Etowah River Paddle - Tunneling for Gold

Join us as we paddle the "Tunnel" section of the Etowah river.

This eight-mile section runs through the heart of the area’s gold mine history. Frequent shoals, Class I and borderline Class II, highlight the first three miles of the run, but this section is best-known for the quarter-mile “mining” tunnel that diverts most of the Etowah through a ridge, cutting off a mile-long loop of the river. Below the mining tunnel, the river’s pace slows as it enters the upper reaches of the valley known as Big Savannah where the ruins of former hamlets haunt the river banks.(http://www.etowahwatertrail.org/wp-includes/pdf/guides/tunneling-for-gold-guide.pdf).

We will begin our day by meeting at The Outside World outfitters in Dawsonville (471 Quill Dr.
Dawsonville, GA 30534). We will then drive to the put in and set up a shuttle down river, approximately 8 river miles.  

This section of the Etowah is very scenic, offers fun shoals when the river is running at 100 cfs, anything below that does create some very shallow areas, so the paddle will be somewhat dependent on the flow. 

Approximately 3 miles down river on river right is the famed tunnel. The tunnel was created in an effort to drain the Etowah and allow for gold mining in the main channel. The result today is a fun ride through the tunnel. As you enter the tunnel it gets dark really fast, just as quickly the tunnel takes a slight turn and then sunlight reappears again. The water bbuilds up a little bit of force and then launching you out the other side. Patrick will lead all those who choose to paddle the tunnel and be at the exit if any assistance is needed for any reason, Jerry will lead those choosing not to paddle the tunnel on a 1 mile paddle around the river bend to meet the miners in our group.

After the tunnel we will find a sand bar or bank to have lunch and then continue paddling the second half of ther river.

This is a BYOB event - you must have your own kayak/canoe

The Outside World Outfitters

471 Quill Dr. Dawsonville, GA 30534

Travel 400 North to Dawsonville once you enter the access controlled section of 400 you will pass the light at Whimire / Carlisle Dr, the Outfitter is on the right next to Northstar bikes. Directions to the put in / take out will be shared there, Please contact your leaders if you have any questions.