Since the first trickle of a stream that biologists consider the extreme headwaters of the Chattahoochee River actually begins in hills of North Georgia, fabulous outdoor opportunities are abundant from north of Helen to Lake Seminole. At that point, the Chattahoochee joins the Flint River to become the Apalachicola River prior to pouring its fertile waters into the Gulf of Mexico.
Landing a trout in the river.
Though only accessible to the toughest of the trout fishing clan because of the remoteness of the area, the upper Chattahoochee and Henson Creek are still home to some of the last native eastern brook trout in the Southeast. Farther down, one can catch both stocked and native rainbow trout in Low Gap and Jasus Creeks. Also, Spoilcane Creek runs down from the vicinity of Unicoi Gap alongside Highway 75 north of Robertstown. It can be seen from the highway, and has easy access for anyone.
Most of the mainstream of the upper Chattahoochee River is in the WMA and can be accessed from Forest Service Road 52. This section has both wild trout and stocked rainbows, browns and brooks during the season.
From the Highway 75 Alternate Bridge at Robertstown south through the town of Helen, one can utilize the river for many things. This is an especially popular and scenic stretch of the river, and can be extremely busy with canoe or tube traffic at times. Nevertheless, it is a good place for people to enjoy the carnival atmosphere and great shopping in the Alpine village of Helen.
The dam at Nora Mill on the Chattahoochee River
Fishing and boating is not allowed in the immediate vicinity of the falls and store at historic Nora Mills, but it is an interesting place to visit. Also, the river from below Nora Mills down to the Highway 255 Bridge along the White/Habersham County line has poor public access, and private landowners often take offense to trout fishermen or whitewater enthusiasts that come in contact with their property. By putting in at the Highway 255 Bridge, however, one can float a beautiful section of the Chattahoochee that meanders through long quiet stretches that are only broken by occasional rapids. This section of the river from Highway 255 down to Highway 115 Bridge is about five miles long and can be navigated by most any experienced person with a canoe, kayak, raft or float tube.
The only dangerous spot is the Smith Island Rapid, which is about three miles into the float. It is a Class II rapid that is usually run by staying left for the first two ledge series, then moving right for the bottom chute, which empties into a picturesque pool with a grotto-like setting. If the water level is above three feet, the right side of the island is also navigable, but be sure to maintain a route that is right of center.
Kayaking in the morning mist on the Chattahoochee River.
From the Duncan Bridge all the way to Lula Bridge is another all day float, which has been handled by many novice boaters. A few rough shoals are encountered, but none that are too dangerous for anyone using common sense. A few miles below Lula Bridge you enter the vastness of Lake Lanier.
The warmer days of summer often find local people traveling to faraway destinations to beat the heat. The beauty that Sidney Lanier described in his poem, Song of the Chattahoochee, so long ago, however, is still within easy reach for any adventure-minded person. The river is cool and comfortable, the scenery is unforgettable and the trout and bass fishing is always great!
Photos: by Bill Vanderford
