Paddle the Historic Etowah - To Rome on the Etowah and Coosa

Come join us for another Bring Your Own Boat (BYOBoat) journey through Rome on the last stretch of the Etowah and the first stretch of the Coosa that are both new to the AOC!  This 13 mile constant flowing section is moderate and flows through the heart of Rome, Georgia, where the Etowah then meets the Oostanaula to form the Coosa River.  Wide and deep the Coosa river continues through the city along Heritage Park and our paddle will end at Lock and Dam Prk. The combined river sections feature fish weirs, a shipwreck, Class I rapids, and an optional Class II rapid at Lock & Dam Park. 

This journey is surrounded by development and a city AND also by history.  On this 13 mile paddle, we'll pass the sites of the Rome Floathouses (home to the infamous Peggy's) and the Battle of Hightower, the wreck of the paddle steamboat Dixie (visible in low water levels), the precursor to Allatoona Dam, and Blacks Bluff Reserve among other points of interest. There's even a connection between this area and Popeye the Sailor Man.

Starting at the Dixon Landing in Grizzard Park we'll paddle the last stretch of the Etowah and the initial waters of the Coosa until we reach Lock & Dam Park.  Here you will have the option of using the upstream takeout at the wooden steps to avoid running the Class II rapid over the dam.  Alternatively you can scout with us and elect to run the rapids and use the boat ramp at the downstream end of the park. IF YOU THINK YOU WILL RUN THE RAPIDS YOU MUST BRING AND WEAR A HELMET. No helmet, no rapids.

The water all along moves at a moderate rate and due to the rapids some paddling skills are necessary for this trip.  Your trip leaders may advise you not to take the Class II rapids based upon your experience level OR a lack of a helmet. PFD's MUST be worn into the rapids.

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.

We'll stop in Euharlee for a bite at Johnny Mitchell's Smokehouse on the way back toward Cartersville and home. Optional of course but we'd love for you to come!

In the morning we'll meet at the boat ramp all the way (and we do mean all the way) down at the end of Grizzard Park.  The address is

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

We will leave our gear at the put-in along with a person or two to watch them, and set the shuttle to Lock & Dam Park.  Please note that there is a $2 Parking Fee at the Lock & Dam Park.  Most of the cars will be left at the take-out 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 6 to 7 hours and we will enjoy the sights and good water of the rivers! 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 at N Tennessee Street

Take a Slight Right to merge onto GA 20/GA 3/US 41/US 411 toward Kingston/Rome

Take the Ramp onto GA 20 West/US 411 South

Cross the Etowah River

Turn Right at State Loop 1

Cross the Etowah River

Turn Right at Turner Chapel Road

Turn Right into Grizzard Park

Drive all the way (and we do mean all the way) to the end of the park for the boat ramp.

1170 Turner Chapel Road

We'll drop our gear, head to Lock & Dam Park, then shuttle back as a group.  Remember to bring $2 cash for the Parking Fee at Lock & Dam Park.  Maps and directions to the take-out will be provided at Grizzard Park. 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.