American Whitewater received notice that Tallulah River (GA) release will be taking place the first three weekends in November 2011. There had been some question regarding these releases due to low water levels. Georgia Power released the following statement:

 

"Although inflows in the North Georgia area remain very low, the Lake Burton drawdown scheduled for this fall will provide the water needed for the fall whitewater releases at Tallulah Gorge without negatively impacting other resources in the area. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the whitewater releases for the first three weekends in November are scheduled to take place."

 

About Paddling the Tallulah

Scheduled releases occur the first two weekends in April and the first three weekends in November. On Saturday 500 cfs is released and on Sunday 700 cfs. Boaters are allowed on the water once the level stabilizes, which is about 9:30 am; the water is turned off at 4 pm. All boaters must start down the stairs by 3:00 pm to beat the flow down to the lake. You will need to sign a waiver at the top of the stairs to be permitted to paddle the river. Please continue to park across the road from the put-in for a $5.00 fee per vehicle, and remember that you must go under the bridge to cross the road.

 

Here are a few things to remember on your trip to the Tallulah:

 

1. VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

- If you would like more information about Tallulah volunteering, please e-mail Bob Focht.

 

2. PARKING

- Shuttles are not provided any longer at the Tallulah, requiring boaters to set their own shuttles at the take-out. Please carpool, do not overcrowd the take-out and park in designated spaces only. Take-out parking is limited, please maximize parking by sharing shuttles.

 

3. DON'T TRAMPLE THE TRILLIUM 

- Keep boats and bodies on the steps, bedrock, or water at all times, especially at the bottom of the stairs, where some boaters jump the right rail or throw their boats vertically over the back of the platform. Also, keep your impact on the riverbank to a bare minimum in connection with scouting rapids.

 

4. NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED

- Remember that alcohol is prohibited on all Georgia State Parks property.

 

5. CAMPING

- If you are making a trip into the area, please visit one of the nearby campgrounds.

 

6. PLEASE KEEP ALL DOGS ON LEASHES

- All dogs must be kept on six-foot leashes. The owners of unattended dogs, dogs not on leashes, or of animals locked in cars that the park deems as hazardous will be ticketed.

 

7. RAFTS AND OTHER INFLATABLES

- Please read the Inflatable Policy for the Tallulah.

 

8. TAKE-OUT ACCESS GATE

- GA Power will be closing the gate to the take-out access area at 5:00PM and asked that all boaters be off the water and out of the parking area at that time.

 

9. AND FINALLY

- Don't forget, there would be no releases in Tallulah Gorge if it were not for the hard work of the American Whitewater staff and volunteers. Please support American Whitewater with your membership.