River guideGeorgia
Chattahoochee River
Choose a documented Chattahoochee section, then verify the USGS gauge assigned to your put-in. Buford and Morgan Falls Dam releases can change flow quickly, and the NPS limits vary by craft.
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End of mapNational Park Service flow and float guidance
Start with a named Chattahoochee section
The NPS float-time guide publishes seven sections. These eight focused guides pair those float times with other named access sections; the three remaining guides cover Powers Island–Paces Mill and the separate upper and Columbus whitewater runs. Match the USGS station to the put-in, then check the release schedule and trend. NPS recommends canoe and kayak trips below 4,000 cfs and no water-based activity above 8,000 cfs.
Below Buford Dam · USGS 02334430
Put-ins: Buford Dam, Georgia 20 Bridge, Settles Bridge, McGinnis Ferry
Open this USGS gaugeAbove McGinnis Ferry Bridge · USGS 02334653
Put-ins: Rogers Bridge, Abbotts Bridge, Medlock Bridge, Jones Bridge
Open this USGS gaugeAt Medlock Bridge · USGS 02335000
Put-ins: Garrard Landing
Open this USGS gaugeAbove Roswell · USGS 02335450
Put-ins: Island Ford, Don White Park, Riverside Park, Chattahoochee River Park, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Overlook Park
Open this USGS gaugeBelow Morgan Falls Dam · USGS 02335815
Put-ins: Morgan Falls Dam, Johnson Ferry, Powers Island, Whitewater Creek
Open this USGS gaugeEight focused recreation-area guides
- Lower Pool Park to Abbotts Bridge — About 12.8 river miles; upper NRA
- Abbotts Bridge to Medlock Bridge — About 4.5 river miles; NPS float section
- Medlock Bridge to Jones Bridge — About 4 river miles; NPS float section
- Medlock Bridge to Garrard Landing — About 5.4 river miles; Garrard flow zone
- Island Ford to Don White Park — About 2.3 river miles; Roswell flow zone
- Jones Bridge to Chattahoochee River Park — About 12 river miles; last take-out before Morgan Falls Dam
- Morgan Falls Park to Johnson Ferry — About 1.8 river miles; below Morgan Falls Dam
- Johnson Ferry to Powers Island — About 3.5 river miles; NPS float section
Check the NPS put-in-to-gauge table, its seven published float sections, and current park conditions and release notices. The NPS table does not assign a station to Bowmans Island, Lower Pool Park, Chattahoochee Pointe, Azalea Park, or Morgan Falls Park. Nearby gauges for these starts are measurements from nearby stations; ask the park which gauge applies to your launch before relying on them.
River overview
Chattahoochee River paddle planning
What to verify before you commit.
Water levels
These Chattahoochee River routes use 7 gauge references depending on the stretch.
Route options
Compare all 11 curated Chattahoochee route guides here. Eight focused recreation-area sections cover the NPS access chain; Powers Island–Paces Mill and the Upper Chattahoochee and Columbus whitewater runs remain separate because they describe different paddling contexts. Other trip options now lead to this section guide.
Difficulty
Chattahoochee River routes here are marked hard and moderate, so choose the stretch that fits your group and conditions.
Quick answers
Chattahoochee River paddling FAQ
Where can I paddle the Chattahoochee River?
The NPS float guide publishes seven float times. Start with eight focused recreation-area sections below; Powers Island–Paces Mill and the Upper Chattahoochee and Columbus whitewater runs have separate guides.
How should I check Chattahoochee River water levels?
Use the gauge assigned to the exact put-in in the NPS River Flow Rate table; its five USGS stations cover different launch zones. NPS recommends canoes and kayaks stay below 4,000 cfs and says no water-based activities are recommended above 8,000 cfs. Buford and Morgan Falls releases, storms, and rapid changes can override a static reading, so check the current trend and release schedule too.
Which Chattahoochee River route is best today?
Compare current scores where available, along with water level, recent trend, weather, access, and route difficulty. Planning-only cards provide trip information without a live paddling recommendation.