5 Best Kayaking Destinations Near Marietta, Georgia
Marietta is a lively city, just northwest of Atlanta, Georgia with a rich history and vibrant future. It is perhaps best known for its charming turn-of-the-century square, quaint shops, beautiful parks, hiking trails, theaters and museums, but the city is also centrally located near some of Georgia’s best kayaking destinations.
Marietta Kayaking Trips
Georgia is a wonderful destination for year-round kayaking and Marietta is smack in the middle of some the state’s best. Here we’ve outlined a few of the most popular places to paddle near Marietta, Georgia.
Kayak the Chattahoochee River
The very first designated National Water Trail in the states was the Chattahoochee River National Water Trail. It’s a wonderful 48-mile trail with 17 access points and both Class I and Class II sections that’s great for rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and motorboat use year-round. The trail starts just below the Buford Dam and ends at Peachtree Creek. With so many access points, it’s easy to plan the perfect length trip for kayaking with kids and also offers cold-water trout fishing. The river does stay pretty cool, rarely warming above 50 degrees, so be sure to dress appropriately.
Kayak the Yellow River Water Trail
This 53-mile flatwater trail stretches from suburban Atlanta to Lake Jackson with access points every 5-10 miles. It offers a wide range of wildlife and a rich history having prior mill towns and Native American Indian settlements along its banks as well as a few sections with Class III rapids, so plan your trip wisely. The quiet, peaceful paddling of the upper stretches of the river offer city dwellers around Atlanta and Marietta a much-needed escape.
Kayak the Gainesville Upper Lanier Water Trail
Gainesville Upper Lanier Water Trail is a 14-mile section of Lake Lanier and is a continuation of the Upper Chattahoochee River Water Trail. It’s great for beginners and kids as the trail offers calm, flatwater kayaking. Five lake parks in Gainesville offer launch sites, Clarks Bridge Park, Holly Park, Linwood Nature Preserve, the pier at Longwood Park, and Lanier Point Park as well as beaches and walking trails.
Kayak Lake Acworth
Lake Acworth is a 260-acre lake in the historic district of Acworth, just north of Marietta. Motorized boats are not permitted, making the lake an ideal location for kayaking. Park access, parking, and boat launch are available at Cauble Park. Mirror-calm water make this lake a beautify location for anyone who just wants to relax and enjoy nature out on the water. Kayak and paddle board rentals are even available in the summer from Acworth Beach Rentals.
Kayak Lake Allatoona
Lake Allatoona isn’t much farther from Marietta and offers excellent kayaking as well that offers beautiful sights and multiple quite coves to explore. The lake shore isn’t dominated by vacation homes like many in the area as much of it is shoreline is Army Corps of Engineers property. There’s lots of undeveloped sections where you can pull up to shore and picnic or climb around on the rocks. If you are looking for a more challenging paddle, launch from to Dallas Landing Park. The park is only open mid-April through mid-September but offers some of the most beautiful sights in the Red Top Mountain Area.
Storing Your Kayak
Georgia is a beautiful place to kayak and you don’t have to go far from the city to find some great nature filled kayaking locations. But when your kayaking adventure comes to an end, as it always must, make sure you’re properly storing your kayak. Proper storage will keep your kayak in better shape, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come. A hand-crafted log kayak rack from Log Kayak rack will beautifully store and display your kayak keeping it safe when not in use and your shoreline or property clutter free. The durable frames are naturally weather-resistant and can store up to eight kayaks. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Marietta, Georgia kayak storage needs.