Georgia Natural Wonder #38 - Amicalola Creek - Edge Of World - Devil's Elbow. 2,813

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #38 - Amicalola Creek

All accesses covered in this post are now fee areas. For parking, a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass must be secured by phone or internet from the Department of Natural Resources. A 3 day GORP is $3.50 and an annual GORP is $19. See GORP in the Resources section at the end of the guide. Note: there are no pay stations at the access points.

Knowledgeable canoeists and naturalists consider the Amicalola to be one of Georgia's most beautiful and exciting waterways. More river than creek in size, the Amicalola was one of the top three candidates in the nationwide search for a river to be designated as the first National Wild River Park. Georgia Highway 53 crosses the midpoint of the Amicalola, approximately 7 miles west of Dawsonville. Dawsonville can be reached from GA 400 by traveling west on GA 53.



The Amicalola, called a creek on some maps and a river on others, lies entirely in Dawson County. If it is a creek, it is an awesome one. The scenery is spectacular, the rapids are sometimes stupendous. It is hard to describe this stream without superlatives, so if it is just a creek, it is simply the best whitewater creek in the state. It is navigable above Six Mile Campground, but is subject to downed trees and problematic parking. I have never floated above the campground. The Six Mile Campground is our designated headquarters when we float or visit any part of this river.



The Amicalola offers some of the most spectacular scenery and challenging whitewater in the northern part of the state. Its flow is almost entirely within Dawson Forest State Forest, a managed state forest and wildlife management area. It features several Class II rapids on the upper Amicalola, and a solid mile of up to Class III (IV) rapids just below Highway 53. The Amicalola is also a prime trout fishing stream. The Amicalola enters the Etowah River still in Dawson Forest at the end of the float.



A. Lindsey Ford Access (Six Mile Campground) (GA), 5.4 miles, Class II
B. Steel Bridge, (GA), 2.3 miles, Class II
C. Highway 53 Access, (GA), 9.8 miles, Class IV

The Upper Amicalola is a II/III+ run with scenery second to none. This section starts only a couple miles downstream from the famous Amicalola falls which is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. It has often been referred to as a mini version of Section 3 (Chattooga River). The river has been run at levels as low as 0.4 on the GA53 gauge but a realistic minimum for the entire run is 1.1. At this level, all the rapids are runnable with a minimum amount of plastic loss from your boat but it would be a long day if you were to do the whole section.



At levels of 1.2-1.5, the river becomes a very good seasoned beginner/intermediate run with enough technical moves, eddy hopping, and surfing to keep things interesting. In my opinion it puts the Cartacay to shame for a beginner / learning river. From 1.6-1.9 the river starts to pad out and speed up with new lines opening up. From 1.9-2.5 the river bumps up to a solid III with a significant increase in the pushiness of the drops and the amount of waves and holes on the river. The abilitly to read water well, avoid features such as but not limited to keeper hydrolics and trees are needed. At all levels this becomes an excellent play boat run just make sure to watch for wood and holes.



There are three put-ins for this section of river.

Put-in 1 Goshen Church Rd/Afton Rd (9.5 river miles total)

From the GA53 Bridge-Go east towards Dawsonville. Take a left at the junction of GA53 and GA183. Go approximately 7.2 miles and make a left on Afton Rd. If you reach the intersection of GA183 and GA136, you have gone too far. Go 1.6 miles and put in at the bridge. The area surrounding this put-in is private land. No problems have been encountered here, but please be respectful. The river between this put-in and put-in 2 contains mostly moving water, several downed trees and a fun class two. A little after 1.5 river miles you will see the last house on river right, you will now be entering Dawson Forest.



Put-in 2 Lindsey Ford/ Six Mile / DNR Campground (7.7 river miles total) Put in for six mile/ camp ground (Class N/A, Mile 1.8 past the Put–in 1)

Great put in. Stairs lead directly to the river. This is the second put in down. From the GA53 bridge-Go west 1 mile and make a right on Amicalola Church Rd. Follow the road until the pavement runs out and then continue approximately 1.5 miles. The road will begin to climb a hill and bear around to the left. There will be a brown forestry service sign on the right, next to the campground road. This is a good putin and gets you to the first set of rapids a little faster. It now requires you to have a pass to park here. I would suggest parking in the over flow parking. Or you could always buy a pass Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass and set up your base camp here. If you are going this route, pass is under 10 dollars for 3 day pass but you need to do this at home because it requires a printer.



