RIVER PARKRIVER PARKRIVER PARKCANOE LAUNCHOn the Scenic Etowah River

706-344-3646www.dawsoncounty.org

email: recreation@dawsoncounty.org

INFORMATION

PLEASE NO ALCOHOL, STYROFOAMCOOLERS, OR GLASS CONTAINERS!

THE TAKE-OUT POINT ON KELLY BRIDGE ROAD IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. THIS IS A FEE AREA. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE SIGNING AT THE AREA AND RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE LANDOWNER. ALL TRASH, ETC. SHOULD BE REMOVED.

SAFETYThis river float is an easy float; however, there are a few fast-water areas that do require care in maneuvering around the eddies.Real-time water levels can be obtained from http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02389150. A staff gauge is located next to the stairs at the launch site.River Levels:Below 4 Feet = Low, Allow Extra Time4 to 7 Feet = OptimalAbove 7 Feet = Trees Can be Hazardous Above 9 Feet = Not RecommendedFor your safety...Don’t canoe alone Always wear your life jacket Avoid low hanging branches and fallen trees along the shoreline Wear appropriate shoes and pack a warm shirt or jacket Don’t drink and boat!

WHAT TO BRINGWear life jacket at all times. Swim suits or t-shirts and shorts in the summer. Spring and fall paddlers need a change of clothes that will keep them warm when wet. Aqua shoes or old sneakers are best footwear. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always advisable, as are sunglasses straps.Bug repellent, drinking liquids, a plastic bag or float bag that seals to prevent water in case of an upset, and a trash bag are also advisable.

TIME OF TRAVELFrom River Park Canoe put-in to Kelly Bridge Road take-out, travel is approximately 8.7 miles. Travel time will vary 3-5 hours, depending on water level.

THE SCENIC ETOWAH RIVERRIVER PARK TO KELLY BRIDGE LANDING

The Etowah River passes gently through the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area with only a couple of easy Class I-II rapids. This 8.7 mile “run” has a low “degree of difficulty” which allows the visitor ample time to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the river.

After launching, you will pass under the first bridge. A short time later you will paddle beneath a piece of Dawson History…the remains of the Old Iron Bridge. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the hundreds of canopy trees lazily draping over the river. These include River Birch, Sycamore, Green Ash, Red Maple, the Mighty Hemlock and more. The canopy of the overstory trees houses the many varieties of birds and other wildlife that you are likely to encounter. These include the Kingfisher, Wood Duck, Blue Heron, Red Tail Hawk, Hummingbird, Brown Thrasher and many more.

The huge concrete abutments on either side of the river are bridge supports that once held the train tracks that moved materials during the Lockheed years. If you happen to get into any trouble, this is a good place for help to access the river. After passing the old train bridge abutments, the river deepens in more areas and many anglers have enjoyed catching River Catfish, Red Eyed Bass, Bream and many other species.

If you catch something and you don’t know what it is, make sure and throw it back as the Etowah River is home to 76 species of fish. That is twice as many as any other river in the United States. It is one of the richest river habitats in the entire world and deserves our continued stewardship.

If you keep an eye open for a small creek on the left bank of the river, you may find a cascading 80 foot waterfall... “Barefoot Falls.” The water in the creek is so clean that no slime forms on the rocks in the falls. This is due to the pristine watershed above Barefoot Creek. With no agricul-ture, roads, businesses or urban sprawl, the forest naturally cleans the water crystal clear.

Soon afterward, the Amicalola River joins with the Etowah. Just imagine, you are paddling a river where hundreds of Native American camps once dotted the landscape. The river provided their “expressway” as well as a wealth of fish and other food items. Try to leave the river as “native” as you can.

Look for the concrete bridge up ahead. When you see it, go to the right side of the river and take out at the concrete ramp. Be careful! It is slippery. Fasten your load, and drive safely.

PACK IN AND PACK OUTPlease remove all of your trash before leaving the river. There are several places along the river bank that can provide nice primitive picnic spots but there are no facilities for trash.

FEESThere is no fee to put in at River Park Canoe Launch; however, Kelly Bridge Road take-out requires a fee of $3 per person.

The Etowah River contains a huge variety of understory plants and shrubs. Running the river in spring provides a stunning background of flowering mountain laurel all along the river. You will get to experience a piece of Dawson County history and the spectacular variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

The Scenic Etowah River promises to provide many amazing adventures! Bring your family and friends and enjoy this beautiful piece of Dawsonville, Georgia.

Operated by theParks & Recreation

Department

Riv

er P

ark

Can

oe L

aun

chH

wy.

9 S

outh

to

Kel

ly B

rid

ge

Roa

d

1

2

3

8

7

6

5

4

1) B

ig S

avan

nah

Ch

erok

ee v

illa

ges

wer

e sc

atte

red

th

rou

gh

out

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Eto

wah

R

iver

floo

dp

lain

her

e.

