Etowah River Water Trail

With the exception of the upper reaches of the river (Hightower and Etowah Falls sections), Etowah river is rated as a Class I river with faltwater interupted occasionally by small shoals and rapids and is suitable for novice paddlers. Scenery along the river ranges from wild (Headwaters, Dawson Forest and other sections) as it winds through national forests and state wildlife management areas to rural (Big Savannah, Reynolds Bend and other sections) and even urban (Rome). The river is home to more Native American fish weirs than are found on all other Georgia rivers combined and historic sites, including the Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site, dot its banks from Dawsonville to Rome. The river is biologically diverse harboring 76 native fish species. The river passes through three state wildlife management areas (Dawson Forest, McGraw Ford and Allatoona), the Chattahoochee National Forest and numerous local parks.

Be safe and only paddle only during daylight hours.