Ga Mountains Guide

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in North Georgia

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North Georgia is home to many beautiful waterways that are begging to be explored in a quiet setting on a small boat. 🛶 Take advantage of these rental locations and have an easy day of fun on the mountain rivers and lakes!

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals in North Georgia GaMountainsGuide.com

Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard Rentals in North Georgia

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in North Georgia

No matter whether you prefer kayaks, funyaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), the mountains of North Georgia have something for everyone!

 

Map of North GA Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals

Use this interactive map to find a great place to rent a non-motorized boat for your next trip to North Georgia!

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Blairsville

 

North Georgia Watersports

No matter what kind of lake fun you are looking for, North Georgia Watersports at Lake Nottely should have you covered. Reserve a tandem kayak or canoe for a quiet day on the lake.

🚒 Military and First Responder discounts are available with proof at check-in.

 

Nottely Marina

Lake Nottely and TVA Lake System Map Plaque

Lake Nottely and TVA Lake System Map Plaque

Rent paddle equipment, including canoes, tandem canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards. Available for rent by the hour, day, or week! Closed on Tuesdays.

 

Vogel State Park

Vogel State Park near Blairsville in North Georgia

Lake Trahlyta in Vogel State Park near Blairsville in North Georgia

During most years, you can rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and aquacycles to take out on the 22-acre Lake Trahlyta at Vogel State Park. In 2026, the lake will be drained for dam repairs and maintenance. Water activities (swimming at the sand beach and fishing) are not available, but you may still enjoy other activities like geocaching, hiking, and mini-golf while the dam work is completed.

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Blue Ridge

 

Blue Ridge Mountain Kayaking

Enjoy this 6-mile guided or unguided kayak rental on the lower Toccoa River near Blue Ridge. Kayaking lessons are available for beginners, and a 12-mile trip may be available for experienced kayakers.

Advance payments are by credit card only, and in-person/day-of purchases are cash only. Discounts are available to Military Personnel, Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Nurses, and Search and Rescue Teams. Note that this business is seasonal, and hours should be confirmed before your trip.

 

Lake Blue Ridge Marina

Stand-up Paddleboarding at Lake Blue Ridge in the Georgia mountains

Stand-up Paddleboarding at Lake Blue Ridge in the Georgia mountains [photo ExploreGeorgia]

Rent your choice of a single or double boat for 2 hours at Lake Blue Ridge. Choose from canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Half-day or full-day pontoon boat rentals are also available.  Closed on Mondays.

 

The Paddle Zone

Kayaks at Morganton Point at Lake Blue Ridge

Kayaks at Morganton Point at Lake Blue Ridge [photo ExploreGeorgia.org]

Enjoy a hassle-free trip on local waterways with a wide variety of rentals, including Paddleboards, Kayaks, River Tubes, Inflatable Docks, Beach Chairs & Umbrellas, pop-up planks, Dog Life Vests, and cooler tubes.

Choose daily or weekly rentals and your preferred delivery location. Military and First Responders receive a 10% discount on rentals. Dogs are allowed on the kayaks, inflatable docks, and paddleboards. Dogs are not allowed on the tubes. Note that this outfitter is not located on the water.

 

Toccoa Valley Campground

Kayak down a private 6-mile stretch of Toccoa River on a trip that takes about 2 hours (depending on water levels – call ahead to confirm that water levels can accommodate rafts and kayaks). Single or double kayaks are available for rent, or you may bring your own kayak for a small launch fee (a return trip will be provided during business hours). In addition to camping options, other river activities/rentals at Toccoa Valley Campground include rafting and tubing. No reservations required / first-come, first- served.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Chatsworth

Enjoy all the best of North Georgia with a stop at Fort Mountain in Chatsworth.

 

Fort Mountain State Park

Canoes at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, GA

Canoes at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, GA [photo ExploreGeorgia]

Rent a wide variety of different boats, including Jon boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, aquacycles, and pedal boats. Additional activities include biking, swimming, fishing, geocaching, horseback riding, and mini-golf.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Cherry Log

 

The Toccoa River Outfitter

The Toccoa River Outfitter carries a variety of kayaks (from sit-on-top to sit-inside styles) that can accommodate a range of weights. Book a trip on the Upper Toccoa for two hours — or adapt a trip to fit the amount of time that you want to spend on the river (up to a full day).

