County:  Dawson

Length: 8.7 miles

Rapids: Class I-II

Duration: 5 hours

Start Location: Highway 9 N34 degrees  21′ 27.5″, W84 degrees

End Location: Kelly Bridge Road N34 degrees 21′ 9.6″,W84 degrees

Directions:

Take-Out

1. Take 369 to Highway 9
2. Head north on Highway 9 for 5.4 miles, then turn left onto A.T. Moore Road after crossing the Dawson County line.
3. After 0.7 mile A.T. Moore will become Kelly Bridge Road.
4. Continue along Kelly Bridge for 6.4 miles
5. The put-in will be on your right past the bridge over the Etowah.

Put-In

1. Get back on Kelly Bridge and backtrack to highway 9
2. Turn left and follow Hwy 9 north for 1.7 miles
3. Put-in on your left past the bridge over the Etowah

Fees: No fees at Hwy 9 but Kelly Bridge has a 3$ parking fee (Stop at gate to get parking envelope)

River Gauge: Upstream just on the other side of the bridge on bank (River right)

River Levels:

• Below 4 feet = Low, Allow Extra Time
• 4 to 7  feet =  Optimal
• Above 7 feet = Watch for deadfall - downed trees

We have run this section of the Etowah a few times now and it is one of my favorite floats for a few reasons. Along the way, there are plenty of distractions. From the remnants of a top secret cold war facility used for the failed development of a nuclear powered aircraft, to rope swings and of course the beautiful Barefoot Falls. Since almost the entire section is located in the Dawson Forest it also has plenty of quiet seclusion and since it is on public land camping is allowed!

The first of our trips was around mid-summer with a couple friends. The second, a solo trip I did from 136 to Kelly Bridge. The last trip was early fall when we camped along the river at Barefoot Falls. The falls are located approximately 5 miles in to the trip. You will need to look for a rope swing (river left) hanging from a large tree on a steep bank just beyond a small creek. As you climb up the bank, you’ll see a clearing and a fire ring.  Follow the trail parallel to the stream on you left leading away from the river for about a 1/4 mile and you’ll find the base of the falls. It is worth stopping to view the falls even if you are not camping.

As far as the river itself, it is about 30 to 40 feet wide for most of this section and often shaded by river birch, ash and sycamore. For the most part it is calm with the occasional shoal and a couple small rapids throughout the run. Some of the more significant small rapids show up just before the Amicalola River which flows in from your left to meet the Etowah at around 6.7 miles. A mile or so further down river there are large boulders you’ll want to shoot through which can tend to make some stronger eddies signifying you’re nearing the end of the trip.

Unfortunately, I deleted all my photos from this section by mistake so I decided to pull one from the web and will need to run it again to take more.

Additional posts on the Etowah River:

• Kelly Bridge to Old Federal
• Old Federal to Yellow Creek
• Yellow Creek to 372
• 372 to East Cherokee
• East Cherokee to Boling Park
• Boling Park to Lake Allatoona at Knox Bridge

Main Review:

The Therm-a-rest Neo Air - Fast & Light series is one of the lightest, smallest sleeping pads on the market currently and is one of the newest additions to my pack list. I recently bought the (small) Therm-a-Rest Neo Air and rolled, it’s a mere 9×3 inches and weighs only 9oz. I’ve owned 4 other Thermarest pads, the most recent being the Thermarest Trail Lite which is great but is huge and bulky compared to the Neo Air and weighs 1lb 12oz . I will still be using my old one but wanted a more minimalist option.

I was pleasantly surprised when the Neo Air arrived and even the packaging was compact. Unlike the old plastic wrapping I used to buy a thermarest in I was able to actually roll this one back up and get it in its original packaging. It currently comes in a yellow (Limon - I believe they call it) color and available in 4 sizes Small, Medium, Reg., and Large.

The difference between this non-insulated pad and others is its ability to keep you warm during winter trips. It has a reflective barrier reducing ground heat-loss and returns warmth to your body.

Specs:

Dimensions:

[S ] 20 x 47 in; [M ] 20 x 66 in; [R ] 20 x 72 in; [L ] 20 x 77 in

Rolled Size:

(small) 9 x 3.3 in, (medium) 9 x 4 in, (regular) 9 x 4 in, (large) 9 x 4.5 in

Weight:

(small) 9 oz, (medium) 13 oz, (regular) 14 oz, (large) 1 lb 3 oz

Negatives:

Tends to be a little noisy (crinkly) when rolling over on it.

Positives:

Ultralight

Very compact

Warm- Patent pending thermal barrier

Comfortable-Triangular Core Matrix Design

Recommended Use:

Ultralight Backpacking

Bottom Line:

If you are concerned about pack weight and size this really is one of your best options.

