Once a main route for commerce and transport, the Chattahoochee River is now a prime source of recreation here in the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Come spring, its cool waters are ideal for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, and Wildwood Outfitters will help you do just that.
Based in Cleveland, Georgia, Wildwood Outfitters specializes in trips along the 36.2-mile Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail, a beautiful stretch of river that is lush with vegetation and sightings of wildlife. Most trips are Class I and II in difficulty—one includes some Class III rapids—and range between five and 10 miles. All tours include shuttle ride, life jackets, paddles, and helmets.
Section I, which is good for all paddlers, puts in at Sautee Creek and winds through the beautiful Sautee Valley, passing mountain laurel and an abandoned cheese dairy.
Section II begins with smooth pools and several long Class I rapids, before entering the more challenging Class II rapids of Smith Island. Most paddlers can handle this.
Section III, the most popular tour for all skill levels, is known as the whitewater section with Class I-III rapids, offering terrific scenery along with a great workout.
Section IV is the most remote of the bunch, featuring the largest volume of water and a dozen Class I rapids.
Wildwood Outfitters
26 Megan Drive, Cleveland, GA
706-865-4451
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
March, open Saturday-Sunday
April, open Friday-Sunday
May, open Thursday-Monday
June-July, open daily
August, open Thursday- Monday
September, openSaturday- Sunday
Contact Wildwood Outfitters for trip pricing.
Rentals: rafts, $24.95/person; canoes, $29.95/person; kayaks, $29.95-$39.95/person
Cleveland is about a 15-minute drive from Lucille’s Mountaintop Inn & Spa, so you can head there after our hearty breakfast, and be back in time for a leisurely drink on the balcony. Call today to book your next trip!