All rentals include life jackets, paddles, equipment, and a shuttle between Vanzandt and Sandy Bottom (an extra shuttle fee applies to other locations). Note that this business is seasonal, and hours should be confirmed during the off-season.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Clarkesville

 

Moccasin Creek State Park

Enjoy a perfect summer day with rentals of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards or go all in and rent an entire lakehouse! Take the boats out to quiet spots and fishing for spotted bass, largemouth bass, and brown trout in Lake Burton (ask about the free Fishing Tackle Loaner Program).

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Dahlonega

 

Appalachian Outfitters

Offers canoe and kayak rentals for local rivers and canoe and kayak trips on the Lower Chestatee River, Yahoola Creek, or Etowah River. Hours are seasonal – check the website or call for details. Dogs are welcome. Tubing trips are also available at Appalachian Outfitters.

 

Chestatee River Adventures

Spend a hot summer afternoon on the Chestatee River on a two-and-a-half-hour kayak trip on either a single or tandem kayak. Rental includes boat, life jacket, paddle, and shuttle service! Tube float trips are also available.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Ellijay

 

Cartecay River Experience

Rent a kayak or go tubing with these outfitters based in Ellijay, GA. Daily shuttle service is provided year-round (reservations required between September and April).

 

Ellijay River Outfitters

Choose either the 1-mile or 3-mile trip to fight the waves in a kayak and let Ellijay River Outfitters take care of the rest. You can bring your own equipment and park for free, but note that there is a small fee for the shuttle service. Tube floats are also available.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Helen

 

Unicoi State Park

Rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and pedal boats from Friday to Sunday (seasonal) to take out on the 53-acre Unicoi Lake.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Lakemont

 

Bear Gap Outfitters

The Lake Rabun-based Bear Gap Outfitters also provides boat rentals to Lake Seed and Lake Burton. Choose from canoes, single or tandem kayaks, and paddleboards, or rent a pontoon boat for fatter adventures. Lakefront vacation house renters can request convenient boat delivery to their dock! Discounts are available for multiple-day rentals.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in McCaysville

 

Rolling Thunder River Company

Enjoy a 1.5-mile, 3-mile, or 6-mile trip on the Toccoa River on your choice of kayak or funyak (both available as single or double). Water levels are determined by controlled water releases by the TVA. TVA does not announce water releases in advance, so it is not possible to determine the length of a trip before it starts.

Additional activities at Rolling Thunder River Company include Toccoa River tubing and Ocoee River whitewater rafting trips.

 

Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals in Hiawassee & Young Harris

 

Boundary Waters Resort & Marina

This marina offers a large selection of motorized boats and jet skis, as well as kayaks and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) for rent.

 

The Ridges Resort & Marina Boat Rentals

Paddleboards and single or double kayaks are available to rent by the hour, half-day, or full-day. The Ridges Resort & Marina also offers pontoon boat rentals, 2 types of boat tours, a seasonal waterpark, and waterfront dining!

 

Young Harris Watersports

Young Harris Watersports sells and rents motorized boats and jet skis, as well as kayaks, tandem kayaks, and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards).

***

 

What North Georgia places look most ideal for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards to you?

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14 Responses

  1. Stratos K says:
    April 25, 2023 at 1:39 am

    As an outdoor enthusiast, I found this article on kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals in North GA very helpful. Although I do not live in the nearby area, I am astonished at how many places there are there for canoe and kayak! It’s great to see so many options available for exploring the beautiful waterways in the area. 

    The detailed descriptions of each rental company, along with their pricing and location information, make it easy to plan a fun and affordable adventure. I appreciate the author’s emphasis on safety and responsible paddling as well. Overall, a great resource for anyone looking to enjoy the water in North Georgia.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      April 25, 2023 at 9:10 am

      Hi, Stratos! Hanging out in and on the water in North GA in the summer is one of the best ways to spend a day! Glad to be of help!!