Tip: Before use on the trail - Blow it up initially, close the valve and leave it for a couple days. Open the valve and store it under a bed or in a warm dry place. Self-inflating mattresses tend to remember and inflate better if correctly stored.

To use the comparison tool for other ultralight sleeping pads click on the Buy Now button below.

Winner of the Editors’ Choice Award 2009 from Backpacker Magazine.

Nearest Town: Hayesville, North Carolina

Trailhead Location: USFS 67

Trail Length: Approx. 13 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Marker: White Blaze

Directions: Take US 64. Right on Old US Hwy 64. Right on US 67.

Well, I am finally getting around to posting another section of the Appalachian Trail. A couple of friends and I backpacked from Winding Stairs Gap Southbound to the Sassafras Ridge area. The original plan on this trip was to backtrack all the way back to our last stopping point along the A.T. around Betty Creek Gap. Unfortunately, that weekend it poured almost the whole time with only a few short breaks. We ended up cutting the trip short and setting up camp early.

The spot we camped had great views off to the Northwest. According to my map we were likely looking at Foster Knob and Rockyface Mtn.

Recently, I went back up and completed the section on a long day hike and other than it being a little colder the weather wasn’t any different. Hiking in the rain seems to be my M.O.

Directions to take-out at Old Federal:

1. From 575,  take Ga. 20 towards Cumming
2. Turn left onto Ga-369
3. Turn left onto Old Federal Rd
4. Slight right onto Nicholson Rd
5. Take an immediate left into dirt parking  area

____

1. From 400, left onto 369
2. Right on Old Federal Rd
3. Slight right onto Nicholson Rd
4. Turn left - dirt parking at Old Federal Rd take-out

Directions from take-out to Kelly Bridge put-in:

1. Head northwest on Nicholson Rd toward Montclair Hills Dr
2. Turn left onto Coltrane Rd
3. Slight right onto Old Kelly Farm Rd
4. Take the 1st left onto Kelly Bridge Rd

The River

Distance: 7.1

River Difficulty: Beginner (Class I)

This short section of the Etowah River is a calm and fairly quiet float with only minor shoals. The put-in at Kelly Bridge has plenty of room to park with a $3 charge and a concrete boat launch leading down to the river. The take-out at Old Federal is a little less desirable. The only options are a muddy bank about 10-15 feet high to load the kayaks up or under the bridge just beyond it.

The river, like much of the upper Etowah is canopied by large trees lining its banks on either side for most of the float. Its a nice section and would be perfect for those just getting started.

I kayaked this section by myself and although I don’t remember many specific facts about the river itself I did have a little encounter with the local wildlife I thought was pretty interesting.

I was getting closer to the end of my trip and noticed two, extremely large greyish-black birds on the bank so I quickly got out my camera to take a picture as I floated closer. As I was taking the picture one of them let out what sounded more like a growl from a rabid dog than a bird chirping. Feeling unwelcome, I quickly reversed direction and took off down the river.

I had made it a few hundred feet but couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over, constantly looking back to see if they were flying after me. Ha, I was right, here came the first one after me diving down just over my head. As it flew by I could have sworn I heard it laugh with a series of quick squawks. Narrowly escaping El Diablo’s wrath, it took about a half mile before I stopped looking over my shoulder for the second bird to come looking for me.

Additional posts on the Etowah River:

• Old Federal to Yellow Creek
• Yellow Creek to 372
• 372 to East Cherokee
• East Cherokee to Boling Park
• Boling Park to Lake Allatoona at Knox Bridge

My recent update was from a Therm-A-Rest Trail Lite to a Therm-A-Rest Neo Air shaving several ounces off my overall weight. I am currently waiting for Backcountry.com to restock some of their hammocks which I’ll be using on warmer trips.

My wife and I have used the Aqua-Bound Sting Ray kayak paddles for more than four years now with our two person recreation kayak. One thing that stands out is how durable they are. Needless to say they are still going strong and I’m sure we will be using these for years to come! In addition to touring and rec kayaking I have even brought along one of them for some of my whitewater excursions and have never been disappointed. Other than being a bit too long for my smaller one man kayak they have held their own in all sorts of conditions.

