Appalachian Outfitters Chestatee River Trips

Access type

Operator rental & shuttle. Online reservations are recommended for canoe and kayak trips, especially on summer weekends and holidays, though the six-mile Chestatee trip accepts walk-ins when equipment is available. Tubing is normally first come, first served; groups larger than 10 may arrange a reservation.

Check-in or trailhead

2084 South Chestatee / Highway 60, Dahlonega, GA 30533

Canoe and kayak guests check in at the Dahlonega Outpost at 2084 South Chestatee / Highway 60 for the six-mile Chestatee trip. Tubing uses a separate outpost at 1182 Golden Avenue in Dahlonega. The operator lists the canoe and kayak takeout at 4898 South Chestatee.

Season & current access

The operator currently lists Chestatee canoe and kayak trips on weekends in October, with trip starts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Its tubing page says tubing operates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and is closed for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Age, skill & route requirements

At normal water levels, the minimum age is 5 for canoeing or kayaking and 4 for tubing. PFDs are provided and must be worn. Protective water shoes or secured sandals are required; flip-flops are not appropriate. The operator permits dogs on the Chestatee canoe and kayak trip, but not on tubing or Dawson Forest trips.

The six-mile Chestatee canoe and kayak route averages about 2.5 hours and is listed as beginner Class I, with gentle rapids. The short tubing float takes about 30–45 minutes during its Memorial Day–Labor Day season. These are self-paddled or self-floated rental trips with operator logistics, not guided instruction or live-condition guarantees.

Fit it into a wine weekend

Make the river the first major activity of the day. Finish the trip and shuttle, change, hydrate and eat before heading to a Dahlonega winery. A longer river day should replace a second tasting rather than compressing the itinerary.

Official access or booking details ↗