Wildwood Outfitters has been providing outings on the Chattahoochee River since 1972
Grab a paddle and let’s get going! Wildwood Outfitters offers a variety of trips for all ages and expertise. Whether you require a leisurely float down the river to soak in the scenery or an adrenaline kick while you are running the whitewater rapids in your new boat from Festive Water, Wildwood Outfitters can make it happen! Your stay in the North Georgia will be a trip to remember.
Wildwood also offer group rates and multi-day trips which are perfect for families, youth groups, reunions and celebrations of any kind.
Wildwood Outfitters providers 4 different trips for kayaking the Chattahoochee River (Note: these are the names of the trips, not their whitewater class rating):
- Section I
- Section II
- Section III (most popular)
- Section IV
Directions
Chattahoochee River Trips
Wildwood Outfitters prides itself on providing groups, families, and individuals fun adventures with memories for a lifetime. They can help you decide which trip is right for you, or select from the options below. Whether you want a leisurely trip down the river or a more exciting whitewater experience, the Chattahoochee does not disappoint!
Section I
Hwy 17 to Hwy 255 Bridge
You will be shuttled from the Wildwood outpost to the Sautee Creek put in. This is a beautiful section of the Chattahoochee River. It winds through the Sautee Valley with small shoals and mountain laurel. Half-way down the river is an old abandoned cheese dairy that spanned the river and used water power.
Wildwood Outfitters offers canoe and kayak trips on this section. The trip is 6 miles long and takes 2.5 to 3 hrs. This section can be affected by low water levels, so make sure to call Wildwood in advance.
This section is great for all levels of paddlers.
- Minimum Age: 5 years old
- Length: 5 miles
- Trip Time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
- Class: I
Section II
Hwy 255 Bridge to Hwy 115 Bridge
The Section II trip is a more challenging section than Section I. You are shuttled up the river to the Hwy 255 Bridge. This trip starts at the Duncan Bridge Outpost with several long Class 1 rapids and smooth pools. The main rapid on this section is Smith Island, which is rated as a Class II. The trip runs to the Wildwood Hwy. 115 parking lot. This section is great for canoes, kayaks and rafts, and all level of paddlers.
Rentals and shuttles for Section 2 are run twice daily, at 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM only.
- Minimum age: 5 years. old
- Length: 5 miles
- Trip Time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
- Class: I-II
Section III
Hwy 115 Bridge to Hwy 384 Takeout (Most Popular)
Wildwood Outfitters’ Section III trip starts at the Duncan Bridge Outpost. You are shuttled up to the Hwy 115 bridge. This is called the whitewater section of the Chattahoochee. Over the years, thousands of whitewater paddlers got their start on this section of the river – its a work out but lots of fun! You will also see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Even though this section is a bit more advanced than the others, it is still great for all levels of paddlers.
- Minimum Age: 5 years old
- Length: 5 miles
- Trip Time: 2 1/2 – 3 hours
- Class: I-II (III)
Section IV
Hwy 384 Bridge to Mossy Creek or Belton Bridge Park
The Section IV trip starts at the Duncan Bridge Outpost. This is the most remote section of the Chattahoochee River. It has the largest volume of water with a dozen Class I rapids so it can be paddled when other sections are too low. It is 10 miles (6 hours) to the Belton Bridge Take Out but the trip can be shortened by using the Mossy Creek access at mile 5 (3 hours). Canoes, kayaks, and rafts are available to Mossy Creek; canoes and kayaks only to Belton Bridge.
Good for all levels of paddlers.
- Minimum Age: 5 years old
- Length: 5 – 10 miles
- Trip Time: 2.5-3 hours(5 miles) 4-6 hours(10 miles)
- Class: I (II)
About the Upper Chattahoochee River
The Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail is approximately 36.2 miles long and is located upstream of Lake Lanier, beginning at the confluence of Sautee Creek and the Chattahoochee in White County and ending at Clarks Bridge Park in Hall County. There are eight access points and six sections along the corridor that may be used by boaters.
Wildwood Outfitters provides access to several GA DNR sites that are not yet fully open to public access, including camping at Buck Shoals State Park. Additional camping opportunities and facilities are available at Don Carter State Park. Paddling classifications range from Class I-III (depending on water levels) on upper and middle sections to flat water/lake paddling on lower sections.
For more information on the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail, visit the Georgia River Network website.
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Both Festive Water and Wildwood Outfitters are proud to be part of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. The mission of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper is to educate, advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, including its lakes, tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and conserve their ecological health for the people and wildlife that depend on the river system and in recognition of the important ecosystem functions provided throughout the region and planet.
Established in 1994, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. They include:
- Water monitoring
- Education
- Research
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Legal action
To learn more about Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and the work they do to protect the Chattahoochee River, visit their website at https://chattahoochee.org/. We encourage everyone who loves the kayaking on the Chattahoochee River to join them and support their work.
