This is one of the most highly requested sections you will find on the Etowah River. It is the section that is called “the tunnel section” and it is also one of the most elusive trips lately with water flow levels. The tunnel can be safely run at levels between 135-320 cubic feet per second. This range with river fluctuations makes it tough to find a day to run the tunnel. Plus you also need to mindful of possible blockages. But all that said, it is tons of fun and a “must do” for all adventurous paddlers. You won’t find a more unique paddle in this area.
Spring is the best time when levels are a bit higher. The tunnel is obviously the main attraction…a 1/3 mile mining tunnel that is large enough for only a kayak or canoe. This tunnel was built over 100 year ago to divert the flow of the river to dredge for gold. It meets to main river channel after it flows through the mountain.
Many outfitters don’t allow paddlers on this section because of tunnel dangers. I have done it many times now and haven’t had any troubles. But it must be done with caution.
Even though the tunnel is the “main entrée” for this trip, there are some really fun shoals and lots of scenery along the way. There are several shoals that do require a sufficient flow of water to navigate. I prefer for it to be over 125cfs to not beat your kayak too bad.
Right from the start you have a tricky rapid that requires some agile paddling so as to not get caught in the low hanging strainer. Its fairly easy for those who have paddled before, but has been a cause for capsizing for beginners.
There are some fairly easy but exciting class I rapids throughout the first 4 miles of this section. The river twists and turns and the scenery is some of the best. There are plenty of homesteads along the river so its best to obey signs and not stop on private property…even where takeout look appealing.
The tunnel will be around mile 4-5 and will be on your river left. You can recognize it because there is an island that eddies the water just below the entrance of the tunnel. At this point you have a decision. Do you plunge in to the dark abyss or take the normal channel of the river?
The tunnel channel normally has a fallen tree about 100 feet before you enter the tunnel. It is easy to hop over it and continue into darkness. But I like to look into the tunnel and make sure you can see the light at the end of it. If you can’t see light…DO NOT GO IN!
I haven’t seen it where it was blocked on the inside. But its still best to look anyway. Remember the cubic feet per second should be 135-320. You can find this reading on the American Whitewater website.
But if all pre-checks are good. Have fun! The tunnel should be done with a helmet. Headlamps are also recommended. The brighter the light, the better. Its dark inside and even though I’ve done without headlamps in the past, it is better to see the Class II rapids near the middle of the tunnel. It is tricky in the dark, and this is where most of the capsizing happens. Plus the current pulls you into the right side wall here.
After you make it through the rapids it becomes calm and you can look around the tunnel. A couple hundred yards from the exit, you can look up and see a vent. It is about the size of a manhole cover. Look up at the right spot and you’ll see blue sky.
The exit of the tunnel is sometimes tricky. It narrows drastically and you have to bring your paddle in tight to avoid scraping the walls. The exit is really fast moving water so enjoy the ride! You get shot out of the tunnel with speed into an eddy pool that has a rope swing.
I have heard of kayakers grabbing this rope and pulling off an Indiana Jones like exit from their kayak onto the rope. I have not yet pulled that off successfully, but will be sure to try my best on upcoming trips.
The river after the tunnel meets with the main channel. From here on there has been a few fallen trees to contend with, but nothing that is too difficult. Enjoy the scenery the next 3-4 miles. It is pretty and there is a bamboo forest near an old mill. This mill was once known as Jenkins Mill and the community of Landrum. It also makes a good place to stretch legs and enjoy the scenery.
The takeout is off of GA 136 in Dawsonville. For some reason, they never put a boat ramp here. You literally take out under the bridge in the sandy right bank. It’s a little walk to get to the “parking” spot along HWY 136. So be prepared to carry kayaks for about 50 yards. Its a pain, but this prevents this section of the river from being overcrowded with paddlers.
Congratulations! You have completed the “tunnel section” of the wild and wonderful Etowah River. It’s one of the best and provides great stories to tell. Cheers!
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