CHESTATEE River | 6-Miles REAL-TIME Kayaking | HELENE'S Impact Shocking | Dahlonega, GA

Trip Overview

As a result of Hurricane Helene last September, white sand has taken over the majority of river banks, and in some cases moved inland significantly. Muddy banks replaced with white sand results in the CLEAREST water I’ve ever seen here. Eventually the dirt will retake the sand, but for now, crystal clear. Rivals the aquarium-like water of the Toccoa River in Blue Ridge. We even caught 2 big Rainbow Trout in what is primarily Bass water. Truly a unique experience, as we paddled 6-miles with pristine winter views, rumbling rapids and sparkling sunshine - all to ourselves! Didn’t see a soul along our route. Winter kayaking offers unique perspectives with leafless trees providing expanded sightlines. It's as if Nature is providing us with a super-wide lens.

Big Bend Beach (red pole marker, halfway point) was dramatically changed with sand reaching 200+ feet inland. I show a before/after comparison of the beach in this video - pretty wild! Although there were numerous downed trees along the sides, none obstructed our kayaking paths. Cane Creek was noticeably cleared out with crystal clear water trickling towards the Chestatee. Blueberry Shoals' popular sandbar shifted from river right to river left, and the left channel is more passable now. Seems like some rocks were moved around and down river a bit. The public kayak takeout and parking area remained undamaged.

Highlights in this video include a quick walk through of "The Mill" restaurant, Chestatee River Adventures launch area, Cane Creek, Big Bend Beach, Blueberry Shoals, ASMR Paddling Sounds - with a relaxing soft background of ambient piano and flute music - reminiscent of the indigenous Native American history in this area.

About the only thing that wasn't perfect on this day, was not finding a GOLD nugget! So what are you waiting for? This video shares all of the details you'll need to enjoy this beautiful kayaking experience - from LAUNCH to TAKEOUT. It's a 2-hour normal paddle, beginner to intermediate.

Here are the 2 outfitters for renting kayaks, canoes, tubes, located on the Chestatee River.

Chestatee River Adventures & The Mill Restaurant

34.501728, -83.968398

2718 S Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA 30533

http://www.chestateeriveradven...

April: Thursday-Sunday 10:00-2:00

May, June, & July: everyday 9:00-3:00

August: weekdays 10:00-2:00

weekends 9:00-3:00

September: weekends only 10:00 - 2:00

Appalachian Outfitters

34.510344, -83.974174

2084 S Chestatee, Dahlonega, GA 30533

https://www.canoegeorgia.com/l...

I'm attaching a movie I made of this trip which is on my YouTube channel @RedKayaGuy-RKG

I filmed in 4K:60FPS so make sure to optimize your viewing experience and set your device to the highest resolution setting of 2160 if possible.

Thanks and I'll see you on the river!

-RKG