Flint River Canoeing Guide (GA 128 to GA 127)
By Suzanne Welander
From GA Hwy 128 to GA Hwy 127, a distance of approximately 29.3 miles. View map 
The Flint River. In terms of wilderness beauty and spectacular vistas of varied terrain, the Flint is rivaled by no other large river in Georgia.
Looking for an unusual choice for a canoe-camping trip? Try the Flint River north of Lake Blackshear. It’s easily accessible, and as of late 2007, utterly devoid of any sight of human habitation. Sounds are another matter: since the surrounding land above the 4-12 foot river banks is relatively flat, motorized traffic sounds can and do permeate an otherwise primitive experience. That did little to deflate spirits on our three-day trip. The river’s narrow streambed is surprisingly intimate, especially given its girth in upstream sections. With ample sandy beaches for camping and leisurely breaks, this section of the Flint River delighted.
In terms of wilderness beauty and spectacular vistas of varied terrain, the Flint is rivaled by no other large river in Georgia. In the Piedmont alone, the Flint alternately flows broad and narrow, beneath pine covered bluffs and at the foot of high rock walls, over extensive rocky shoals, through winding bottomland swamp, past cities and towns, and between fertile cultivated plateaus. In the Coastal Plain, the Flint meanders through alternating pine forests and swamp and reclaimed crop and pastureland. It is one of Georgia’s longest rivers, with headwaters originating near Forest Park south of Atlanta and tailwaters in the extreme southwestern corner of the state, where it meets the Chattahoochee River in Lake Seminole. The Flint is suitable for both weekend paddling and epic canoe-camping trips.
Downstream of Po Biddy Road the rugged, steep slopes begin to recede and taper down to an agricultural plateau by the time the river reaches the US 80 bridge (M). White kaolin bluffs start appearing in this section, as do cattle pastures. The gradient diminishes, and though the current remains swift, the shoals are smaller and occur less often. Passing an island midway between US 80 and GA 137 [north of the 29-mile section described above], the last significant shoal is found where the river winds between high banks and rocky clay bluffs surrounded by cultivated tableland. The river narrows to 85–110 feet and flows swiftly, though flat and calm, with large sandbars appearing on the inside of turns at low water. This marks the Flint’s departure from the Piedmont and its arrival onto the Coastal Plain.
SHUTTLE: To the put-in for this section, take US80 west from Macon (exit 3 from I-475). At the town of Roberta, turn south on US341, then take a right onto Highway 128. Continue west on Highway 128 to the boat ramp at the river. To the take-out, cross the river and continue on Highway 128, which will turn south. Turn left onto Highway 127 toward Marshallville. Cross back over the Flint, and take the first left onto Ferry Road, following it down to the ramp at the river. View map.
GAUGE: This section is usually floatable year-round.
This canoeing guide was adapted from A Canoeing & Kayaking Guide to Georgia, by Suzanne Welander, Bob Sehlinger and Don Otey. Organized efficiently by watersheds, the book contains paddling guides to over 80 Georgia streams and rivers, plus the Okefenokee Swamp and the Georgia Coast, as well as a wealth of interesting and useful information about Georgia physiography and paddling in general. Order this and canoeing and kayaking guides for other states from Menasha Ridge Press.