Paddle the Historic Etowah - Ravenel Cave, Springs, & Fish Weirs

Come join us as we bring you another Bring Your Own Boat (BYOBoat) journey on the next stretch of the Etowah that is new to the AOC!  This 16 mile constant flowing section is moderate and features caves, springs, cliffs, and shoals and is the longest bridgeless section of the river. 

There is a little residential development along the way and this remote and intimate journey will take us across a dozen fish weirs built by the Cherokee Indians and over the largest shoal on the river below Allatoona Dam. A spring and Ravenel Cave are about a mile and half in and we'll try to find them and stop for a look.

This 16 mile paddle starts at the US 411/GA 20 bridge and heads north, initially, and winds its way west past historic railroads, the Atlanta Steeplechase, Reynold's Bend Rock Island, and ends in Grizzard Park at Dixon Landing.  Our launch point is a steep undeveloped slope at the southeast corner of the US 411/GA 20 bridge (a nice fancy boat ramp is planned...eventually...) and we'll take out at Dixon Landing, a nice fancy paved Department of Natural Resources boat ramp and park near Rome.

The water here is beautiful, remote, and moves at a moderate rate so some paddling skills are necessary for this trip.

The trip will be rain or shine.  Bring your own boat, paddle, and PFD along with lunch, a yummy snack or three, and plenty to drink as we'll take a break or two along the way.

After the paddle, those wishing to do so can join your trip leaders for dinner at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse in nearby Euharlee, home of the infamous (at least in AOC circles) Coca-Cola Cake...yes it's a $5+ dessert, but you get a huge slab of it to refuel after the paddle.

We'll meet at the Walmart Supercenter on GA 20 just to the WEST (correction!) of Interstate 75's Exit 290.  It will be on your left as you head WEST (correction!) on GA 20 and the address is

Be at the lot by 9:00 am or call or text the trip leaders with your whereabouts!  If you send a text, please tell us who you are!

From here we may opt to consolidate vahicles.  Either way, we'll leave our gear at the put-in along with a person or two to watch them, and set the shuttle to Grizzard Park.  Most of the cars will be left at the take-out at the park, and we'll ride back to the put-in in one or two vehicles to start the paddle.  Approximate time to be on the river is 10:00 am.

The paddle will last about 7 to 8 hours and we will enjoy the sights and good water of the river! If you have to be back before dark, this may not be the trip for you. PLEASE plan to spend the whole day with us! Dinner is optional but highly recommended!

Notes on Personal Preparedness and Responsibility:

Take Interstate 75 North to Exit 290

Turn Left and Head West on GA 20

Turn Left Again to Enter the Walmart Supercenter.

We'll caravan to the put-in, drop our gear, then shuttle as a group.  Maps and directions to the put-in and take-out will be provided at the meeting place. After the paddle a map and directions to Johnny's Mitchell's in Euharleee will be available.

Let's have a fun day on the river!

This is a rain or shine event, although tornadoes and lightning at the launch point might force your trip leaders to delay the proceedings.