Chattahoochee River Kayak Trip

Settles Bridge

A short and fun kayak or canoe trip on the Chattahoochee River is from Buford Dam to Settles Bridge. This five-mile trip takes less than three hours (unless you stop often) and is easily accessible from Highway 85 making it a great trip for those from the metro Atlanta area. There are a few small rapids. These rapids are fine for most skill levels if the dam is not releasing water. You’ll have to wear a vest from Buford Dam to the State Rd 20 Bridge.
The cold water coming from the dam makes this a great trout fishing destination as well. You’re likely to see more folks fishing this section than boaters.

Below are some pictures of our April 2009 kayak trip from Buford Dam to Settles Bridge Park. Below the images are directions and useful info.

Kayaking Near Buford Dam

Fishermen on the Chattahoochee

Directions and Useful Info
National Park Service Chattahoochee River NRA Boating Info 

Watch for Buford Dam water release as this can make fishing and boating dangerous. The weekends are usually ok, but to make sure listen to 1610 AM on the radio when at the dam.

Float Time: 2 – 3 Hours
Directions to Settles Bridge from Hwy 85/ Atlanta
- Take the 317 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. Exit
-Take a left over the bridge
-Drive 5.5 miles
-Turn Left on Johnson Rd.
-Drive 1 mile
-Turn Right and travel for .7 mile to the parking area. Follow the short trail down to the river.
Directions to Buford Dam
-Follow the above directions but don’t turn at Johnson Rd.
-Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd. continues as Suwanee Dam Rd.
-Follow Suwanee Dam Rd. until you reach a red light at The Dam Store
-Turn Left
-Drive for a few miles until you cross Buford Dam
-Take the first left past the main part of the dam and travel down the hill to the parking area.
There are bathrooms and a boat ramp at the park at the bottom of the dam.

Taking a Break