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 (more…)