altamaha river
The Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers come together just west of Uvalda, GA, to form the mighty Altamaha River. Named for a Yamasee Indian chief, Alatamaha, the Altamaha is the largest river of the GA coast and the second largest river basin in the eastern United States. The river winds for 137 miles from the forks to the Atlantic ocean and is relatively undisturbed except for a few fishing villages and vacation houses. Wide, big, and slow, the Altamaha’s flow is quite different from that of the area’s smaller rivers and streams. With the rains of spring and early summer the Altamaha can flood with its waters sometimes reaching as far as a mile or more into the hardwood swamps and bottomlands that line both sides of the Altamaha River. This is a great time to paddle to these swamps, which at other times of the year is only accessible with difficult hiking. Lewis Island Natural Area, located five up river from Darien, is a mass of canoe trails and waterways. The island contains the largest known groves of virgin tidewater cypress and tupelo gum trees in Georgia. Late summer and early winter is the best time to paddle the main channel of the river. The water is low and clear and sandbars around almost every corner makes an overnight camping trip very relaxing and enjoyable. This is also a great time for fishing. Many different species of fish swim the waters of the Altamaha. The world record largemouth bass was caught in a lake on the Ocmulgee River, a tributary of the Altamaha. So make sure to bring alone fishing gear on this trip. The Altamaha is a great river for overnight trips. For the adventurous spirit take a week and do the entire river. If that is not enough add one of it’s tributaries and do 2 weeks or more.
Oconee River
With its headwaters in north GA the Oconee travels over 170 miles before joining with the Ocmulgee to form the Altamaha River. It passes through the Oconee National Forest outside of Athens into Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville. After the last small dam south of Milledgeville the river flows unobstructed to its mouth. Sandbars and oxbow lakes become more frequent the further south the river flows. Below Dublin, rock cliffs, sometimes hidden from view, makes interesting side trips. Flint and broken pottery can be found on the numerous sandbars. At places the forest bottomland swamp surrounding the Oconee will extend for miles, which makes for a very remote setting.
You can spend a day, a night, or a week paddling this tributary of the Altamaha
Ocmulgee River
The Ocmulgee is born in the backwaters of Jackson Lake. Below the dam it flows through the Piedmont on its way to Macon. The river is rather peaceful except for a few shoals. After Macon the river slows as it makes its way through the coastal plain of Georgia. As the river winds its way toward the Altamaha; horseshoe bends, sandbars, and oxbow lakes, with a wide river corridor sometimes stretching for miles, makes for a wild and remote setting. During the week you may paddle for days and only encounter a few fishermen and occasional cabin.From Macon to the mouth of the Ocmulgee is approximately 200 miles. Here it joins with the Oconee to form the Altamaha.
This is a great river to spent a week exploring, fishing, or just relaxing.
Ohoopee River
The Ohoopee River, with soft white sandbars and clean black water, is truly one of the most beautiful rivers in south Georgia. Ancient and mysterious, the name originates with the Creek Indians. In the rivers upper reaches, a canopy of trees and vines almost always covers the water, with dazzling rays of sunlight dancing around you. Farther down, the Ohoopee opens up to reveal rare views of hardwood swamps and ecologically unique sand hill dunes. The river’s dune system, in particular, differs significantly from others in the coastal plain and supports several endangered animals and diverse, but unusually stunted vegetation. Canoeing down the Ohoopee is an unforgettably spectacular and inspiring experience. One you do not want to miss. The Ohoopee is dependent upon rainfall to be navigable by canoe. Late summer droughts sometimes make it too low to paddle. Fall, winter, and spring will usually have sufficient water for enjoyable canoeing.
The Ohoopee is a great river to do a 2 or 3 day overnight trip..
Suwannee River
The Suwannee River’s headwaters rise from the depths of Okefenokee Swamp. Flowing pass beautiful white sandbars and limestone bluffs, under a canopy of tupelo and oaks, the river travels for over 250 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
Our trips are on the upper section of the river near Fargo, usually 3 days long, paddling about 25 miles total for the trip.This is a beautiful, scenic section with only a few houses alone the way. Small and narrow at the beginning, with higher bluffs and limestone outcroppings near the lower half. We will make camp on sandbars or bluffs alone the river and enjoy the serene sounds and sights of the Suwannee..
St Marys River
The St. Mary’s River is an excellent paddling destination. Originating in the famed Okefenokee Swamp, the scenic St. Mary’s River serves as the border between southeast Georgia and northeast Florida. The river is known for its gentle curves framed by picturesque hardwood forests. Plentiful white sandbars make for inviting rest stops and overnight camping opportunities. They are found at almost every bend, contrasting with the dark, tea-colored water. Fishermen enjoy healthy populations of small- and largemouth bass, catfish and bream.
some of our favorite river trips
Oconee River Trip
Miles 120
Start – Near Milledgeville
End – US 221 Bridge Landing near Uvalda
Ocmulgee River Trip
Miles 150
Start – Near Macon
End – US 221 Bridge Landing near Uvalda
Altamaha River Trip
Miles 122
Start – US 221 Bridge Landing near Uvalda
End – Darien
Suwannee River Trip
Miles 50
Start – Griffis Fish Camp
End – Cone bridge
St Marys River Trip
Miles 50
Start – St. Marys Cove Park
End – Traders Hill Recreation Area
