North Georgia’s Gorgeous Toccoa River
Toccoa means “beautiful” in the Cherokee language. That certainly describes the Toccoa River, which is known as one of Georgia’s most pristine streams. It starts up in the wilderness of Union County near the town of Suches and it meanders around the North Georgia Mountains through the Chattahoochee National Forest for about 60 miles. When it flows under the bridge at McCaysville, Georgia, and crosses the state line into Copperhill, Tennessee, the Toccoa River becomes the Ocoee River.
The Toccoa is divided into three distinct parts—the Upper Toccoa, Lake Blue Ridge and the Lower Toccoa. The Upper section is fed by many large streams including Coopers Creek, Rock Creek and Noontootla Creek. This helps to create a haven for trout. During the summer it is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking and tubing enthusiasts as well as for fishermen. The Upper Toccoa flows through some spectacular scenery of high pastures and secluded forests. The mountain laurel and rhododendrons grow thick along its banks, and you’re likely to encounter plentiful wildlife. The Toccoa River Canoe Trail is a 17-mile run which starts at the Deep Hole Recreation Area and ends at Lake Blue Ridge. It’s perfect for beginners and intermediate paddlers, with mild rapids ranging from Class I to Class III. The river usually flows at 3-4 mph, but speeds up and rises quickly with rain. Although the Canoe Trail is 17 miles and makes a pleasant 2-day overnight trip, there are some popular locations to “put in” and “take out” for shorter float times. Many businesses rent all the needed equipment and provide transportation back to your car. They usually operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The Upper Toccoa has beautiful whitewater and lively rapids, cascading over rocks and huge boulders, particularly at The Bend on Aska Road. After the bend, the river winds through the lower valley of Fannin County and into Lake Blue Ridge.
The lake was created about 80 years ago when the dam was built to generate hydroelectric power for the region. The Toccoa River supplies Lake Blue Ridge, which is known for its cold, crystal blue waters and over 100 miles of shoreline. The lake is most popular for boating and bass fishing. There is a full service Marina off Highway 76 where you can rent boats, jet skis and buy gas and supplies. There are two campgrounds/picnic areas and many hiking trails around the lake.
Flowing through the locks of the Blue Ridge Dam and past the powerhouse, the Lower Toccoa continues its journey northward to the Tennessee border. The river widens considerably, passing through settled lands, with the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway running alongside it for a long stretch. The Lower Toccoa is considered to have some of the best fly fishing in Georgia. These tailwaters are abundant with trout, which are stocked annually. Anglers can float or wade, but need to be aware of the water releases. The dam generates electricity daily and conditions can change in a very short period of time. This section of the river is usually colder since the water is pulled from the bottom of the lake. Tubing, kayaking and canoeing are popular here as well. The trip from the dam to McCaysville is approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on the current. You can cut that time in half if you rent our Sunset River Cabin. You can float from Tammen Park, just below the dam, to the cabin-- or from the cabin to Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. There is plenty of parking available at both ends, and Sunset River Cabin supplies both tubes and kayaks!
Once the Toccoa reaches the State Line, its name changes to the Ocoee. It flows through the Copper Basin before entering the Ocoee River Gorge in the Tennessee Cherokee National Forest, where it ends. The Ocoee is well known for its whitewater. One of the legacies of the 1996 Summer Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center, is located on Hwy 64, just north of McCaysville. If you’re up for a thrill and are an able kayaker/canoeist/rafter, go try it out. If you just want to watch, that’s fine too. Several whitewater rafting companies offer some wild rides from April to October.
Whether you come to enjoy fishing, hiking, tubing or boating, the beautiful Toccoa River will suit all your needs. You’re bound to have a wonderful time.