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With an ocean on one side and plenty of rivers inland, there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking in Georgia. But where are the best locations? Are there any near a city? Well, the answer to the latter question is…yes!
You’ll find lots of spots for paddling not far from large cities, so you can combine your trip with some historical sightseeing as well as exploring the wilderness. There is a lot more to the Peach State than you might think.v
Where Are The Best Places To Kayak Around Georgia?
With so many good kayaking spots in Georgia, from whitewater rapids and calm rivers to intracoastal waterways and the Atlantic coast, it can be a challenge just to decide where to go.
But if you want to make the most of your kayaking trip in Georgia, then we think the best places to go are the Chattahoochee River, the waters around Savannah and the Okefenokee Swamp.
Chattahoochee River, GA
Flowing right through the Atlanta metro area, the Chattahoochee River is one of the most popular spots for kayaking in Georgia, both with locals and visitors.
There are many launch points along the way, with various outfitters and park areas, including picnic areas, covering the long stretch of river. One of the main areas is the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, where you can paddle along 48 miles of the river.
You can rent kayaks from the High Country Outfitters in Atlanta for a single person kayak and you would then have to transport it to the river yourself, but the outfitters can also provide all the equipment you’ll need, including a roof rack.
They also have a paddle shack in the Recreation Area, which is open on weekends from April to September, where you can rent kayaks by the hour, starting at $25 for the first hour.
Another good option is the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Atlanta, where you can rent sit-on-tops and inflatable kayaks, as well as take part in tours. Prices start at $34.99 for a half day kayak rental (August 2017).
If you’re looking for whitewater rapids, you can also do that in the Chattahoochee River, as it flows through the city of Columbus. The Chattahoochee Whitewater Park brings kayaking to the city and even plays host to national freestyle kayaking competitions.
Savannah, GA
Savannah is a good option if you’re looking to spend time exploring the area on the water, because there is certainly a lot of it.
From the Savannah River you can paddle towards the Atlantic coast, taking in all the scenery as you go.
The area around Tybee Island offers lots of wildlife and fantastic paddling in coastal waters and salt marshes. Sea Kayak Georgia offers guided tours, kayak instruction and rentals.
Okefenokee Swamp, GA
With almost half a million acres of swampland the Okefenokee Swamp is one of the most interesting landscapes to paddle in. Located near the Florida border, the swamp is teeming with wildlife, including alligators (see video below!), making kayaking through it even more exciting!
Video: Gator Kayaking Okefenokee Swamp Suwannee River
Okefenokee Adventures offers rentals as well as guided tours and overnight trips. Kayaks are available for rent from $30 a day for a single kayak and $35 for a tandem (August 2017). Prices are $5 less after 1pm.
The overnight trips start from $50 each for a one night and two day excursion, where you paddle through the swamp without a guide. But you need to make sure you’ve got your Okefenokee Wilderness Trail permit beforehand.
Conclusion
As you can see there are many good places to kayak in Georgia. You can experience different landscapes and various types of water all in the one state. We bet you can’t wait to plan your trip and get out there!
Don’t forget, if you have any questions, just leave a comment and we’ll do our best to get back to you.