For the most part the upper Amicalola Creek provides easy floating and quiet beauty, but a few rapids require extra care. Early in the run, the stream turns east and comes to a shallow and rocky series of class II ledges. In mid run,



Cochran Creek enters on the left and increases stream volume considerably.



In the next half mile are those good rapids that may require scouting. The first is a stream wide five foot ledge.



The Ledge (Class II+, Mile 4.8)

A five foot river wide ledge. Best line is typically right of center. This is a mandatory scout due to the possible presence of wood. Scout from the left bank. Look for a little chute into a pool just left of the downstream island.


Wooooooo


Right bank of Ledge.


Looking back up to Ledge from further downstream.

The second rapid is more complex; from a right side approach several routes are possible. Sometimes we try to set throw lines in the shallows below. One enters toward river right, angled left, and some quick avoidance strokes may be necessary.



The third rapid is a three and a half foot ledge that can be sneaked through on the extreme right; the main route left of center can be a boat buster. The third ledge in the series is more of a nuisance than a thrill. I usually paddle all the way across, above the ledge, as I'm still researching a cleaner and more interesting option.



The rest of this float is easy and you are relieved to finally arrive at Devil’s Elbow.



The lovely ladies at the local BBQ house first told about their local swimming hole: The Devil’s Elbow. We found this deceptively beautiful swimming hole- but the ladies had told us that an adult had drowned there a few weeks prior, trying to rescue a drowning child, so we entered with caution.



A quick note on place names- if some place has the name “Devil”, “Satan”, “Hell” or “Death” included in it, there is usually a darn good reason. A group of elders didn’t sit around a campfire and say “Hey, let’s call this Satan’s Armpit” for no reason what so ever. And this applied to the inviting Devil’s Elbow.



Located off of GA 53 in the Dawson Wildlife Management Area, (Also a fee- Georgia Outdoor Recreational Pass-GORP tag needed area), we parked up and clambered down a red mud trail to the river below, where three teenaged boys were taking turns swinging from a rope swing into the icy river.



There were places to dive, makeshift ladder’s nailed into trees.......



I would worry about submerged driftwood from storms. Wonder what killed that one fellow.



It was obviously a popular place........

 

Then there is the elbow itself, a large bluff blocking the river, forcing it to go around. Parade of participants. I have made the plunge at least a dozen times, never rope swinged though.



“There’s a deep undertow at the river bend,” one of the boys told us. “You have to be very careful.”



The water is at least 15 feet deep, but you need to jump out from the bluff launch point at least 7 feet.



The locals hung out on top while the youngsters bluff dived.



I tried my best to capture the moment. The video linked is a marvelous two minutes of Devil’s Elbow baby. I can’t tell you how much fun the Devil’s Elbow is. This youtube captures the thrills and spills here …..



We waded downstream instead, There is a great rocky beach that the locals use for baptisms on Sundays and a local beach all other times.



Thankfully, the water flows away from the Devil’s Elbow, so we were able to splash away in the shallows. The official beach of Dawsonville.



Put-in 3 Steel Bridge Road/ (Devils Elbow) (2.3 river miles total)

From the GA53 bridge-Go west 1 mile and make a right on Amicalola Church Rd. Go approximately 3 miles and make a right on Steel Bridge Rd. Best put-in access is on the right side of the bridge. This is an excellent option if you live close and want to have a short river day.



A lot of people do this short version because there are three fun rapids with great eddy practice and you can knock it out in about a hour. This putin also requies a pass. To avoid this fee, drive over steel bridge past the user fee area sign and park on right shoulder. Again if you would like to get a GORP pass then you will have to plan ahead a bit and print one out before you leave your house. [www.georgiawildlife.com]



During warmer weather, this section of the Amicalola is typically frequented by an armada of sit-on-tops, tubers, and Wal-Mart rafters with no regard to water level. The vast majority of these individuals are ill equipped or prepared to deal with potential problems that may occur at higher water levels.



The three and a half miles from the Steel Bridge to the Highway 53 bridge is an excellent afternoon trip. There are a few class 2+ broken ledges between the steel bridge and the hwy 53 take out. The exposed rock makes for good lunch spots.



The mountain flora so common on the first section continues, and there are more frequent rock outcroppings.





Because it starts flat and builds to several class II rapids, this section has proved to be an excellent training ground for beginners.



The last rapid is just a quarter mile from the 53 bridge.

The Play Hole (Class II+, Mile 9.5)

Believe it or not, there is actually park and play in North GA. This hole consists of a II+ wave hole with good eddy access from the river right side. The hole is playable from 0.6-1.5. Above 1.5 the hole moves upstream about 10 ft. and forms more of a wave. If you can get on it, it's a great ride.



