We stopped by for a 2-hour kayaking trip, but unfortunately, no one was at the facility when we arrived. The place appeared well-organized and inviting, so we waited for about ten minutes. Eventually, an employee arrived in a van, seemingly returning from a pick-up run. He asked how he could assist us, and I mentioned that we were interested in the 2-hour paddle--their most popular option--referencing the sign that clearly stated it was available anytime before 3 PM. We had arrived just after 2 PM. However, he informed us that they were closed and no longer offering that paddle for the day. I pointed out that both the sign and the website indicated that the last drop-in time was 3 PM. He acknowledged this but explained that since it was towards the end of the season and business was slow, they had decided to close early to avoid losing money. It would be helpful if the website and signage were updated to reflect these changes, or at the very least, if the information was honored. We had planned this activity for our afternoon during our short stay in North Georgia, and it was disappointing to find it unavailable despite the posted information. read more

What an incredible crew down at Appalachian Outfitters! We had made a mistake that was completely our fault, but the owner could not have been more lovely. He made sure to make it right, even though it was our mistake to begin with, and we were able to kayak that day just as planned! What a fun trip and incredibly kind people. This is a must do! read more

This is nice and close for us which makes it convenient. It's $8 so the price is cheap. The people were nice and the tubes are basic. It's a quick trip less than an hour. If you want you can get out and go around however many times you want but it's about a 10 minute trek back to the beginning. It is fun but I wouldn't say relaxing, but something nice and cheap to do. read more

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First time going kayaking & went to celebrate a birthday. We had fun & felt safe in the water. We made reservations & check-in was easy. We did one sit-in single & one tandem kayak. The prices are comparable to others in the area--the beach area to stop off is fun & a great place to eat & chillax. Vans were waiting after we completed everything. All the workers seemed knowledgable, helpful & friendly. One worker saved a lady who jumped out her kayak in the middle of taking off her life vest. Definitely looking forward to coming again & plan to get singles for everyone in the group. read more

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So much better than the crowds and low water level in Helen. We had a blast. Easy in and out. Short van ride. Quick 35 minute float you can do over and over. Fabulous. read more

I have some amazing memories of the great times had kayaking down the river with friends. I was there almost every weekend. My friends and I would take all day kayaking. I hope to get to go back this coming spring, it will be a much needed escape for fun and sun with friends. "Paddle faster I hear banjo's playin". Ash read more

Great family experience! We went tubing today and it was a very fun time. The water was freezing but you got used to it quickly. The currents were not very fast, only occasionally it would become mild so if you're looking for a nice relaxing time to float, this is the place. The gift shop items were very reasonable priced so we got a few things! Great experience for cheap! Good customer service too! We are returning members every summer and look forward to it read more

We came here over the summer to float the river. It was a Friday evening and we arrived about an hour before they closed. We went directly to the lower part of their facility, parked in the lot down there, and there was no one there. I called them and they said they would come right down. Someone did come by and told us to drive 2 minutes to the main part of their property. There, we parked again and went inside to pay and get set up. There was another group out rafting, but besides that, we were the only customers. We hopped in their van and were driven up the river and dropped off. We launched from there and were able to tie our tubes together with the equipment they provided. It was a very calm 45 minute ride and we could have done more, but were satisfied. The water was shallow and the kids spent some time just playing in the water at the end. The staff was super nice and I recommend this place for young kids. read more

I took my twins kyacking for the first time and ended up stranded in the river. I had 2 of the best guides come and help us out of the river. I want to say thank you to Margaret and Emmett from the bottom of my heart. The way you guys looked out for myself and my twins was incredible. A extremely special thank you to the owner Mr.Ben. Both my daughter and myself lost our shoes in the river. Mr. Ben graciously gave us each a pair of new water shoes for no charge. I learned that paddling a boat is not my thing but we will be back for the tubing!!! I definitely recommend this company!!! read more

