Ocmulgee-Altamaha Rivers "At a Glance" |
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| Scenery | Mixed Forests, bottomlands, swamps |
| Best time | Spring, Fall (Winter) |
| Wilderness | Natural setting, occasional development |
| Water Flow | Nearly always adequate |
| Water Quality | Good |
| Campsites | Good primitive camping most of the way (tidewater may be difficult) |
| Hazards | No major hazards |
| Logistics | Plenty of public access; rentals, shuttles available |
| Trip Length | Up to 315 miles |
| Recommendation | Regional favorite for those who like the larger rivers; one of the longest canoe routes in the lower 48 |
Lower Altamaha River
General Description & Characteristics -- While some of the best whitewater in the eastern United States can be found in northern Georgia, for a more peaceful journey we will turn to the coastal plain of southern Georgia. Here we can embark on one of the longest possible canoe camping excursions in the lower 48 states. The Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers are significant rivers in their own right, and they come together near Hazlehurst, Georgia, to form the Altamaha (AHLT-ta-ma-HAH). This river system is the largest contained entirely in the state of Georgia, delivering an annual average of 12,000 cubic feet of water per second into the Atlantic Ocean.
The lower Ocmulgee and the entire main stem of the Altamaha flow unimpounded for over 300 miles, offering a near wilderness experience in the bottomland forests and swamps between infrequent road crossings. With a gradient of only about one foot per mile, the river has a moderate current, and the moist climate of the region nearly always ensures adequate water for canoeing year round, though spring and fall would be the preferred seasons.
Location & Canoeable Mileage -- For a trip of about 300 miles, you can paddle from Macon, Georgia to Altamaha Park (on the right bank of the Altamaha a few miles above I-95). You might spend three weeks, but for a shorter trip there are many access points along the way, so you can choose a length to fit your schedule. Check with the Georgia Fisheries office in Waycross -- they have maps of the Ocmulgee and Altamaha which show the location of public access points and river mileage. For those desiring a complete river experience, you can continue the last 15 or so miles to Darien. Toward its mouth the river splits into several streams, so be sure you know which one to take for your final destination. This area is heavily influenced by Atlantic tides, so camping would be a problem and tidal currents will either help or hinder your progress.
Interesting Features -- This large river system is one of the best examples of a southern coastal stream. Some of the land along the river is swampy, dominated by baldcypress, black tupelo, and other water loving trees. On higher ground, the forest is a mixture of bottomland hardwoods, notably overcup oak and water hickory. Some sections along the river have been converted from the native bottomland forests to commercial pine production.
The few settlements and small towns will be found on higher ground at infrequent intervals. There are many places, particular in the lower reaches of this trip, where you can paddle off the main river course into sloughs, swamps, lakes and old river channels. These can be some of the best places for wildlife sightings. Many species of birds can be seen, and alligators are abundant.
A few miles upstream from the highway 25 bridge, you will pass the mouth of the Ohoopee, a small tributary of the Altamaha. During most times of the year, you will find the clear but nearly black water flowing out of this river to be a dramatic contrast to the generally silty water of the Altamaha. This might be worth some time paddling upstream and even an overnight camp on the Ohoopee.
Camping -- There is little or no public land along these rivers, and few private camp grounds, but the remote setting and nature of the river make it a very friendly place for canoe campers. At moderate and lower water levels, many sections have sand bars which make excellent camp sites. Tidewater influences the last 30 miles or so of the river, and campsites will be more difficult to find in that region.
Additional Information:
| Canoeing Information |
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| Canoe Rental/Shuttle Service |
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| River Flow Data |
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| Parks on/near the River |
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| Towns/Other Locales on/near the River |
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| Books | A Paddler's Guide to Southern Georgia : A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to the Streams of the Western Piedmont, Coastal Plain, Georgia Coast and Okefenokee |
| More Pictures | Canoe Campers Photo Gallery |
| Environmental Issues/Organizations |
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| Acknowledgments/Contributors | . |
| Miscellaneous |
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