At this higher level, up to about 3.0, some great standing waves also develop behind this hole. To get to the hole, take the upstream dirt road to the east of the GA53 bridge. Park at the end of the road and walk approximately 100yards up the trail. This is also a great place to sit an watch the local sit-on-top carnage.



The GA Highway 53 bridge marks a dividing point in the Amicalola's difficulty. The upper section above the bridge is ideal for teaching and intermediate canoeing. The Lower Section Amicalola River begins as easy water for about 500 yards then all hell breaks lose. Several long "rock gardens," a 5-foot drop, and a deceptive "roostertail" mark this section. Below the GA 53 bridge is the most difficult water on the river. Beginning with the "Edge of the World Rapids," a Class IV rapid about .5 mile below the bridge, there are several Class II–IV rapids which should be attempted only by expert boaters. Low-water conditions usually are present after June. A foot trail and now a boardwalk for wheel chairs leads down the east side of the river to "Edge of the World."



See how the dialogue segues into River rather than Creek at this point.

The beauty of this river, with its steep banks, gorges, and mountain vegetation, cannot be overemphasized. There are no access points on the Amicalola below the GA 53 bridge, until one reaches the Etowah River. Take-out is on the Etowah, 2 miles below the confluence with Amicalola Creek, at a concrete ramp near Kelley Bridge.


This is so much fun hanging out at the Edge of the World Rapids.

This is a pristine section of river with amazing whitewater at the right water levels. Because most of this stretch lies in a wildlife management area there are no houses along the river. The scenery is top notch with massive rock walls, mini gorges, and beautiful forest. All the major rapids on this run take place in the first 3.75 miles and are interspersed by an assortment of class II-III ledges, slots, and smaller wave trains. Levels 1.1-1.5 is a good beginner level to this section with everything running but nothing too serious.


View from 53 bridge.

From levels 1.5-1.9 things become much more clean regarding the lines. New slots open up and the EOTW becomes more pushy. From 1.9-2.5 this run takes on a whole new attitude, the rapids start running together and it becomes much more continuous with large waves and sticky holes. At these levels the middle ledge in EOTW starts to be a bit retentive so it is a good idea to scout/portage on the left.


Lot of scout rock.

From 2.5 to 3.0 it is full on, not recommended unless having big water skill, and you are used to kayaking in floods. Knowing the river won't really matter at this point because everything starts to change. Have a good crew and be ready for battle.(When levels are really high the last chance to get out before EOTW is sandbar/ beach looking area on left about 100 yards above beginning of rapids.) Above 3 feet the whole river seems to start feeding into a terminal death ledge hole formed by the middle ledge in EOTW. Also logs tend to stack up in EOTW so anytime there has been a flood you should re-scout this rapid. The run is capped off by about six miles of flat water that moves good at flood level, not so good at lower levels(1.6 and down). The gradient of the white water section averages 52 FPM.


Slow but still beautiful forest no houses toward end of run. 6 miles flat water. .

OK this Edge of the World rapids is a great local hang out spot as you tell from the crowded Highway 53 parking lot. This is fed by the boardwalk. My girls tell me they got a ticket hanging out at the rapids with Their friends, so I post this disclaimer again.....

All accesses covered in this post are now fee areas. For parking, a Georgia Outdoor Recreation Pass must be secured by phone or internet from the Department of Natural Resources. A 3 day GORP is $3.50 and an annual GORP is $19. See GORP in the Resources section at the end of the guide. Note: there are no pay stations at the access points.

This trail starts at the canoe ramp on the north end of the gravel parking lot on Georgia 53, follows the river to the Class IV "Edge of the World" rapids. Prior to the purchase of the land by the city, Lockheed ran a 10 mega-watt nuclear facility on a site in the southeastern corner of the present management area. They were trying to develop a nuclear airplane. As a result of this operation about four acres of the forest are off-limits due to high levels of radioactive cobalt deposits. There are additional "hot spots" where radiation levels are elevated but within the current limits for direct radiation exposure. Scientists routinely monitor the radioactive levels, and they consider them "stable," however, we strongly encourage hikers to stay on the marked paths.


If you see this building, you may be in the wrong area.

Take the road from the north end of the parking lot (the area furthest away from the road) to the boat ramp/handicap parking area. This is a major put-in for canoeing and kayakers who want to test their skill on the class IV "Edge of the World" rapids half-a-mile downstream. The Amicalola River Trail begins on the south side of the gravel parking area, near the river. As an alternate, bypass the launch site by climbing down the wooden stairs in the parking lot, which take you the GA 53 bridge.



