Revised: Paddle the Historic Upper Etowah - Dawson Forest only

Still meet at 0800 and we will set the shuttle and Paddle Dawson Forest for the day.

The Big Savannah and Dawson Forest are two of the greatest historic runs on the Upper Etowah near Dawsonville, the birthplace of NASCAR.

From the put-in at the bridge at Highway 136 to the beautifully done Dawson County facility at the highway 9 midpoint, the Big Savannah is a scenic and intimate route through the Piedmont of North Georgia.  After a break at the facility which has a small pavilion and Porta Potty for eats and rest, we will continue on through the historic Dawson Forest area of the Etowah for another 9 miles to the take-out at another nice parking spot at Kelly Bridge Road. The Dawson Forest area became (in)famous as the facility built and occupied to build the first Atomic Powered aircraft in the world around WWII. 

We can make another scenic stop at the Bear Foot Falls about 3 miles from the final take-out.

This day is meant to be full, 17.5 miles is not a float, it is a paddle. The satisfaction of maybe your longest paddle in a day ever and good look at the area is the reward for fun, consistent movement.

We will meet at the Outside World near Dawsonville at 0800 to gather and set shuttle to the put-in and take-out.  The address is: 471 Quill Drive, Dawsonville, GA

There is a nominal fee of 3 dollars per car at the Kelly Bridge site to park.

Again, 17.5 miles is not a float. Please bring sufficient hydration and calories to sustain your way through a beautiful riverscape and varied terrain. There are no large rapids, so this trip is suitable for all skill levels, however you must be able to manage your vessel in varied moving water environments. This is a bring your own boat, canoe or kayak. NO inflatables please unless designed to be a kayak and you can paddle it the distance.

The pace will be moderate but consistent for the day. Please do not sign up with the idea of just floating or of being back in Atlanta for a second commitment of the day. The trip leaders know where we need to be and we ask your fun trust in that!

If you have questions, please email the trip leaders. No helmets or skirts are necessary, just please be aware that a very short boat will make for a VERY long day.

Join us won't you?

 There will be no official carpool for the event, everyone will meet at the Outside World in Dawsonville at 8:00 a.m.

Address is: 471 Quill Drive, Dawsonville, GA

The put-in is a bridge by the road and requires a short carry to the edge. The take-out is river right just before Kelly Bridge and has a nice ramp.

This trip is for experienced paddlers with a sense of adventure. Bring your own boat and equipment. PFD's are required, skirts are not necessary.

The Trip Leaders may contact sign-ups for additional information, OR you may contact them by email for questions.

Meet at the Outside World Outfitters at 8:00 a.m. to group up and then head up to the put in to drop boats and set a shuttle.  Directions to the put in and takeout will be provided.

After the shuttle is set, we commence the paddle and enjoy the day.  Paddle time should be around 5 to 7 hours, but flexibility is important.  After the paddle, we can get a bite to eat on the way back if drivers wish.

This is a "BYOB event"-so, rent, beg or borrow, but please BRING YOUR OWN BOAT! 

EVENT PLAN:
This will be a "rain-or-shine" float, and we intend not to cancel it unless the weather is really terrible. The determination will be made by 0600 on event day but very unlikely. 

LAUNCH & TAKE-OUT: We plan to launch by about 9:30 AM and take out at about 4:30 PM or so at Kelly Bridge.
OPTIONAL Eating near Dawsonville.

Personal Preparedness and Responsibility:
Be a competent swimmer
Wear a life jacket.
Be practiced in self rescue, individual paddlers are ultimately responsible for their own safety, and must assume sole responsibility for there decisions

Find your way to: 471 Quill Drive, Dawsonville, GA

Maps and directions to the river will be provided.

Parking is free at the put-in and take-out has a fee of 3 dollars per car. Cash, small bills. Be prepared.