Chattahoochee River between the Settles Bridge and Abbotts Bridge units of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Length: 8.5 miles
Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
The trip between the Settles Bridge and Abbotts Bridge units of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area starts out with a few sections of turbulent water, but after the first hour it’s pretty much calm sailing, requiring constant paddling to move ahead at a decent pace. I would only recommend running this section of the river for those looking to start at Bowmans Island but who are wanting a longer day on the river than the two hours it takes to get to Settles Bridge, or for those who just want exercise and this happens to be the closet put in/take out point to where they live. If you are out for exercise and do not have a way to get back to your car, if starting at Settles Bridge, it is very possible to travel downstream and then paddle back upstream to your car. If you are starting out at Abbotts Bridge, paddle upstream while you are fresh, then turn around and paddle back.
Water snake on the Chattahoochee River
For those looking for a shorter trip, there are two take-out points prior to the Abbotts Bridge boat ramp, though neither are on National Park Service property. The first is at the McGinnis Ferry Road bridge, a little after the 340 river mile marker, making the journey from Settles Bridge a 4-mile trip. Both hand-launched and trailer-launched watercraft can use this boat ramp.
McGinnis Ferry Road bridge and boat ramp (right) on the Chattahoochee River
The second river access point is at the old Rogers Bridge, which is no longer in use. This is near the 337 river mile marker, which is 6.5 miles from Settles Bridge. This put-in / take-out point is for hand-launched watercraft only (kayak, canoe, raft). The McGinnis Ferry Road boat ramp is easy to find by car, as it is at the base of the modern bridge. I am not sure how to get to Rogers Bridge, but from what I gather from Google Maps, there is a Rogers Bridge Road that appears to dead end at the old bridge. My guess is that you will find parking here.
Ruins of the Rogers Bridge Road bridge over the Chattahoochee River
Canoe launch on the Chattahoochee River at Rogers Bridge Road
If you are looking to take a break, there is a small beach at a bend in the river just prior to river mile marker 341, which is about 45 minutes from the Settles Bridge starting point. I stopped here, but since I didn’t need another stop, I didn’t pay much attention to the locations of possible rest stops for the next few miles. I did, however, want to take a break a few miles prior to Abbotts Bridge and distinctly remember that there were no decent opportunities.
Riverbank beach on the Chattahoochee River near river mile marker 341, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
The Abbotts Bridge boat launch is a few minutes past the actual Abbotts Bridge. This is a popular starting point for raft float trips catered by local raft rental companies, so the ramp can be busy at times. On a summer weekend in August, I had to wait my turn to get out of the water. When I was there, the ramp was extremely muddy due to lower water levels. When the river is higher, the mud is actually covered by the water.
Modern Abbotts Bridge spans the Chattahoochee River near Atlanta
Rafters departing from the Abbotts Bridge boat launch for a trip down the Chattahoochee River
Abbotts Bridge boat ramp in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
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Last updated on May 23, 2024
