Kayak Guidance logo

20 Best Places to Kayak in Georgia, USA

Published July 19, 2022

Kayaking is an incredible experience, and there are literally hundreds of great places to kayak in Georgia. You can put yourself on the water and paddle around almost any part of the state.

If you are in Georgia and want to explore its beautiful rivers, lakes, parks, or rapids but don’t know where to visit, don’t worry!

In this article, I will recommend the 20 best places to kayak in Georgia, USA.

20 Best Places to Kayak in Georgia, USA: Summary

20 Best Places to Kayak in Georgia, USA

Here are the top 20 best places to kayak in Georgia, USA.

1. Altamaha River

Altamaha River

If you love paddling, exploring, and seeing the natural beauty of Georgia’s waterways, then the Altamaha River is a must-see. The Altamaha River is one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets.

The Altamaha River is the perfect place for a kayak adventure. It’s safe, beautiful, and has plenty of options for people of all skill levels.

The river is known for its wide variety of wildlife; everything from fish to birds to turtles can be found here. If you are an avid nature lover and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, this is the place for you.

2. Augusta Canal

Augusta Canal

The Augusta Canal is a great place to kayak in Georgia, USA. The canal is about a few miles long and completely surrounded by nature. There are many different types of trees and plants that grow along the canal. You will also find many animals such as raccoons and deer wandering around this area.

There is also a small beach where you can take a swim or just relax on the sandy shoreline. This location is perfect for anyone who wants to explore nature while still having access to civilization if needed.

3. Broad River

Broad River

If you are looking for the perfect spot to explore Georgia’s Broad River is one that you should consider visiting ASAP.

The Broad River is a great place to kayak or canoe. It stretches across the state of Georgia, and you can find it anywhere from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains.

The Broad River offers some great kayaking opportunities because it has over 80 miles of shoreline. You can paddle down the river for hours or spend a day kayaking around one of its many lakes.

The best time to visit the Broad River is during spring, summer, or fall when the water level is low enough for easy access to all river sections. This gives you plenty of time to explore all parts of the river without worrying about getting stuck in rapids.

4. Chattooga National Wile and Scenic River

Chattooga National Wile and Scenic River

Chattooga National Wild and Scenic River is one of the most beautiful places to kayak in Georgia, USA. The Chattahoochee River has been designated as a National Wild and Scenic River. It is protected by federal law and can only be used for recreational activities such as kayaking. So, this is a perfect place for kayakers.

The river is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, river otters, and other creatures. There are also plenty of opportunities to explore the banks of the Chattooga River on foot or by boat.

5. Chattahoochee River

Chattahoochee River

The Chattahoochee River is one of the most popular places for kayaking in Georgia, and for a good reason. It’s got everything you need: beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, great places to stop and swim, and plenty of room to explore.

It’s also one of the best places to kayak in Georgia because it’s not just a river; it’s an entire ecosystem. That means you can see plenty of wildlife while you are out on the water. You will see birds like ducks and geese and fish swimming below your feet.

6. Fort Yargo State Park

Fort Yargo State Park

You can’t go wrong with Fort Yargo State Park, located on the coast of Georgia. It’s a great place to kayak if you are looking for something a little more upscale than the other state parks in the area.

It has an abundance of wildlife and beautiful scenery, so you can see all kinds of animals while paddling around. Plenty of trails take you through the woods and over wetlands, so you will have plenty of places to explore while you are out there.

7. Flint River, Georgia

Flint River, Georgia

Flint River is a prime spot for kayaking in Georgia. The Flint River is a popular destination for kayakers who come here to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and its many different types of wildlife.

The Flint River is located in the heart of Flint, Georgia. It is home to several species of animals and plants that live in this area. There are also plenty of different types of birds that can be found within the preserve. The main attraction at this nature preserve is its scenic view and beautiful scenery.

8. George L. Smith State Park

George L. Smith State Park

If you are looking for a place to get out on the water and explore some new territory, Georgia’s George L. Smith State Park is the perfect destination. This park offers a few miles of trails and boasts beautiful scenery, including a lake and several small islands. The park also has plenty of campsites and cabins, so you can bring your family along.

This park offers a reservoir and a lake that are perfect for paddlers of all levels. The area offers many different trails and beaches to explore, including an easy trail through the woods and a more challenging one on the lake.

9. Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail

Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail

The Georgia Coast Saltwater Paddling Trail is one of the best places to kayak. The trail is located on the coast of Georgia and has plenty of options for paddlers of all levels.

The first thing that will catch your eye is the incredible views. You can see coastline miles as you paddle along this trail. You will also be able to see wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.

There are plenty of beaches and harbors along this trail where people can go for some relaxation time after a long day out on the water. If you want to do some shopping while on vacation, there are plenty of shops along this trail where you can pick up souvenirs for yourself, your friends, and your family.

10. Lake Sinclair

Lake Sinclair

If you are looking for the best places to kayak in Georgia, USA, Lake Sinclair is a great choice. It’s not just beautiful; it’s also got great water levels and a wide variety of species. Plus, it’s just an easy drive from Atlanta.

