By SUZANNE WELANDER
The Canoochee River’s moderate currents of the upper and middle sections of the river are moderated by the ebb and flow of the tide near its confluence with the Ogeechee.

CANOEING THE CANOOCHEE RIVER from US Hwy 280 to US Hwy 17. Location: Ogeechee Watershed in the Southeast Georgia Travel Region; Class: Tidal or smooth water; Length, 57.1 miles; Time: up to 6.5 days with shorter trips possible; Level, 2.5 feet; Gradient, less than 2 feet per mile; Scenery: B+ VIEW MAP

Pristine, secluded, and rich in wildlife and vegetation, the Canoochee River is a delightful smooth-water stream. Its long stretches of undeveloped land and frequent white-sand beaches make it ideally suited to camping trips. Originating in Emanuel County northwest of Savannah, the river winds its way to the Atlantic, merging with the Ogeechee near I-95.

DESCRIPTION: Characterized by its sparkling burgundy-colored water and white banks and sandbars, the Canoochee runs nearly year-round above US 280, though it is not as remote as the section described below. There is good access to the upper section via a state-run boat ramp at GA 169.

Downstream of the US 280 Bridge, the river banks are 3-to-7 feet in height, average 45 degrees in slope, and are lined with black gum, sweet gum, swamp palm, cypress, willow, and swamp white oak. Adjacent floodplains range from unusually wide to virtually non-existent when pine forest penetrates almost to the river’s edge. Stream width varies from 40 to 60 feet in the upper reaches (US 1280 to GA 119) where the Canoochee is well shaded, to an alternating pattern of broad and narrow sections for most of the remainder of its length. Below GA 119, the Canoochee constricts to 50 feet or less for several hundred feet and then broadens to 140 feet or more. Near its mouth at the Ogeechee, the Canoochee reaches a width approaching 185 to 210 feet.

The moderate current of the upper and middle Canoochee becomes modified by the ebb and flow of the tide near its confluence with the Ogeechee. The level of difficulty is Class I throughout, with deadfalls in the upper section and powerboat traffic in the lower section being the primary hazards to navigation. Sandbars and well-defined banks provide suitable sites for canoe camping. A pass, available for a nominal fee, is required to camp within the Fort Stewart army base; call the Permits and Pass office (912-767-5032) to secure one prior to departure. The military can restrict access to roads within the base, so call first to confirm accessibility.

SHUTTLE: From exit 90 off of I-95 south of Savannah, take GA 144 east to a left-hand turn onto US 17. Continue on US 17 to its intersection with the Ogeechee River; the boat ramp is on the far side of the bridge. To reach the upper access points, return to GA 144 and head west toward Hinesville. Two access points will be passed along the way: one at GA 144 and another reachable via roads inside the base. For higher access, at Hinesville, turn right onto GA 119 toward Pembroke. Two more access points are available via this stretch of road: one at another base road to the east of GA 119, and the other where GA 119 crosses the river. For the highest access points, at Pembroke turn left onto US 280 /GA 30 and proceed to the bridge at the river.

GAUGE: The USGS website provides river levels for the Canoochee near Claxton. Over 6 feet is in the trees and should be avoided. The minimum recommended level is 2.5 feet. An ideal level is 4.5 feet, leaving sand banks exposed for camping.

USGS Maps: Daisy, Glissons Mill Pond, Willie, Letford, Trinity, Limerick Northwest, Richmond Hill; County maps: Bryan, Liberty

LINKS
Read more about the Ogeechee watershed
Download a poster of the entire Ogeechee River watershed, including the Canoochee and other tributaries.

A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia is a compilation of paddling guides to over 80 Georgia streams and rivers, plus the Okefenokee Swamp and Georgia Coast, published by Menasha Ridge Press since 1982. Originally written by Bob Sehlinger and Don Otey, it has been extensively revised and updated by Suzanne Welander. Organized efficiently by watersheds, the book contains a wealth of interesting and useful information about Georgia physiography and paddling, in general, as well as the authoritative paddling guides. To purchase a copy of A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia, a book every paddler of Georgia streams should have in their library (and boat), and to see over 75 other outdoor guides published by Menasha, visit the Menasha Ridge Press website.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 18th, 2009 at 6:13 am and is filed under Canoe Trips, Canoochee, Ogeechee Watershed. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.