Kayaking was great. There were two locations: one for kayaking/canoeing & another solely for tubing so make sure you pay attention to the area. If you choose the two person kayak option, it costs $43 to rent the kayak. There is also a one person kayak, but I don't know how much it is. If I can remember correctly, it will take 2 1/2 to 3 hours to finish. This of course depends on whether you make a pit stop, whether you float lazily with the river, or if there are incidents (i.e. kayak flipping over or a rescue mission is needed). And yes, the mentioned instances did occur. What can I say, I partnered with a close friend that was a beginner as well. Lol. At the end of the kayak session, there is a designated area marked by an orange marker where a car will pick everyone up so no walking afterwards is involved. Oh. I DO NOT recommend bringing along cell phones, keys, or items of value. For car keys, there is a place at the office where you can hang your keys. If you want, you can bring food and drinks and take a pit stop... There will be a large container that's provided so you can store any items you take along. This is a secure container so no water will leak through. read more

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A great outfitter for a nice smooth canoe ride if that's what you are looking for. We looked around for a place that we could bring out the pooch for a nice calm day on the lake. Noone else is on the lake so the water is nice and you don't have to worry about any motorized boats. The guys who worked there were super friendly in helping us get ready to go in the lake, they even come and pick you up and take you back to your car in a shuttle. It was very reasonably priced and we cannot wait to go back! We had a great time and so did Penny! read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Penny, the Canoe Captain - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

You need to be aware that within a blink of an eye the tubing trip you paid for is finished. This is the shortest float down a river I have ever come across. Was not crazy that it was on the side of a busy state road as well. Between how incredibly short the float down was, and the noise of the busy cars flying by, this was just a very disappointing experience. The staff was friendly and the changing rooms provided were a good bonus. But getting out of the river dripping wet to walk 10 minutes back to the top of the entry point and floating down the river twice or a third time to make up for the fact that the trip is so brief just really kills the joy and experience. read more

We had a blast! The rental was easy for the kayaks & the float down the river was gorgeous. We rented the two person kayak. The few rapids we came across made it fun & adventurous! The staff was very helpful & friendly. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - River kayak - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

We had such an amazing kayak experience with Appalachian Outfitters. I feel the price was incredibly reasonable for over two hours of beautiful kayaking + gear, and some incredible service that made the process very easy. We did not have to carry our boats anywhere and were quickly picked up at the end. Can't wait to come back! read more

We went with our daughter, son-in-law, and 3 grandsons and had a blast. We tubed down twice and then stopped for our picnic lunch at one of their shaded tables. Price is perfect and staff are very friendly. Made an awesome Labor Day on the last day of summer. read more

Great adventure, for all ages. River had a couple of rough spots but not bad at all. Lots of fun. About three hours total. Staff was super friendly and they drive you back to your car at the end. Will definitely be back. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Fun times ! - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

I loved this place! The reservations were so easy to make. Left a message and they returned my call within 10 minutes. The staff is so friendly and efficient. You check in and then you drive down to the takeout point. They pick you up and drive you back to the check in/ starting point. It was such a simple process. Staff give a quick how to navigate the river briefing. Pick up your gear, head to river and your off. Simple. The rapids are class I. I'm new to mountain kayaking and they were a blast to navigate. I did get stuck on rocks once on the last set of rapids but went on left side instead of right due to a fly fisherman in the way but it added to the excitement of the trip. I cannot wait to come back up and go again!! Great way to spend a Saturday morning. read more

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Enjoy kayaking each visit to Dahlonega. Always such a beautiful trip down the river. Love that paddling is Mostly a choice but a leisurely coast is usually the ticket. Staff is always wonderful! read more