These Sting Ray paddles are considered an all purpose paddle suited best for recreational and touring

• Precision balanced
• Easy storage four-piece construction
• Drip rings to keep your hands your hands and lap dry
• Lightweight aluminum shaft
• ABX resin blade material, a blend of fiberglass reinforced thermoplastics, provides excellent durability when pushing off rocks
• Grooves on the ferrules prevent sand and sludge build-up, maintaining tight, trouble-free ferrules for years of use
• Provides a flutter-free stroke with superior directional control; feathering is adjustable from 60-degrees right or unfeathered

Specs:

Shaft Material - Aluminum

Blade Material - Fiberglass-reinforced nylon blend

Shaft Style - Straight

Blade Style - Asymmetrical dihedral

Blade Size - 18 x 6.25 inches

Feather Angle - 0 / 60 degrees

Weight - 36.5 ounces (220cm)

Negatives: It can be difficult to separate the sections of the paddle due to the water creating a suction

Bottom Line: A well designed paddle that is worth the $100 or so you’ll spend. I would definitely recommend this product for touring, recreation and Class I - II river runs.

Related Products:
www.Backcountry.com | Aqua-Bound Shred Fiberglass Shaft Paddle | $83.97*
RockCreek.com | Sting Ray Aluminum Shaft Two-Piece Kayak Paddle | $89.90
NOC.com | Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Aluminum Paddle | $89.95
EMS.com | Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Paddle, Aluminum | $90.00
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Fiberglass 2-Piece Small Shaft | $109.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Fiberglass 2-Piece Kayak Paddle | $129.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Kayak Paddle | $129.95
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 2-Piece Small Shaft | $129.95
RamseyOutdoor.com | Sting Ray Hybrid - 230 - Small Shaft | $129.99*
SummitOnline.com | Sting Ray Hybrid 4-Piece Kayak Paddle | $139.95

Sandy Bottom Campground is a small 4 site campground along the Toccoa River in North Georgia. The sites are spacious and flat each with a fire pit, picnic table, and lamppost. Its a small campground so the sites fill quickly with local fishermen. If your lucky enough to snag a spot it is great for easy access to the Toccoa and Sandy Bottom is a good place for a takeout  when kayaking from Deep Hole Campground.

Nearest Town: Blue Ridge, Georgia

Sites: 4

Reservations: First com, first serve

Restrooms: Yes (Vault)

Parking: Along street or at boat launch

Amenities: Boat Launch, Day Use area

Activities:

Kayaking/Canoeing:The Toccoa River Canoe Trail starts at the Deep Hole Recreation area and flows 13.8 miles to the takeout at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area.

Fishing - Fish Species (Rock and Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow and Brown Trout)

Hiking:

1. The Benton MacKaye Trail crosses Old Dial Road 0.75 miles north of the campground at the intersection of Old Dial Road and Shallowford Bridge Road.
2. The Aska Trail System is approximately 6.0 miles north of the campground and provides approximately 17.0 miles of recreational trails for bicyclists and hikers.

Fees:
Campground - $8 per night
Day Use - $3 parking fee at boat launch

Restrictions:

• 14 day stay limit
• Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
• Dogs must be leashed at all times

Open: All year

Directions: 575 N to Blue Ridge, right on Windy Ridge Circle (Checkers on corner), left on Old Hwy 76, right on Aska Road. Once you reach Shallowford Brdige take a left and go over the bridge. Take a right on Shallowford Bridge Ln on the other side of the river. Right on Old Dial Road. Campsites just 0.6 miles on left just before boat launch parking.

Latitude : 34.78675
Longitude : -84.23888

Additional Information: Please contact the Blue Ridge Ranger District office at    706-745-6928 or Chattahoochee Outdoor Adventures at 1-800-251-4800.

I bought the Harmony Clearwater TTD Spray Skirt last spring through Backcountry.com because it came recommended as a good fit for use with my crossover kayak - a LiquidLogic Remix XP9 but it didn’t take long to realize that although it is a decent product its not going to cut it for any real whitewater.

I was hoping I could use it as a multi purpose skirt in different conditions. I’ve used it several times down the Cartecay, Toccoa and Etowah rivers. All in all it’s a decent product if used in a more tame setting. Needless to say I had the skirt pop off the rim of the cockpit a couple times in heavy rapids.

I went with the large skirt to choose from which was closest fit for the xp9 cockpit dimensions. It has a bungee chord which can be used to adjust to the size of the cockpit. I could probably tie it a little tighter but it would just make it harder when setting up. Best to just stick to the easy stuff with this skirt.

Positives:

1. Tunnel Tie Down or (TTD) for easy access
2. Easy reach grap loop
3. Comes with small mesh sack for packing

Bottom Line:

If you are looking for a skirt to use on Class I rivers or flatwater this would work out well and the TTD provides easy access to inside the boat while also allowing for ventilation on those warmer days.

For an alternative to use for whitewater check out our gear shop or this Seals skirt for the XP9, Xp10