Initially, the hike is in a small flood plain of the Amicalola River, which ends well before the Georgia 53 bridge. Coming out of the bridge look to the left. This 30 foot boulder wall was the old beginning of the trail, and hikers had to scramble down the boulders to get to the start of the trail. Well-marked, this interpreted trail features blue rectangular blazes.


Great rapid right off bat under 53 bridge.

The trail passes the old covered bridge pylons before coming to the rapids at .5 miles.



Covered bridge foundation looking up to modern Hwy. 53 bridge.


Lots of shoals alongside trail leading to EOTW rapids.

The impressive whitewater known as "The Edge of the World Rapids" is created by the Brevard Fault Line, which runs from northeast to southwest across the heart of North Georgia. High water blocks the view of the river to canoeists, hence the name.


See the horizon at the edge of the world.

Edge of the World is the largest and most well known rapid on the Lower Amicalola. During summer months, you will typically find the locals camped out on the ledges of the rapid and swimming the lines, reminiscent of Bull Sluice. At levels of 1.1- 1.3 this rapid is a solid III+, dropping approximately 40 feet in the span of 75 yards.



At this level, the moves are mostly slots and make a good training rapid for beginners working on their creeking moves. Its a good park and huck also paddling down from bridge and running laps. At levels of 1.4-1.8 +/-, the water becomes much pushier and the level bumps up to a solid IV.



At levels over 1.8, the classic lines begin to wash out and new hydraulics develop. If you are accustomed to running this rapid at the classic level of 1.1-1.5, this is a definite re-scout over 1.8.



TRD took the barefoot walk to no man’s land on the right bank back in his thinner days.



You will recognize the start of this rapid by the well-defined horizon line and large amount of wood present at the top center and right of the rapid. If water level is high get out on sandy beach area 300 yards or so before rapids on left.Always walk down and scout.


Me and Hendrix scouting.


Floating the first part with Hendrix.



The rapid consists of two widely spaced ledges followed by a six foot near vertical drop and then a series of slides.



Hanging out at the big drop on a tree that is now gone.



Edge of the World!



Classic line is to run 20ft off the left bank. Hit the first ledge with some left angle to catch the eddy or some right angle to continue downstream.
Follow the moving water towards the second ledge and either run it straight or hit the boof. This ledge is the one that becomes the problem at higher levels. Be aware of the boat gouging line to the left of the boof. This is where everybody is drinking beer on the big rock grandstand.



The six foot drop is so much fun to hang out and bodysurf over and over.Do not go head first straddling an intertude as there is a butt busting rock under the main cascade. Don’t let this be a head busting rock. After this, run hard to the right bank and hit the vertical slot. Still three good drops to go.


Dodge the kids all playing.

Move left and run the final slide. At levels over 1.4 or so, it is possible to run the slide to the left of the vertical slot. If you catch the level right, a good surf wave develops below the second ledge and before the vertical slot.


Boof Hard

Additionally, the river left line below the second ledge is runnable but not advisable due to a large amount of wood and an undercut rock on the left bank. The kids jump off a rock over here.



All the way to the right of the river is a third ledge that can only be run in high water.



Alright the whole thing is these two spots, the elbow and the edge, if your looking for a relaxing weekend with the family. Floating below the edge is only for the hardcore mainly because of the slow last 6 miles.

The class II – II action continues for another half mile of maneuvering before slowing to any sizable pool. Pools interspersed with Class II continue for another half mile to Off the Wall rapids.


Rapids below the Edge of the World.

Off the Wall (Class III, Mile 1.0)

This is the next big rapid after EOTW. You will see a waterfall coming from a side stream on your right, then a island. It is defined by a pretty large sloping rock face on the river right bank. Stay to the right and then run at the wall.



A large portion of the stream flow is diverted by boulders into a narrow channel on the right. Here the water rebounds off the granite face and makes a quick drop. The line is straightforward. Run hard to the right bank and then move to the left of the downstream rock. Draw left of the protruding rock at the bottom of the chute.



Scenery surpasses the expectations of most travelers on their first decent. Lacy hemlocks and towering pines jut out from rocky precipices. Sheer walls occasionally rise several hundred feet above water level. Tributary streams cascade into the crystalline Amicalola and the influences of nearby civilization are seldom evident. Savor it.