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awso

n C

oun

ty W

etla

nd

Mit

igat

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kD

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n C

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ty h

as p

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rved

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e fl

ood

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in a

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ds

her

e on

riv

er

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ht

and

sel

l th

e “c

red

its”

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elop

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ish

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ds.

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ree

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etm

ent

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irst

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ater

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ores

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ock

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ia N

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orat

ory.

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op s

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ld w

ar fa

cili

ty t

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e fa

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pow

ered

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dg

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am s

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ult

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ess

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iver

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oal C

reek

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rs t

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er r

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e of

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ally

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erse

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ersh

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in t

he

enti

re U

S.

9)

Rem

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f Loc

kh

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uil

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oad

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alls

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ater

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Am

ical

ola

Riv

er, B

read

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n V

illa

ge

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e C

her

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e of

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adto

wn

was

loca

ted

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con

flu

ence

wit

h

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Am

ical

ola

Riv

er p

rior

to

the

Tra

il o

f Tea

rs in

18

38.

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e vi

llag

e co

nta

ined

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rist

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l, vi

llag

e an

d, f

or a

sh

ort

tim

e, t

he

Tin

saw

atte

e Sc

hoo

l, ru

n b

y M

orav

ian

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sion

arie

s in

th

e 18

20s.

13)

“F

un

ny

Wat

er”

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e en

tire

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er is

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uee

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wee

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e b

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ers

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e an

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akes

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e st

ron

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dd

ies

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sm

all w

hir

lpoo

ls, b

efor

e tu

rnin

g s

har

ply

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left

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n s

pot

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y in

kay

aks

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wim

in

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edd

ies.

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Tak

e-O

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en y

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ee t

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gh

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oat

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wh

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ell a

bov

e th

e b

rid

ge.

Kel

ly B

rid

ge

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d

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e p

rin

tin

g o

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roch

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ade

pos

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leby

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e fo

llow

ing

sp

onso

rs:

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pal

ach

ian

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tfitt

ers

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w.c

anoe

geo

rgia

.com

Daw

son

Cou

nty

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amb

er o

f Com

mer

cew

ww

.daw

son

.org

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son

Cou

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an’s

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bw

ww

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son

cou

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wom

ansc

lub.

org

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nic

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ww

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wah

scen

icri

ver.o

rg

Th

e O

uts

ide

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ldw

ww

.theo

uts

idew

orld

.net

N

S

E W

Cher

okee

Dar

ter

Shoa

l Cre

ek R

oad

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ly B

ridge

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ollo

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ighw

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Sou

th (r

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iver

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k C

anoe

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e th

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ht (j

ust a

fter S

ilver

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Tire

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o A

.T. M

oore

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d (tu

rns

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ly B

ridge

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d)• F

ollo

w fo

r app

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• Cro

ss th

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tow

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iver

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r the

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ay th

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e

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l Cre

ek

Amic

alola

R

iver

Bri

dge

supp

orts

4 m

iles

6.7

mile

s

8.7

mile

s

RIVER PARKRIVER PARKRIVER PARKCANOE LAUNCHOn the Scenic Etowah River

706-344-3646www.dawsoncounty.org

email: recreation@dawsoncounty.org

INFORMATION

PLEASE NO ALCOHOL, STYROFOAMCOOLERS, OR GLASS CONTAINERS!

THE TAKE-OUT POINT ON KELLY BRIDGE ROAD IS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. THIS IS A FEE AREA. PLEASE ADHERE TO THE SIGNING AT THE AREA AND RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF THE LANDOWNER. ALL TRASH, ETC. SHOULD BE REMOVED.

SAFETYThis river float is an easy float; however, there are a few fast-water areas that do require care in maneuvering around the eddies.Real-time water levels can be obtained from http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02389150. A staff gauge is located next to the stairs at the launch site.River Levels:Below 4 Feet = Low, Allow Extra Time4 to 7 Feet = OptimalAbove 7 Feet = Trees Can be Hazardous Above 9 Feet = Not RecommendedFor your safety...Don’t canoe alone Always wear your life jacket Avoid low hanging branches and fallen trees along the shoreline Wear appropriate shoes and pack a warm shirt or jacket Don’t drink and boat!

WHAT TO BRINGWear life jacket at all times. Swim suits or t-shirts and shorts in the summer. Spring and fall paddlers need a change of clothes that will keep them warm when wet. Aqua shoes or old sneakers are best footwear. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always advisable, as are sunglasses straps.Bug repellent, drinking liquids, a plastic bag or float bag that seals to prevent water in case of an upset, and a trash bag are also advisable.

TIME OF TRAVELFrom River Park Canoe put-in to Kelly Bridge Road take-out, travel is approximately 8.7 miles. Travel time will vary 3-5 hours, depending on water level.

