What water level is good for paddling Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom?

This section is generally runnable at 150–1,200 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 Toccoa River levels?

We read USGS gauge 03558000 — 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 Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom good for beginners?

This section is rated Class I. 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 Toccoa River here?

Typically April–October, 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 Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom?

This reach is about 14 miles, roughly 6 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom: River Level Today — Can You Paddle It?

Class I14 mi · ~6 hrToccoa RiverGeorgia

Verdict · updated Aug 27, 3:30 AM UTC

Good to paddle

Levels are within the typical runnable range for this section.

Estimated range

227 cfs

1.2 ft gauge height

USGS gauge 03558000

Runnable 150 – 1,200 cfs

01501,2001,410

What this means today

At 227 cfs the Toccoa River is inside the runnable range but only 77 cfs above the 150 cfs floor, so it is sitting at the shallow end of what this reach runs at. A dry few days would take it under.

Over the last 24 hours it has barely moved, 230 cfs to 227 cfs. Daily means over the past 6 days have run between 231 cfs and 283 cfs, 14% lower at the end of the week than the start.

Paddling Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom

Toccoa River at Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom is a 14-mile Class I run in Georgia — easygoing moving water with light riffles and nothing technical. Most paddlers put in at Deep Hole Recreation Area and take out at Sandy Bottom canoe landing, a trip that runs about 6 hours at a relaxed pace.

Whether it's worth the drive comes down to flow. This section generally paddles well at 150–1,200 cfs (a conservative estimate — see our methodology). Much below that and the Toccoa River gets low and bony, so you end up scraping gravel and walking the shallows; well above the top of the range it turns fast, cold and pushy, which is a more serious day than most casual boaters want. We read USGS gauge 03558000 about every 30 minutes and compare the live number to that window, so the verdict at the top of this page reflects conditions right now rather than a monthly average.

Flows here are usually most dependable April–October. Spring can run high after rain or snowmelt, and late summer often drops too low to float well — but the gauge always beats the calendar, so check today's reading before you go.

7-day flow trend

Daily mean flow (cfs), past 7 days. Shaded band = runnable range.

Section facts

Difficulty: Class I
Length: 14 mi
Float time: ~6 hr
Best months: April–October
Put-in: Deep Hole Recreation Area
Take-out: Sandy Bottom canoe landing

Reading USGS gauge 03558000 — TOCCOA RIVER NEAR DIAL, GA ↗ · runnable range is an estimate (see methodology)

FAQ

What water level is good for paddling Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom?: This section is generally runnable at 150–1,200 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 Toccoa River levels?: We read USGS gauge 03558000 — 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 Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom good for beginners?: This section is rated Class I. 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 Toccoa River here?: Typically April–October, 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 Toccoa River — Deep Hole to Sandy Bottom?: This reach is about 14 miles, roughly 6 hours at a relaxed pace. Higher water is faster; low water and headwinds are slower. Add time for stops.

Nearby sections

Too low · 129 cfs