Chattahoochee River — Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill: Water Level Today — Can You Paddle It?
Chattahoochee River · Class II · Georgia
Current verdict
Too low to paddle
Not enough water to float well — expect scraping and walking. Wait for rain or a dam release.
USGS gauge 02336000 · updated Jul 9, 7:45 AM UTC
7-day flow trend
Section facts
- Difficulty
- Class II
- Length
- 5 mi
- Float time
- ~3 hr
- Best months
- May–September
- Put-in
- Johnson Ferry (Powers Ferry)
- Take-out
- Paces Mill (US 41)
Reading USGS gauge 02336000 — CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER AT ATLANTA, GA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)
FAQ
What water level is good for paddling Chattahoochee River — Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill?
This section is generally runnable at 1,200–8,000 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Below that it gets too low and bony; well above the top of the range it becomes pushy and then dangerous. We compare the live USGS reading to that range to produce today's verdict.
How do I check Chattahoochee River levels?
We read USGS gauge 02336000 — the same public data USGS publishes — about every 30 minutes and compare it to the runnable range for this reach. You can also view the raw gauge yourself at waterdata.usgs.gov.
Is Chattahoochee River — Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill good for beginners?
This section is rated Class II. At good levels it suits confident beginners and up, but it can have riffles or small rapids. Scout anything you can't see, and stay off it at high water.
When is the best time to paddle Chattahoochee River here?
Typically May–September, when flows are most reliable for this section. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt; late summer can drop too low. Always check today's gauge reading rather than assuming.
How long does it take to float Chattahoochee River — Johnson Ferry to Paces Mill?
This reach is about 5 miles, roughly 3 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.