Because of our wide variety of adventure sports,
and our mild year-round climate, the North Georgia Mountains are
the Adventure Capital of the Southeastern United
States.
Imagine the
heart-pounding
ride
of your
life as you drop through your first whitewater rapids, the exhilaration
as you soar hundreds of feet above Lookout Mountain on a hang glider
or the thrill as you drop at astounding speeds in
a free-fall before your parachute opens. All these
can
all be experienced first-hand here in Georgia's Historic High Country,
the Land Of Sights and Legends.
Canoe and Kayaks - The Toccoa River Canoe Trail is a 17.3 mile
leisurely float through public forested land and pastoral private land.
Laurel and rhododendron thickets and their associated wildlife coupled
with good fishing and some rapids make this the perfect trip for beginners
and families. The U.S. Forest Service provides maps with suggested public
campsites and entry and exit points on the river.
The Cartecay River
in Ellijay offers Class I, II and III rapids. Rome's Heritage Riverways
pocket parks provide canoe access, picnic areas and walking trails
along the shores of three rivers - Oostanaula, Etowah and Coosa.
Although no
outfitters service these rivers, Calhoun's Conasauga, Oostanaula
and Coosawattee Rivers are superb spots for river adventure and outdoor
fun.
Tubing - Three companies in Blue Ridge offer tubing
rentals and transportation services on the Toccoa River. Most suggested
trips are 4-hour leisurely
floats through gentle rapids and mountain wilderness. Ellijay's
Coosawattee River is a good site for tubing. Local businesses offer
rentals and
transportation services. Contact the Welcome Centers in these areas
for more details.
White Water Rafting - Professional
guides offer trips down the thrilling Class III and IV rapids of the
Ocoee River (site of the 1996 Olympic Slalom Canoe and Kayak competitions).
Two
HHCTA Member companies offering excursions are Southeastern Expeditions,
404-329-0433 and Wildwater Limited, 423-496-4904.
Skydiving - Adventure Skydiving in Rome offers skydiving training
and excursions on weekends.
Hang Gliding - Let your spirit soar at the Lookout Mountain Flight
Park in Rising Fawn, where experienced hang gliders launch from 1,340 feet
on McCarty's Bluff. Beginning thrill seekers get step by step instruction
starting at only 5 feet.