My friend and I did the beginners kayak course on the Chestatee River and had the best time! I thought $28 was a great deal for the kayak rental and the great service you get from these folks. Before getting on the river listen very closely to the exit/pickup instructions. Don't assume your friend is the one paying attention and vice versa. We ended up overshooting the exit spot by half a mile and had to paddle upstream but they assured us it happens all the time. Just one tip, they say the trip takes 2-2 1/2 hrs but the main reason we missed the get out spot was because it came up after 1 1/2 hours and we weren't even paddling hard. We went on a Tuesday and encountered very few other kayakers but I can imagine that the weekend would be a very different story. Also they seem to think of everything for you. Zip bags for keeping phones dry. Peg board for leaving keys so they don't end up at the bottom of the river. Trash bags to put wet clothes in and about 7 changing rooms. There are signs in the vans that say tipping is appreciated and I would recommend keeping a few bucks handy for doing just that. These guys earned it in our case. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

Had a great afternoon tubing w 4 boys 9 - 13.. Friendly staff. Clean facilities and river. A couple of small rapids kept the boys interested.. Easy walk back to top of run. No alcohol permitted keeps it family friendly. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

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We've been coming to Appalachian Outfitters for 4 years now! I'm writing this review after my third time kayaking with them. Simply, this place is great. We've gone tubing with AO twice, and kayaking three times. I absolutely love the lower Chestatee kayaking trip. Smooth rapids, beautiful sights, and a serene environment shape the lower Chestatee. The trip takes around three hours, and I highly recommend it. If kayaking isn't your forte, AO also offers canoe trips and river tubing trips (that I also recommend). If you're interested in the lower Chestatee kayaking trip, I posted a video of our adventure. Find it here: https://youtu.be/_H9vAs08bqU read more

Great trip down the river. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful getting us fitted for our gear. Thanks for thinking of everything! Changing rooms were clean. read more

We did the Lower Chestatee Kayak Trip this afternoon and it was an excellent experience. The facilities were clean, the staff super nice, and it was easy and fast to get checked in and into the water. The trip down the river took us about 2.5 hours, and there were two staff members waiting to help us out of the water at the end. The guys loaded up our kayaks and promptly drove us back to our car. Everyone was super nice! *Additional props to Appalachian Outfitters for their COVID precautions. We really appreciated the precautions they've put in place, and we felt safe during our entire experience. read more

The people here are very nice and helpful.... but actually, I prefer tubing in Helen. When the current is swift -- as it was yesterday -- it takes less than 15 minutes to reach the point where you can get out and walk back on the trail with your tube, to start again. (It's a considerably longer float in Helen.) There's a great big rock in the middle of the path, which you have to paddle vehemently to avoid. Again, a fun afternoon --very pretty scenery -- but not as fun as Helen. (Sorry.) read more

Great experience. I have been here to kayak multiple times. It is a great, pleasant, easy, low intensity activity for families. My youngest is 12 and we all enjoy the kayak trip read more

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Helpful staff and relaxing river run. Beautiful scenery with birds, turtles and fish.

Always pleasant great people, had a lot of fun. The walk is the worst part. I would recommend going after a rain. It seem like the river was a little low and we kept getting hung up this trip. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Tubing - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

Great place to go kayaking with family and friends. It is a nice relaxing ride with some really fun rapids! The best is saved for last you'll know what I mean once you see for yourself! You'll more than likely hear the birds sing or see the turtles watch you go by. The staff was very helpful in giving everyone instructions and help when needed. If you're looking for a great time be sure to stop by. Oh you might want to bring snacks and drinks for the ride. read more

Excellent local business. We bring our own canoes and the ferry us to drop offs and lower Chestatee pickup. Very convenient. Tried the Yahoola creek trip this weekend with our canoes. They do not recommend canoes on the creek however it was an amazing trip for beginners. We only took on water one time on a sharp corner. Getting wet is sometimes part of the fun though. Can't wait to try a longer or overnight trip. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Yahoola Creek - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

I brought my family out to Appalachian outfitters can you try something different for tubing (we usually go to Helen). It's always nice to get wet a hot day. What I love about tubing Is that my whole family enjoys going teenagers, three-year-old, and parents. It's also great for large groups because you can someone stay together but not all have to be in the same room. So here's my pros and cons... Pros Quickly moving water so you don't get stuck on rocks. Staff is quick (but could be a bit more fun.) Great prices Easy Drive from Atlanta Offers Canoes and kayaks Significantly less crowded Shaded picnic area Cons Only a thirty minute trip on the water They charge you to shuttle you or you have to walk back up to the drop in. HERE IS THE BIG ONE Getting out is very difficult!!! There is no one to help. My husband and I had to help a group of elderly people out of the water. I'm quite certain one of the gentleman could have drown if we weren't there at the right time. Very scary. That's the reason for the missing star. read more

