Adventure awaits just a few hours away from Atlanta.
When you think of whitewater rafting , your first sentiment may not be Georgia . But the state of matter has three major rivers — the Chattooga , Ocoee , and Chattahoochee — that each provide raft and other outdoor activity in theirgorgeous landscapeswithin a unretentive drive of Atlanta .
From beginner sections and course that incubate the basics to whitewater swell that accrue into a class tetrad stage adventure , these rafting destinations have something for everyone . The time of year typically lasts from March to October , with the spring month offer your first probability to get on the pee and the fall surrounding rafters with arresting foliage . Get the Adrenalin pumping and gear up for a dose of adventure — here are five places where you may go river rafting near Atlanta .
Clayton, Georgia
This charming North Georgia townspeople is a gravid place to found yourself for a rafting dangerous undertaking on the Chattooga . The incision of the river that meander through Clayton offers a beginner - friendly Section III and more intriguing Section IV rapids .
Claude Terry was John Voight ’s stunt twice in the 1972 filmDeliverancebefore purchase the raft equipment from Warner Brothers and foundingSoutheastern Expeditions . It ’s the only outfitter in Clayton proper as the rest are just over the state logical argument , but theNantahala Outdoor Center , along with theWildwater Chattooga Adventure Center , are other groovy options for rafting .
After learn on the rapid , the part is tight to a number of winery includingTiger Mountain Vineyards , andMoonrise Distillery , which makes whiskey .
Photo courtesy of Nantahala Outdoor Center
This topographic point is turn up about two time of day from Atlanta , but camping and cabin are democratic overnight options , include the onsite yurts atWildwater Adventure Centerand atHatch Camp and Art Farm , a local rainfly sportfishing outfitter . If you ’d rather quell closer to town , theWhite Birch Innhas six guest rooms and a java shop .
Columbus, Georgia
The city of Columbus in the southwest side of the state ride along the Chattahoochee River , which creates the border with Alabama . Today it ’s place toRushSouth , the longest urban whitewater raft course in the world , to begin with created for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta . Water levels are ensure , so the difficulty grade alter by the meter of twenty-four hour period . There are five year IV rapids and 10 smaller rapid along the 1.5 mile path . Whitewater Expressis the only outfitter on the river , so choose one of the three class options and get quick for an epic adventure .
While you ’re here , do n’t miss the zipline , which goes across the river , also manoeuver by Whitewater Express . TheNational Infantry Museumat Fort Benning is another must - see , highlighting the of import persona of America ’s soldiers throughout history . If you have clip , take the 45 - minute campaign toPasaquan , the colorful home base of folk creative person St. EOM .
Hotel Indigo Columbusis mighty on the RiverWalk , so you wo n’t have to go far to get some remainder after your rafting jaunt . City Millsis a boutique hotel put in a historic brick storage warehouse with an onsite restaurant .
Photo courtesy of Rolling Thunder River Company
McCaysville, Georgia
Located on the state line north of Blue Ridge , McCaysville and its Tennessee neighbor Copperhill are great bases to raft down the Ocoee , including the middle and upper sections , which incorporate class III and IV rapid .
roll Thunder River Companyin McCaysville offers misstep on the sections used during the Olympics . Raft Oneis over the borderline in Ducktown , whileOcoee Adventure CenterandWhitewater Expressare base in Copperhill .
After your escapade on the river , mark out what this area is roll in the hay for : fly fishing and apple picking . Mercier Orchardsoffers U - Pick and has its own restaurant and cider surgical process .
If you need to be within walking distance of eating place , TheHampton Inn Blue Ridgeis your in force stakes for an overnight stay in township . But to be close to the river , stay in one of the cabin rentals outside McCaysville .
Roswell, Georgia
The Chattahoochee River go through much of the Atlanta country and the serene sections are great for founding father to raft . TheNantahala Outdoor Centeroffers self - guided excursions on the river that affect hopping on a personal tube at Roswell ’s Azalea Park and riding on for 1.5 naut mi .
When you ’re not on the weewee , research the hiking trails of theChattahoochee River National Recreation Area , let in the historical mill . Downtown Roswell has raft of shop , restaurant , historic house museums , and breweries .
Most Roswell hotel are near the highway , so theDoubleTree Atlanta Hotel Roswellis your best stake , where you’re able to enjoy a post - rafting cooky . The area also has nice rental .
Sandy Springs, Georgia
Nantahala Outdoor Centeralso has operations in the Sandy Springs section of the Chattahoochee River , specifically at Johnson Ferry and Powers Island . This area has well-to-do year I and II white water section and visitor can choose from two section to do or combine them for a full 24-hour interval unguided expedition .
This area also has hiking through the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area like the Palisades Trail , which follows the river in many section . During the summertime and into the gloam , brain toThe Battery , the amusement complex that is home to Truist Park , the Atlanta Braves Stadium , plus a hot music locus , restaurants , bars , and a moving-picture show theater .
The Battery has two hotel , but if you want to be close to the river , Sonesta Atlanta Northwest GalleriaandAtlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleriaare both commodious to the Powers Island and Johnson Ferry locations .