Boogie (Class II+, Mile 1.2)

Just some class 2 boogie water, keep a eye out for the beautiful rock cliffs. Class 3 boogie at flows 2.0 feet and up.



Thy Holiness (Class II+, Mile 1.3)

You will come around the corner after some boogie water then you will see a slight horizon line. Just T up and paddle hard. I once had a friend swim out of this hole and it took about 20 minutes and 2 miles of river to get all his stuff. When he finally got done with that swim I think I heard him praying.



Split Decision (Class III, Mile 1.9)

Split decision is made up of three chutes divided by large boulders in the stream bed. The left chute is a tight slide into a pillow that immediately banks right. There are often trees in this line so scouting should take place before you run it.



The center line runs down onto a boulder where if you hit it correctly can give you a nice boof. The center channel seemingly splits the large boulder.The right line is a slide that banks left at the end. If you are skilled and willing to work a little you can run all three lines without too much difficulty. At higher levels, this rapid becomes a definite scout due to the possibility of pinned wood in the chutes. Neither bank is great to scout from, but the right bank does give a better view of the line.




I am running short of images for this section of the post, but I did find this wonderful video of kayaking the Amicalola. The very last rapid is Split Decision.

Surf and Turf (Class II, Mile 2.0)

More boogie with some great play spots with beautiful rock gorges.

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26pMxNxunzM[/video]
Holy shit this instructional video at high water is amazing.

The action begins to moderate, but just about the time you think the Amicalola has shown you all its thrills, you reach the Rooster Tail Rapid.

Rooster Tail (Class IV, Mile 2.3)

Rooster Tail is nothing more then a huge slide with good lines on the right and left sides when levels are 1.0-1.7+. The rapid gets its IV rating from the presence of a potential keeper hydraulic that develops at higher water levels 2.0+ The rapid is easily scouted from the left bank and the hole is easily avoidable. Right below here on the right there is a great surf wave and a little further down on the left there is a sandy beach. The stream drops steeply with good routes on the left (The Rooster tail) and on the far right. The center is usually too shallow and rocky.



Lets Make A Deal (Class III, Mile 3.0)

This is the last significant rapid of the run. You have door 1, door 2, and door 3.... Well really you can run combinations of each line. The rapid consist of a upper part which has three lines and a lower part which has three lines. Mix and match all you want for the same price. The right line is more creeky and channelized and the left line is a little more beefy. At flows over 2.2 its hard to distinguish any lines.



More Boogie (Class II, Mile 3.5)

After lets make a deal, there is another mile or so of class two boogie before the gradient is taken out back and shot.



Paddle Out (Class N/A, Mile 4.0)

To cap off this run you will need to paddle yourself out on about 6 miles of flat water. At levels above 1.7 the run out is moving pretty fast, below this it is not running very fast. This is compounded when your floating a raft or inner tubes like we were. I can cut and paste some good kayak directions, but I was a rafter or tuber when I did these river sections. At any level it is still very beautiful. The intense whitewater has ended, the current is almost slack. There are still 6 miles to go. This is where the bitching starts. How much further dad? Relax and enjoy this section or paddle hard if the day is waning. It always takes longer than you think it will. Bring some snacks. Have a dry bag. Bring enough life jackets, rangers can count. There are still some pretty cliffs, but each bend in the river with no civilization in site just increases the bitching.



When everyone is thoroughly pissed off, the Etowah River flows in from your left. We are now officially on the Etowah River as the Amicalola River has ended. Even though the flow is mellow in here, there are still some pretty neat cliffs along side the river.



The float finally ends 2 miles below the confluence, at a concrete ramp near Kelley Bridge. The jubilation over finally getting off the river was apparent for my kids, they were really a pill those last 5 miles. But I have longed to return to this float.



The pullout at the confluence with the Etowah river is open for now. It keeps you from having to go all the way to Kelly Bridge takeout. The road down can be a little rough so you need to take your time. The road is part of the Dawson Forest road system (Mill Road). Also from what I read this take out requires a 1 mile uphill hike with your raft or kayak.

Kelly Bridge Take-out Directions.

Go west on GA53 for one mile and make a left on Cowart Rd at the Quickie Mart. At the stop sign, make a left on Kelly Bridge Road. Go 3.4 miles to the take-out. Shuttle round trip is about 15 miles.


Our GNW gals today got the whole family out for this river run. New gal adds some unfair competition.

OK we made it, now you either head back to the Six Mile Campground for another night camping or you round up all the gear for the ride home to Atlanta. Our next wonder is back down by the ocean skidding our way up the coast to Savannah.