This lake is perfect if you are looking for a quiet spot to get away from the city. No motorized boats are allowed here, so you can go at your own pace without worrying about other boats or people getting in your way. You will find plenty of wildlife around the lake; you can even see some bald eagles.

11. Lake Blackshear

_Lake Blackshear

Lake Blackshear is a great place to kayak in Georgia. It’s close to Atlanta, making it an easy destination for people who live in the area. The lake has several different channels through which you can navigate the water.

The lake is great for beginners, as it’s relatively shallow and wide but also has some deeper sections that can challenge more experienced paddlers. You can stop for a bite before or after your kayak trip in two different picnic areas.

12. Ocmulgee River

Ocmulgee River

The Ocmulgee River is a river that is home to many species of fish. It also has a lot of swamps and marshes that are perfect for kayaking. If you want to kayak along the Ocmulgee River, there are multiple places you can go. You can kayak upstream towards the Swannanoa Dam or downstream towards White Water Rafting Company.

The river can be very dangerous depending on the current weather conditions, so you must take precautions before heading out.

If you are looking for a place to kayak in Georgia, this is one of the best places to do so because there are so many things available, including camping facilities and places to eat as well as shops where you can buy supplies before heading out on your adventure.

13. Okefenokee Swamp

Okefenokee Swamp

Okefenokee Swamp is one of the best places to kayak in Georgia, USA. The swamp is a very special place with its wildlife and wildlife habitat. It is a designated national wildlife refuge and home to many different animals like alligators, turtles, birds, fish, and snakes.

In Okefenokee Swamp, you can enjoy some of the best fishing in Georgia and see some animals up close in their natural habitats. This is also a great place for birding and photography enthusiasts as it has hundreds of species of birds living there year-round, including bald eagles and ospreys.

14. Stone Mountain Park Lake

Stone Mountain Park Lake

Stone Mountain Park Lake is one of the top places to kayak in Georgia, USA. It is located in the city of Atlanta. This lake is a popular destination for locals and visitors who enjoy boating and kayaking. The lake has several different types of boats available for rent, including paddleboats, watercraft, and kayaks.

There are also hiking trails that lead to many beautiful sights around the lake, such as waterfalls and mountain views. If you are looking for a place to kayak while seeing natural beauty, this is definitely a great option.

15. Skidaway River

Skidaway River

The Skidaway River is a popular destination for kayaking in Georgia, USA. It’s one of the best places in the state to kayak and also a great place for birdwatching.

The Skidaway River is located just off of Highway near the town of Savannah, Georgia.

In addition to being an excellent place for kayaking, this area also offers ample opportunities for birdwatching. As you make your way down the river or paddle along one of its banks, you will see many birds, including Red-winged Blackbirds, Blue Grosbeaks, and Green Herons. You can also see turtles sunning themselves on rocks just offshore.

16. Savannah Rapids

Savannah Rapids

Savannah Rapids is a great place to kayak in Georgia, USA. The river is calm and shallow, making it a perfect day trip with the kids.

The rapids are located just outside Savannah, GA, and are a great place to start your adventure on the water. You can rent kayaks from a local vendor or from one of the many other businesses nearby.

17. Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is one of the best places to kayak in Georgia, USA. The park sits on the Chattahoochee River, which flows through a lush forest.

This park is a great place for paddlers of all levels looking for a scenic and relaxing voyage through the trees. For those who want to get into more advanced kayaking techniques, plenty of sections allow you to practice your skills.

This park also has many other amenities, including picnic areas, camping areas, and boat ramps that are available for public use.

18. Toccoa River

Toccoa River

The Toccoa River is a great place to kayak in Georgia, USA. The river is known for its scenic beauty, and the surrounding area is filled with natural beauty.

You can take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding forest or enjoy some camping on one of the many islands along the river. The Toccoa River also offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, as it is home to bald eagles, otters, beavers, raccoons, deer, and river otters.

The best time to visit is in spring, when the water levels are low enough for you to paddle against the current without having any trouble.

19. Tybee Island

Tybee Island

If you are looking for a unique way to explore the Georgia coast, look no further than Tybee Island. While it may be less than an hour from Savannah, it feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tybee Island is known for its natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and quiet creeks perfect for paddling. This is the place to go if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.

20. Toccoa River

Toccoa River (1)

Toccoa River is a fantastic place to kayak in Georgia, USA. It’s one of the most beautiful rivers in the world and is known for having some of the best white water rafting in Georgia.

If you are looking for a challenge, try the Class III rapids. This section of the Toccoa River can be very fast-moving, so even if you are an experienced kayaker, you won’t make it through without taking on some serious risk.

Conclusion

Georgia is a great place for almost anything. It’s got so much to offer, whether it’s kayaking, hiking, boating, or camping. So these are the top 20 best places to kayak in Georgia, USA. I hope you all will visit my recommended places and enjoy your time while on your kayak.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

More to Learn About Kayaks!