Fall Leaves on Tugaloo Lake Paddle

Imagine a lake nestled in 1,000 ft tall hills between the GA & SC border, supplied by the Tallulah Gorge and Chattooga River, restricted by a 500 ft dam. Now add thousands of trees that are changing colors in preparation for Winter. The true highlight being that you’re observing this beauty from a kayak that glides across the water at your command.

Join us for a day paddle on Lake Tugaloo.

Beginning at the GA side boat ramp, we’ll paddle to the Tallulah Gorge inlet and possibly catch a glimpse of the whitewater paddlers exiting the gorge. We’ll then paddle to the dam and on to the falls where the more adventurous ones can explore the various levels. From here we will continue paddling north depending on time and attempt to reach the Chattooga (hit or miss depending on pace). We’ll exit the lake 4:30-5:00ish to allow for time to load up before dark.

From the I-85/ I-285 "Spaghetti Jcn" Interchange in NE Atlanta take I-85 North to I-985.

Continue North on 985 as it changes to US-23/441 (approximately 93 miles from downtown Atlanta and 65 miles from Spaghetti Junction).

After entering the City Limits of Tallulah Falls and crossing the bridge over the river, look for the sign leading to the Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center on the right (in Tallulah Gorge State Park).

No need to pay for parking as we will be meeting in the parking lot and then venturing approximately 4 miles down a dirt road to the lake.

338 Jane Hurt Yarn Dr, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

We should all be on the water by 9 am (dress in layers). We will paddle for approximately 8 +/- hrs including breaks. After we load boats and head out, we will stop for an optional dinner (location to be determined). Event dependent on fair weather.

If you would like to carpool please contact members in your area.

Disclaimer: The road from the Interpretive Center to the boat ramp is dirt and rough in places. It is identified as requiring 4 wheel drive. I have been down it several times without 4 wheel drive and have seen a Camry, Accord, Explorer, 2wd trucks, mini van, etc. having no problem navigating it.  Again, it is dirt and may be rough in spots.