Steele Bridge is one of the popular areas for swimmers and anglers alike, and plenty of other swimming holes can be found along the creek.

For more family-friendly floating, launch your kayak or canoe from River Park on` Highway 9 South to take in the views from the Etowah River. Or, pay a small $3 fee to launch from the Kelly Bridge take-out. From here, take an 8-mile paddle through the undeveloped Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area tract featuring unique topography and access to hiking, biking and horse trails.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Dawsonville Pool Room, made famous by Gordon Pirkle, also known as Mr. Dawsonville. The dining area is filled with memorabilia from NASCAR Champions Bill and Chase Elliott, and the most popular menu item, the Bully Burger, is truly made for champions. Get a quick shopping spree in at the North Georgia Premium Outlets before settling in for the night.

Back at the Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, guests can find 57 resortstyle rooms with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. From here, you can also check out Amicalola Falls, Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall, before hitting the water once more. Plan a paddling trip and cool off from the southern heat in the idyllic waters of northern Georgia.

DestinationDawsonville.com

Short Term Rentals

are plentiful around Smith Mountain