Explore North Georgia's Premier Kayaking Destinations
- Bill Walsh
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Misty Mountain Inn & Cottages offers the ideal cabin rental or bed and breakfast experience for outdoor lovers visiting the North Georgia Mountains. Located just minutes from Blairsville, GA, our cozy mountain cabins and charming B&B suites place you close to all things mountain — including some of the best kayaking spots in North Georgia. Whether you're gliding across a peaceful lake or navigating a scenic mountain river, you'll find unforgettable paddling adventures just a short drive away from our tranquil property.
🚣 Kayak Meeks Park – Blairsville, GA
Located just one mile west of downtown Blairsville on Highway 515, Meeks Park is a picturesque setting for kayaking. The park features a dedicated canoe/kayak launch ramp, ample parking, and portable restrooms. Paddlers can explore the gentle waters of Butternut Creek and the Nottely River, enjoying the scenic beauty of the area.
Entry Point: Meeks Park II Canoe/Kayak Launch
Distance: Varies depending on route; options for short loops or longer excursions
🌊 Kayak Lake Nottely – Blairsville, GA
Lake Nottely is a 4,180-acre reservoir with 106 miles of shoreline, offering numerous spots for kayaking. The lake is known for its serene coves and beautiful mountain views. Public boat ramps are available, and kayaks can be rented from local marinas such as Nottely Marina and North Georgia Watersports.
Entry Points: Multiple public boat ramps around the lake
Distance: Customizable based on chosen route
🛶 Kayak Lake Chatuge – Hiawassee, GA
Approximately 30 minutes from Blairsville, Lake Chatuge spans the Georgia-North Carolina border and offers 132 miles of shoreline. The lake is ideal for kayaking, with several public boat ramps and picnic areas. The Ridges Resort provides amenities for visitors, including dining and lodging options. Southern Living+1Visit Blairsville+1
Entry Points: Public boat ramps and marinas around the lake
Distance: Flexible routes suitable for all skill levels
🏞️ Additional Kayaking Spots Within 45 Minutes of Blairsville
Lake Blue Ridge: A 3,290-acre lake with 65 miles of shoreline, located in Blue Ridge, GA. The lake offers clear waters and scenic views, with kayak rentals available at the Lake Blue Ridge Marina.
Vogel State Park: Home to the 22-acre Lake Trahlyta, this park offers calm waters suitable for beginners. Located just 1.3 miles from Blairsville, it's an excellent spot for a quick paddle.
Toccoa River: Known for its gentle rapids and scenic beauty, the Toccoa River is ideal for a relaxing kayaking experience. Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking offers rentals and guided trips.
🧑🤝🧑 Local Kayaking Groups and Rentals
Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking: Located near downtown Blue Ridge, they offer kayak rentals, lessons, and guided trips on the Toccoa River.
Nottely Marina: Provides kayak rentals and access to Lake Nottely. They also offer a general store for supplies.
North Georgia Watersports: Offers a variety of watercraft rentals, including kayaks, on Lake Nottely.
🏞️ More Kayaking Spots Within 45 Minutes of Blairsville
🚣♀️ Lake Blue Ridge – Blue Ridge, GA
Distance from Blairsville: ~35 minutes Type: Large reservoir – open water paddling Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Launch Point: Lake Blue Ridge Marina (335 Marina Drive, Blue Ridge, GA)
Well-maintained ramp, kayak rentals, restrooms, and a lakeside restaurant.
Alternate Launch: Morganton Point Recreation Area (475 Lake Drive, Morganton, GA)
National Forest area with parking, picnic areas, and a swim beach. $5 day-use fee.
Paddle Distance Ideas:
Short paddle: from Morganton Point into the nearby cove and back (~2 miles round trip)
Longer paddle: explore around Big Island (~6 miles round trip)
📝 This lake is beautiful with clear, emerald water and great mountain views. Expect some boat traffic in summer, so stay close to the shoreline if you're a beginner.
🛶 Vogel State Park – Blairsville, GA
Distance from downtown Blairsville: 15 minutes Type: Small mountain lake Skill Level: Beginner / family-friendly
Launch Point: Lakeside kayak rentals at Lake Trahlyta (405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA). Rentals available on site during season; no outside kayaks allowed on the lake.
Paddle Distance: About 0.5 miles around the perimeter. Great for a peaceful float with scenic mountain views.
📝 This is a perfect spot for families or first-time paddlers looking to get their feet wet. Combine your paddle with a short hike to Trahlyta Falls.
🌊 Toccoa River – McCaysville, GA
Distance from Blairsville: ~40 minutes Type: Gentle mountain river float with some class I rapids Skill Level: Beginner to moderate
Launch Point: Dial Road Bridge (Old Dial Rd, Blue Ridge, GA)
Take-out: Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area
Float Distance: About 6 miles (2.5–3.5 hours depending on flow rate)
Rental Option: Toccoa River Outfitters or Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking
📝 This is a popular float trip with small rapids, swimming holes, and excellent trout fishing. Make sure to check water release schedules from Blue Ridge Dam.
🌲 Lake Winfield Scott – Suches, GA
Distance from Blairsville: ~35 minutes Type: Quiet, non-motorized mountain lake Skill Level: Beginner
Launch Point: Day-use area boat ramp (Coopers Creek Rd, Suches, GA)
Distance: About 0.6 miles across the lake; perfect for calm, reflective paddling
📝 This is a hidden gem tucked into the Chattahoochee National Forest. No motorboats allowed, making it serene and wildlife-friendly. Pack a picnic or go for a hike around the lake afterward.
🐢 Nottely River Paddle Trail – Union County (South of Blairsville)
Distance from Blairsville: Varies depending on launch Type: Flatwater river paddle with multiple segments Skill Level: Beginner
Launch Points:
Canal Lake Launch (Pat Colwell Rd, Blairsville)
Nottely Dam (Highway 325)
Distance: Several 2–4 mile paddling segments along the river, ideal for wildlife watching and easy-flow adventures.
📝 This section of the Nottely River is great for spotting herons, turtles, and otters. It's slower and wider than most mountain rivers, making it family-friendly.
💧 Brasstown Creek – Young Harris, GA
Distance from Blairsville: ~30 minutes Type: Small stream and lake feeder Skill Level: Intermediate (due to narrow passages and portages)
Launch Point: Near Highway 339 bridge – GPS coordinates vary
Distance: 2–4 miles, depending on conditions and takeout
📝 This creek has shallow spots, fallen logs, and requires some navigation skills. Ideal for adventurous paddlers looking for solitude and wildlife.
🏕️ Extra Tips & Safety Reminders
Recommended Gear:
Lightweight recreational or touring kayak
Dry bag for phone, keys, and snacks
Water shoes or sandals with heel straps
Headlamp or flashlight if out after dusk
File a Float Plan:Always tell a friend or family member:
Your planned launch and take-out point
Estimated time on the water
Emergency contact info
Check Conditions:Visit American Whitewater or local outfitter sites to check water levels before launching on rivers.
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