A Day on the Toccoa River Canoe Trail
A day spent canoeing along the Toccoa River Canoe Trail in the Blue Ridge area is an adventure like no other! The fresh mountain air combined with the spectacular views of uninterrupted forest and wildlife is unrivaled.
If you really want to do something special, you can rent a canoe from one of the many outdoor adventure stores in the area and spend your day paddling downriver, taking in everything this unique setting has to offer.
Throughout your journey, bird songs can be heard in harmony with the gentle splash of water against your boat as you contemplate the beauty of the oak trees and azalea flowers. In short, this is the perfect excursion to pair with a mountain cabin getaway.
Whether you're an avid outdoors enthusiast or just looking for a new way to get away from it all, a day spent on the Toccoa River Canoe Trail promises to be both exhilarating and peaceful all at once. Jump in your canoe and let us take you down river!
About the Toccoa River
Photo Credit: M Vilaret
The Toccoa is a 93-mile stretch of river that winds through Tennessee and North Georgia. The portion of the river that flows near Blue Ridge is a fantastic spot for canoeing, kayaking, trout fishing, and birdwatching. There is also a stretch of whitewater that provides an exciting route for experienced paddlers, as well as several flat-water sections with beautiful scenery.
The Toccoa River starts deep in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and flows north, past Blue Ridge and Ellijay, before ending at the Hiwassee River in Tennessee.
Once the Toccoa crosses the border into Tennessee, the name changes to the Ocoee River. The Ocoee is world-renowned for advanced whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking and was even the location for the whitewater slalom events during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The whitewater section you will paddle on the Toccoa is far calmer and safer, but an equally unforgettable experience!
Toccoa River Canoe Trail
Photo Credit: Katey Gee
Along the Toccoa River, you can find the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. This is a nearly 14-mile section through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, offering gorgeous views of mountains, farmlands, rhododendron thickets, and diverse wildlife. People of all ages will enjoy this route, which is great for novice paddlers.
Access Points
The put-in for the Toccoa River Canoe Trail has an access point at the Deep Hole Recreation Area, about half an hour south of Blue Ridge. From here, you will navigate calm flatwater sections before the Class I and Class II rapids.
You’ll reach the take-out point at Sandy Bottom Canoe Take Out and Recreation Area in Morganton. This is an easy spot to pull out your canoe to an awaiting pickup vehicle.
Unless your group has two cars, you will need a shuttle to get between the take-out and put-in. It is possible to book shuttle services with local outfitters, and you will typically leave your car at the take-out and then use the shuttle service to get up to the put-in.
What to Expect
- Experience Level: Good for beginners
- Rapids: Class I and II
- Parking Fee: $5
- Guide Needed: No, but suggested for beginners.
The Toccoa River Canoe Trail is a great route for all paddlers, experts, and beginners alike. There are enough midsize rapids to keep experienced play-boaters entertained while also being manageable for new paddlers.
After parking, it is time to launch from the river's north bank. The trail takes you northwest towards Blue Ridge and winds through some of North Georgia’s most beautiful national forests and private farms, providing views of beautiful native flora, such as rhododendron and laurel.
Wildlife is commonly spotted in and around the river, so keep your eye out for deer, turtles, and numerous species of birds, including bald eagles.
The Swinging Bridge
Photo Credit: Sally Masters
One of the highlights of this trail is the Toccoa River Swinging Bridge - a 270-foot-long suspension bridge that is the longest of its kind east of the Mississippi River. It is located over the Toccoa River and is also accessible by the Benton MacKaye Trail and the Duncan Ridge National Recreation Trail in Fannin County.
Canoe and Kayak Rental
Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters
- Website: jonrontro.com
- Phone number: 706-838-0200
- Address: 15 Black Ankle Creek Road, Cherry Log, GA
Jon Ron Toccoa River Outfitters offers sit-on-top and sit-in kayak rentals, as well as traditional canoes. They will help you decide on a put-in location depending on your desired trip length and can also help with a shuttle service.
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking
- Website: blueridgemountainkayaking.com
- Phone number: 706-258-2411
- Address: 56 North River Road, Mineral Bluff, GA
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking offers two options for paddling trips (half-day and full-day adventures) and kayaking lessons. You can also book a shuttle service with them if you have brought your own equipment.
Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters
- Website: lakeblueridgeoutfitters.com
- Phone number: 706-900-4004
- Address: 26 Bypass Road, Morganton, GA
Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters offers boat and equipment rentals for unguided trips on the Toccoa and guided paddling and fishing trips. You can rent all necessary equipment here, including coolers, goggles, towels, tubes, and anything else you may need to have a great day on the river.
Toccoa Valley Campground
- Website: toccoavalleycampground.com
- Phone number: 706-838-4317
- Address: 11481 Aska Road, Blue Ridge, GA
The Toccoa Valley Campground offers guided kayaking, tubing, and rafting trips on the Toccoa River. This is an excellent option if you are looking for an excursion with experienced guides to help you navigate the rapids.
What to Bring
Clothes
Dressing appropriately for a day on the river is essential for ensuring your comfort and safety.
- Choose the right material: Look for polyester, nylon, or merino wool which dry quickly. Cotton clothing is not recommended because it takes a long time to dry once it gets wet. This is not ideal when paddling down cold mountain rapids!
- Shoes: You should also wear waterproof sandals when paddling. Shoes with a strap around the heel are preferable, as they won’t slip off if you end up swimming a rapid.
- A change of clothes: Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes to leave in your car. Nothing feels better than warm, dry clothes after a day on the river!
Essentials
While the local outfitters can sort out all your gear and safety equipment, you should bring a few things to ensure you are ultra-prepared and comfortable.
- Sun protection: Remember your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, as the sun reflecting off the water makes it even stronger than when you are on land.
- Snacks: A cooler with your favorite cold drinks, snacks, and a picnic lunch will be well appreciated as you navigate the canoe trail. Pack enough food to hold you over until you’re off the river and can go to one of the delicious Blue Ridge restaurants!
- Waterproof bag: Keep your electronics safe. A dry bag is great for things that need to stay safe and secure, such as your car keys, camera, and phone. Clip the dry bag to your boat so that it doesn’t sink if you flip during a rapid. A wrist tether and/or waterproof case for your phone is highly recommended if you intend to take it out for pictures.
Leave No Trace
While not all of these principles will apply to your day on the river, there are a few you should be especially mindful of. First, you need to ensure you pack out anything you bring. Don’t leave any trash or food scraps, even if you think it is biodegradable.
Second, you should leave the environment the same way you found it. It has become popular in recent years to build “rock cairns” or stack rocks along rivers, with many saying it is a type of art or meditation.
Unfortunately, moving rocks can damage the environment and harm fragile ecosystems. Ultimately, you should have a wonderful day enjoying the natural beauty of the Toccoa River while keeping it clean and beautiful!
Any time you are outdoors, you should bring your Leave No Trace (LNT) principles with you. LNT is a set of seven principles to protect and conserve natural places and wildlife. These seven principles are:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Canoe Bliss on the Toccoa River
Take your North Georgia cabin getaway up a notch when you opt to paddle the Toccoa River Canoe Trail!
Perfect for the whole family and all experience levels, this whitewater paddling route is one of the best ways to explore the stunning natural areas around Blue Ridge and Ellijay. Pack your bags, and don’t forget your bathing suit because the Toccoa River awaits you!