      Reply
  2. bethebest#128 says:
    May 27, 2021 at 12:33 pm

    I think that anyone interested in kayaking, canoe, and paddleboards will be thoroughly impressed by the collage of rentals you just listed. I love how you show social media reactions. You do an amazing job providing all the necessary details for location and what to expect in terms of distance and scope. Gracefully, you leave little up to the imagination and thus prove to be a reliable, dependable, and well-informed source. Also, I think that the images provided correspond to the thorough, yet smooth tone of your post. You certainly put North Georgia on the map!

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 28, 2021 at 11:38 am

      Thank you so much! I hope that this information will help people find great ways to enjoy North Georgia’s natural beauty!

      Reply
  3. Abel says:
    May 27, 2021 at 11:55 am

    I just bought two kayaks for the price of one… canoe believe it?
    Dad’s jokes aside, I really enjoyed your post learning where we can get in some waterfront fun by renting a kayak, paddleboat or canoe. In my book, these activities are memorable way to explore nature with our family. And at the same time get a little exercise too.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 28, 2021 at 11:04 am

      Bahahahaha!!!!!  🙂

      Fantastic joke! I will definitely be sharing that with the kids tonight. Thanks for the smile – you totally brightened my morning!!

      Reply
  4. Gaurav Gaur says:
    May 10, 2021 at 11:52 am

    Hi Alyce
    Thanks for sharing your views on the Kayak, Canoe and paddleboard rentals in North Georgia. It seems water sports have been the main attraction of this place that is why there is a whole lot of attractions available in this place .paddle boards are on my wish list and I hope I will be able to do it someday .I have bookmarked your page so I can come back again .Till that time keep motivating us with more articles.
    Warm Regards,
    Gaurav Gaur

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 10, 2021 at 12:12 pm

      Hi Guarav, We are lucky to have lots of great lakes, rivers, and creeks to explore. I think you’ll enjoy paddleboarding when you try it — it is a lot of fun and a great way to enjoy a day on the lake!

      Reply
  5. Anna says:
    May 10, 2021 at 11:52 am

    This looks like fun, fun and more fun. This is a great overview of some water activities that one can do when visiting North Georgia. This is a very useful review, as you have put in one place a lot of available options with descriptions and helpful details so it’s easier to plan where to go and what to do. The pictures are so inviting, I wish I could go right now, but I’ll have to settle for planning something for the future.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 10, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      Hi Anna, I definitely think it’s helpful to know what options you’ve got when figuring out what to explore on vacation. Hopefully, you found the perfect spot for your family to enjoy a day on the water!

      Reply
  6. Geoff says:
    May 8, 2021 at 9:40 am

    Thanks for bringing us all these great options to consider.

    This would be an excellent idea for our extended family to get together and have some fun.  I love that all the equipment can be hired as it opens up the opportunity to everyone.

    I think that we will try Vogel State Park as it has a great variety of things to do, so that there will be something for everyone.  That way no one will be left out at any time.  Having said that, there are a few in our party that will be more than content to just sit and watch the rest of us.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 8, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Hi Geoff, it can definitely be hard to please a whole group of personalities, but in this case, it should be manageable. 

      I’d recommend that you rent from a place that also has a restaurant on-site so that the sporty types can enjoy time on the water while the others enjoy the view from a restaurant or bar onshore! Some good choices would be Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton and The Ridges Resort and Marina on Lake Chatuge. Enjoy!

      Reply
  7. Kokontala says:
    May 5, 2021 at 10:35 pm

    Greetings! I can imagine the feeling of reserving a kayak, tandem kayak, or canoe for a quiet day on the lake; it’s undoubtedly amazing. I have never been to Georgia before, but having read and seen all the information and pictures you provided, North Georgia is definitely a great place to tour. It’s beautiful and unique.

    Reply
    • Alyce says:
      May 6, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Hello! It’s also nice and convenient that there are places to rent these personal watercraft on about every lake and river in the area! I hope you can visit soon and experience the R&R for yourself.

      Reply

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