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Chattahoochee Long-Distance Paddle, Buford Dam to the Bridges




The Basics:
Event Type:Whitewater
Event Location: Between Buford & Norcross, GA
Date(s) & Time:Mon, Sep 7 2009  9:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Tue, Sep 1 2009 4:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Sep 6 2009 9:00 pm
Event Duration:5 or 8 Hours, depending on your chosen take-out
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Brian Clements
Charlie Cottingham
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You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Join us for a fast-paced scenic paddle down the Chattahoochee River this Labor Day morning beginning just downstream of Buford Dam (see directions below).  All participants are required to bring their own boat, plus paddle(s) and U. S. Coast Guard certified personal flotation device(s) (PFDs).

This trip is intended for experienced canoeists or kayakers who want a good workout.  While this trip will be full of scenic beauty we plan to move at a fairly steady pace with rest stops held to a minimum.  Our target speed will be about 3.5 to 4.0 mph, which should have us off the river at a reasonable hour Monday afternoon.  If you are unsure about your suitability for this trip please email the trip leaders before signing up.

There will be two distance options for this trip:
     1) 13 miles ending at Abbotts Bridge near Duluth,
     2) 19 miles ending at Jones Bridge near Norcross.

River Overview: At the base of Buford Dam clear cold water is released into the Chattahoochee from the bottom of Lake Lanier.  The first ~20 miles of river downstream of the dam is fairly easy to navigate with depths ranging mostly between 3 and 4 feet at normal flow rates, and with a few Class 1 rapids to "keep us honest."  Throughout our journey we'll see historic bridges, several areas of beautiful forests, prime trout water, fishermen, housing developments, golf courses and wildlife.  We'll stop at a scenic spot along the river for a light lunch (see below for suggested items to bring) and a brief rest.

Shuttle Setup Plan:  For both distance options we'll set up shuttles that will ensure that everyone is conveniently reunited with their vehicle after paddling.  We'll gather initially at 9:00 AM at the Buford Dam launch site.  After unloading boats and gear, we'll recruit at least one person to watch everything while the rest of us drive our shuttle vehicles to the take-out parking lots and carpool back to the Dam in a couple of our vehicles prior to launch.  Drivers of those vehicles will of course be given a ride back to Buford Dam after paddling.


Required Items to Bring:

 

  • Bring your own Canoe or Kayak (or a rented/borrowed one if you prefer) plus Lifejacket(s) and Paddle(s). On this section of the Chattahoochee the law requires a least one Coast Guard-approved lifejacket per person (in the boat but not necessarily worn).
  • Wear your Swimsuit, a light Shirt, and a Cap or Hat. Wear tight-fitting River Shoes (or well-tied Athletic Shoes/ Sport Sandals) since we may occasionally have to get out and wade or walk on rocks, etc. We suggest that you bring a Change of Clothes and Towel to have handy at the take-out for your ride home.
  • If you wear Sunglasses or prescription glasses, consider attaching them to a "Croakie" strap. If showers are forecast consider bringing a lightweight Raincoat or Poncho. Don't forget to apply and reapply Sunscreen.
  • Bring about a half gallon of Water (and/or other Beverages), a light Picnic Lunch and perhaps a couple of other Snack items. Although it's legally permitted, we prefer that you AVOID BRINGING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES for this fast-paced event. GLASS is A STRICT NO-NO on the River (carrying potentially a stiff fine) and cans should also be avoided.
  • A well-secured Dry Bag is suggested for your lunch and other personal items, or perhaps a small Cooler and Water-tight Plastic Box if you're in an open canoe.
  • As usual, when parking in a Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) lot, be prepared to pay the $3 cash Parking Fee in a self-service envelope unless you have a valid annual parking pass.
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • If it's convenient we recommend bringing your (water-protected) Camera.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
 
   

 
FOR CUSTOM DIRECTIONS from your specific point of departure and a MAP pinpointing the entrance road to OUR MEETING/ LAUNCH POINT below BUFORD DAM, go to Google.com/maps and input as your destination the following address:
3600 Buford Dam Rd, Cumming, GA 30041

FROM GA-400 NEAR CUMMING, GA:

  • Get off at EXIT #14 and take Buford Rd/GA-20 southeastward toward BUFORD for 1.2 miles,
  • Turn LEFT onto NUCKOLLS RD and go 1.7 miles,
  • Turn RIGHT onto BUFORD DAM RD and go 2.8 miles,
  • Turn RIGHT into the lower parking/launch area just BEFORE crossing the dam. (If you pass beyond the huge powerhouse you've gone too far.)

FROM I-85/ I-285 "SPAGHETTI JCN" INTERCHANGE in NE ATLANTA:

  • Take I-85 NORTH about 18 miles to I-985,
  • Bear LEFT onto I-985 and go 4 miles to Exit #4,
  • Turn LEFT onto BUFORD DRIVE/GA-20 and go westward 3.3 miles (crossing Peachtree Ind. Blvd en route),
  • Turn RIGHT onto SYCAMORE RD and go 2.6 miles,
  • Turn LEFT onto BUFORD DAM RD and go about 2.3 miles,
  • Just AFTER crossing Buford Dam turn LEFT into the lower parking/launch area (just beyond the huge powerhouse).

  • Make sure you've taken care of your $3 CRNRA self-service daily parking fee & "mirror receipt" (good at multiple CRNRA lots on that day).

Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:No Charge – Free event!

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

If you're confirmed for this event and determine that you can't participate, please remove yourself from our roster ASAP by clicking on "Delete your Registration" at the bottom of this event article.  This may make it possible for us to confirm a fellow AOCer who otherwise would be wait-listed.