By SUZANNE WELANDER

The Tallapoosa River is one of Georgia’s 14 major watersheds. It begins about 40 miles west of Atlanta near the Haralson / Paulding county line and flows southwesterly through hilly terrain for about 45 miles in Georgia before entering Alabama.

Fortunately for those seeking wooded solitude, few paddlers frequent 
the shy Tallapoosa. Despite the periodic bridge crossings, the river 
offers seclusion and serene beauty. Rolling hills stretch in all directions, 
but dense streamside flora and high banks usually block the view. The 
current is moderate; infrequent small shoals and rocky bluffs add 
spice. The most enjoyable sections are located due west of Atlanta on 
the Alabama border in Haralson County.

ROCKMARK TOAD TO LINER ROAD,

SUMMARY: Class, I (II); Length, 35.5 miles; Time, up to 4.5 days; Gauge, visual; Level, 5 feet; Gradient, 4 feet per mile; Scenery, C. The trip may be divided in shorter segments using bridge crossings as put-in and take-out points. See the INTERACTIVE MAP.

DESCRIPTION: The Tallapoosa River originates in Carroll 
County, cuts across a corner of Paulding County, and traverses the 
breadth of Haralson County to enter Alabama just west of the 
town of Tallapoosa. The winter rains and infrequent summer del
uges give the Tallapoosa sufficient volume for boating as high as 
Paulding County, although the river’s width in this area is barely 
sufficient to turn a typical canoe. In addition to the shallow ledges 
and twisty boulder shoals, the primary navigation risks are dead-falls and strainers, intensified in the upper reaches, and the water 
intake rubble dam located upstream of the GA 100 bridge.

Most seasons of the year boaters will be forced to launch well 
into Haralson County. Launching lower in the river’s course 
ensures a more adequate flow and rewards you with the return 
of a deeper wilderness downstream of the town of Tallapoosa. 
Bluffs become more prevalent, shoals are visually pleasing, 
minor and infrequent.

Some bridge access points are steep and can be choked with 
vegetation along the banks, but fortunately the most difficult can 
easily be avoided. The best access points are noted on the map. 
Deadfall pinned to bridge abutments can be extreme and channels completely blocked, even at the lowest access points. Be 
careful to avoid contact as you paddle by or portage around these 
nests of logs.

Trips can be extended over the Alabama state border - the 
next verified downstream access is 18 miles downstream at the 
AL 49 bridge, although exploration may yield better take-out 
options. The beauty, seclusion, and speed of the river intensifies 
as the Alabama border is approached and crossed. Rocky bluffs 
rise above the stream, one holding a shallow cave.

SHUTTLE: To the lowest take-out located in Georgia, go west 
on US 78 out of the town of Tallapoosa. After crossing the river, 
take the first left onto Liner Road, following it to the left as it 
swings around the railroad tracks. Continue to the bridge; the 
best access is on the far right-hand side.

GAUGE: There’s a staff gauge affixed to the river-left side of the 
GA 100 bridge north of Tallapoosa. Minimum level is 5 feet, 
maximum 18 feet.

MAPS: Draketown, Rockmart South, Buchanan, Tallapoosa 
North, Tallapoosa South (USGS); Paulding, Haralson (County)

Links:

• Read more about the Tallapoosa, including learning about locations where you can view and enjoy the river from the banks without a boat.
• Download a 4-color poster of the Tallapoosa River.
• Read more about other Georgia rivers in the River Category.

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.