Fantastic little outfitter up near Dahlonega, Georgia, which rents canoes, kayaks and tubes to get your float on down the Chestatee and Etowah Rivers. Leave your city-fied self back in Atlanta, jump on 400, and voila! about an hour later you've arrived at Appalachian Outfitters! They do a pretty big tubing business, but this yelper went for a taste of the great outdoors via canoe. They have a cool overnight camping trip (priced per canoe), which is about an hour canoe ride to a little shore where you can get your camp on. They'll then pick you up at your takeout point the next morning and take you back to your car. Makes for a really cool trip to get your feet wet with a little camp action! read more

Easy tubing with a cut-back trail to take you back for an additional run. Our whole family likes it. The rapids are fun to play in, but nothing difficult at all. read more

Love this place; they are always super friendly and helpful. We do this particular river trip about twice a year with a big group of friends and always have a blast. We also like that it's safe for the kids (over 5). We always rent the "sit-upon" kayaks and find them super easy to handle and very reasonably priced. It's a super fun time and the scenery is always beautiful. We look forward to it every year and can't wait to go again. read more

Been here a couple of times now for relaxing and easy kayak trips with friends. The staff is always super friendly, courteous, and helpful. The river is really fun and there are a couple of good points to stop and hang out for a bit. We've always brought snacks and such with us which has been good since we usually stop and the trip takes a bit longer. I love that they're doggie friendly, although I have yet to bring my pooch along. Also very affordable! Two person kayaks are $43 and singles are $28 (plus tax), if I remember correctly. Had a super fun and relaxing day, AND it's an easy hour drive up from the city. Can't beat it! read more

My family and I (10) total went out today tubing, we had a fantastic time on the water. Great changing area and restrooms onsight. The employees were not very friendly but the experience was great, we felt safe and really enjoyed the ride. We went several times and had a blast. read more

I have used this company several times now and am always impressed with the service and the beautiful rivers they run. The staff is friendly and professional. Dahlonega is a fun place to explore after kayaking. read more

Great outfitter. Easy to find. Very helpful getting kayaks in and out of river. Slow moving Chestatee River was easy to maneuver. Very leisure trip that was about three hours long. read more

Appalachian Outfitters - Scenic view of Chestatee River - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Dahlonega, Georgia

Went tubbing and it was a great place to go for first timers. $6 bucks and unlimited trips. Lots of changing places with bags to put your wet clothes in. Staff was extremely nice and helpful. We had a great and will be going back! read more

We did the Dawson Forest trip last weekend. The overall service was not bad, but beware that their "masks inside the bus/van" mandate is pure theatre. During our van ride one man, who sat himself at the front of the bus, carried on a non-stop conversation with the driver with his mask off his nose, and he pulled his mask down below his chin almost every time he wanted to say something. I understand that this puts the driver in a difficult position but if you are concerned about being exposed to COVID I highly suggest you skip this business. read more

Me, my brother, and his fiancé brought our kayaks with us to a Dahlonega family event just in case we wanted to hit up a local river. We decided to stop at Appalachian Outfitters and ask about where to put in and take out, etc. I assume it was the owner -- a very nice gentleman -- who allowed 3 strangers to use the take out after hours since they were closing before we got back. It was hospitality that's almost unheard of these days and we had a blast. I'm always up for paddling new rivers and the scenery was nothing short of amazing. I've never seen so many turtles in my life and was amazed at how calm and scenic this river was -- especially for a gorge. I'd say the river was mostly a class 1 with a mild class 2 rapid towards the end, so if you're starting out, it would be a great place to start without consequences. read more