THE SCENIC ETOWAH RIVERRIVER PARK TO KELLY BRIDGE LANDING

The Etowah River passes gently through the Dawson Forest Wildlife Management Area with only a couple of easy Class I-II rapids. This 8.7 mile “run” has a low “degree of difficulty” which allows the visitor ample time to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the river.

After launching, you will pass under the first bridge. A short time later you will paddle beneath a piece of Dawson History…the remains of the Old Iron Bridge. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the hundreds of canopy trees lazily draping over the river. These include River Birch, Sycamore, Green Ash, Red Maple, the Mighty Hemlock and more. The canopy of the overstory trees houses the many varieties of birds and other wildlife that you are likely to encounter. These include the Kingfisher, Wood Duck, Blue Heron, Red Tail Hawk, Hummingbird, Brown Thrasher and many more.

The huge concrete abutments on either side of the river are bridge supports that once held the train tracks that moved materials during the Lockheed years. If you happen to get into any trouble, this is a good place for help to access the river. After passing the old train bridge abutments, the river deepens in more areas and many anglers have enjoyed catching River Catfish, Red Eyed Bass, Bream and many other species.

If you catch something and you don’t know what it is, make sure and throw it back as the Etowah River is home to 76 species of fish. That is twice as many as any other river in the United States. It is one of the richest river habitats in the entire world and deserves our continued stewardship.

If you keep an eye open for a small creek on the left bank of the river, you may find a cascading 80 foot waterfall... “Barefoot Falls.” The water in the creek is so clean that no slime forms on the rocks in the falls. This is due to the pristine watershed above Barefoot Creek. With no agricul-ture, roads, businesses or urban sprawl, the forest naturally cleans the water crystal clear.

Soon afterward, the Amicalola River joins with the Etowah. Just imagine, you are paddling a river where hundreds of Native American camps once dotted the landscape. The river provided their “expressway” as well as a wealth of fish and other food items. Try to leave the river as “native” as you can.

Look for the concrete bridge up ahead. When you see it, go to the right side of the river and take out at the concrete ramp. Be careful! It is slippery. Fasten your load, and drive safely.

PACK IN AND PACK OUTPlease remove all of your trash before leaving the river. There are several places along the river bank that can provide nice primitive picnic spots but there are no facilities for trash.

FEESThere is no fee to put in at River Park Canoe Launch; however, Kelly Bridge Road take-out requires a fee of $3 per person.

The Etowah River contains a huge variety of understory plants and shrubs. Running the river in spring provides a stunning background of flowering mountain laurel all along the river. You will get to experience a piece of Dawson County history and the spectacular variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife.

The Scenic Etowah River promises to provide many amazing adventures! Bring your family and friends and enjoy this beautiful piece of Dawsonville, Georgia.

Operated by theParks & Recreation

Department

Riv

er P

ark

Can

oe L

aun

chH

wy.

9 S

outh

to

Kel

ly B

rid

ge

Roa

d

1

2

3

8

7

6

5

4

1) B

ig S

avan

nah

Ch

erok

ee v

illa

ges

wer

e sc

atte

red

th

rou

gh

out

the

Eto

wah

R

iver

floo

dp

lain

her

e.

2) D

awso

n C

oun

ty W

etla

nd

Mit

igat

ion

Ban

kD

awso

n C

oun

ty h

as p

rese

rved

th

e fl

ood

pla

in a

nd

wet

lan

ds

her

e on

riv

er

rig

ht

and

sel

l th

e “c

red

its”

to

dev

elop

ers

wh

o w

ish

to

fill

th

eir

wet

lan

ds.

3) T

ree

Rev

etm

ent

Par

t of

th

e w

etla

nd

mit

igat

ion

ban

k in

volv

ed r

esto

rin

g d

egra

ded

str

eam

ban

ks.

T

he

rest

ored

str

eam

ban

ks

are

vis

ible

on

riv

er r

igh

t.

9

10

14

13

11

12

4) F

irst

Bri

dg

e, W

ater

In

take

Str

uct

ure

T

his

bri

dg

e si

gn

ifies

th

e en

tran

ce t

o D

awso

n F

ores

t W

MA

an

d r

emn

ants

of t

he

form

er L

ock

hee

d G

eorg

ia N

ucl

ear

Lab

orat

ory.

A t

op s

ecre

t co

ld w

ar fa

cili

ty t

hat

was

use

d in

th

e fa

iled

dev

elop

men

t of

a n

ucl

ear

pow

ered

air

craf

t.

On

riv

er le

ft b

elow

th

e b

rid

ge

is a

n o

ld w

ater

inta

ke s

tru

ctu

re fo

r th

e fo

rmer

Loc

kh

eed

faci

lity

.

