Paddle the Historic Oostanaula River

Come paddle on a river little known to Atlantans but historically famous in the state! Total mileage is 12 miles with a moderate pace with playing and eating along the way.

We'll meet at the boat ramp at 9:30 a.m. to unload gear and set a shuttle to the take-out. Approximate time to begin paddling is 10:15 to 10:30. Approximate time on the river is 5 to 6 hours.

The trip begins at the boat ramp on GA 225 a few miles from Calhoun, GA near the New Echota Historical Site.  New Echota was the starting point for many local Indians when they were sent west on the Trail of Tears. This spot is also the confluence of the Conasauga and Coosawattee Rivers flowing from Tennessee and North Georgia to form the Oostanaula. The Oostanaula flows west and south to converge with the Etowah to form the Coosa River at Rome, GA.

The paddle is on calm moving waters with an ancient fish trap (weir) just a mile or so into the paddle. These fish weirs on the river date to pre-historic times. At mile 4 we pass under the I-75 at Resaca, the site of an important floating bridge crossing during the Civil War that turned a stalemated battle into a Union victory. From miles 6 to 8 there are small shoals to lighten up the day. 

We will plan to stop for a snack lunch along the way. Bring plenty of water, and other hydration devices, along with snacks or a lunch.

Take out is in the city of Calhoun at North River Street Boat Ramp. We can shuttle back up to pick up any cars at the put-in.

THIS IS a BYOBoat trip as there are no Outfitters nearby. So, beg, borrow or steal a boat to come along on this fun and unusual stretch of river. PFD's (life jackets) and Paddles are required equipment. NO INFLATABLE rafts or tubes are allowed. 

If you want to sign up without a boat, do so and contact the trip leader for possibilities to rent or borrow locally. He cannot promise accommodation but will try. 

If you have any questions, please contact the trip leader by email or phone. Newer paddlers are welcome as this is a stretch to get a feel for distances beyond what you might normally consider!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a water event therefore you should know how to swim to attend or be comfortable in water in a worn PFD. You should feel comfortable in moving and/or deep water. You should also know how to self rescue should you fall out of your boat or lose your footing in the river while swimming. Finally, knowledge of how to paddle and steer a vessel is highly recommended. 

The put-in is at the GA 225 Bridge at the river. North on I-75 to exit 317 (GA 225).

Turn right and follow the highway 1 mile to the ramp on the left side of the road.

Boat ramp is approximately 1/2 mile past the historic site on the left side of the road, BEFORE the bridge. 

Turn in and park to unload boats. We will run the shuttle from here.

 GPS coordinates: 34.540849, -84.901604

The take-out is the North River Street boat ramp, which is located at:

If you sign up and have an extra boat for someone or a spot in your boat for another person, please let the trip leader know. And thanks if you do!