5) R

emn

ants

of R

ailr

oad

Bri

dg

e #

1U

sed

by

Loc

kh

eed

in t

he

1950

’s. G

eorg

ia D

NR

wil

dli

fe

pon

d is

on

riv

er le

ft d

own

th

e ol

d r

ail b

ed.

6)

Lin

ear

Stre

am S

egm

ent

Th

ese

lin

ear

stre

am s

egm

ents

are

geo

log

ical

ly c

ontr

olle

d a

nd

may

sig

nif

y an

cien

t fa

ult

s b

elow

gro

un

d h

ere.

7) R

emn

ants

of R

ailr

oad

Bri

dg

e #

2R

oad

acc

ess

on r

iver

left

.

8)

Sh

oal C

reek

Shoa

l Cre

ek e

nte

rs t

he

Eto

wah

on

riv

er r

igh

t, an

d is

on

e of

the

mos

t b

iolo

gic

ally

div

erse

wat

ersh

eds

in t

he

enti

re U

S.

9)

Rem

nan

ts o

f Loc

kh

eed

B

uil

din

g fo

un

dat

ion

s ar

e vi

sib

le o

n r

iver

left

at

the

top

of t

he

hil

l. R

oad

ac

cess

on

riv

er le

ft.

10)

Bar

efoo

t F

alls

A s

hor

t w

alk

up

th

is s

ide

stre

am le

ads

to a

bea

uti

ful w

ater

fall

.

12)

Am

ical

ola

Riv

er, B

read

tow

n V

illa

ge

Th

e C

her

okee

vil

lag

e of

Bre

adto

wn

was

loca

ted

at

the

con

flu

ence

wit

h

the

Am

ical

ola

Riv

er p

rior

to

the

Tra

il o

f Tea

rs in

18

38.

Th

e vi

llag

e co

nta

ined

a g

rist

mil

l, vi

llag

e an

d, f

or a

sh

ort

tim

e, t

he

Tin

saw

atte

e Sc

hoo

l, ru

n b

y M

orav

ian

Mis

sion

arie

s in

th

e 18

20s.

13)

“F

un

ny

Wat

er”

Th

e en

tire

riv

er is

sq

uee

zed

bet

wee

n a

few

larg

e b

ould

ers

her

e an

d m

akes

som

e st

ron

g e

dd

ies

and

sm

all w

hir

lpoo

ls, b

efor

e tu

rnin

g s

har

ply

to

the

left

. A fu

n s

pot

to

pla

y in

kay

aks

or s

wim

in

the

edd

ies.

14)

Tak

e-O

ut

Wh

en y

ou s

ee t

he

con

cret

e b

rid

ge,

th

e ta

ke o

ut

wil

l be

soon

on

you

r ri

gh

t. I

t is

th

e b

oat

ram

p,

wh

ich

is w

ell a

bov

e th

e b

rid

ge.

Kel

ly B

rid

ge

Roa

d

Th

e p

rin

tin

g o

f th

is b

roch

ure

is m

ade

pos

sib

leby

th

e fo

llow

ing

sp

onso

rs:

Ap

pal

ach

ian

Ou

tfitt

ers

ww

w.c

anoe

geo

rgia

.com

Daw

son

Cou

nty

Ch

amb

er o

f Com

mer

cew

ww

.daw

son

.org

Daw

son

Cou

nty

Wom

an’s

Clu

bw

ww

.daw

son

cou

nty

wom

ansc

lub.

org

Eto

wah

Sce

nic

Riv

erw

ww

.eto

wah

scen

icri

ver.o

rg

Th

e O

uts

ide

Wor

ldw

ww

.theo

uts

idew

orld

.net

N

S

E W

Cher

okee

Dar

ter

Shoa

l Cre

ek R

oad

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dge

supp

orts

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iles

11)

Cla

ss I

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apid

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eas

y ri

ffle/

rap

id r

equ

ires

som

e m

inor

man

euve

rin

g t

o m

iss

rock

s an

d s

hoa

ls.

Dire

ctio

ns fr

om R

iver

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k to

Kel

ly B

ridge

Tak

e-ou

t• F

ollo

w H

ighw

ay 9

Sou

th (r

ight

out

of R

iver

Par

k C

anoe

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nch)

• Tak

e th

e 3r

d ro

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n th

e rig

ht (j

ust a

fter S

ilver

City

Tire

) ont

o A

.T. M

oore

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d (tu

rns

into

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ly B

ridge

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d)• F

ollo

w fo

r app

roxi

mat

ely

8 m

iles

• Cro

ss th

e E

tow

ah R

iver

and

turn

into

the

first

driv

e on

the

right

afte

r the

brid

ge• R

emem

ber t

o fil

l out

you

r for

m a

nd p

ay th

e fe

e

Shoa

l Cre

ek

Amic

alola

R

iver

Bri

dge

supp

orts

4 m

iles

6.7

mile

s

8.7

mile

s