Little Satilla River Canoeing Guide
The Little Satilla produces an isolated wilderness paddling experience a result of passing through miles of undeveloped state-owned land.
Thick, luxurious swamp forest of swamp black gum, sweet bay, pine, and cypress confine this brownish-red stream as it winds an intricate southeastwardly path to the main Satilla. Unlike its larger namesake, which displays massive white-sand bars at low water, the Little Satilla charms by displaying the same scenery on a more intimate scale – making it ideal for paddle craft and little else. Over 10 miles of river pass through state-owned lands, resulting in an isolated wilderness paddling experience. Small bluffs grace the streamside from time to time and provide good high-water camping areas. Unlike the main Satilla, sandbars are comparatively rare.
SUMMARY: This is a canoeing guide to a 37-mile trip on the Little Satilla River in the Satilla Watershed that can be divided into shorter trips by using alternate put-in and take-out points. Class, smooth; Length, 37 miles; Time, 3 days; Level, N/A; Gradient, less than 1 foot per mile; Scenery, B+. VIEW SATILLA WATERSHED MAP
DESCRIPTION: Runnable downstream form the US 84 bridge, except in the typically dry season from later summer into fall, the Little Satilla averages 45 to 75 feet in width with a slow to moderate current. Its banks are 2-7 feet high and are composed of an off-white sandy clay. Throughout its runnable length the stream is shaded and the banks buffered with a thick undergrowth. Wildlife, especially birds, abounds and is easily observed by the quiet paddler. Generally remote and pristine, the river corridor is nevertheless occasionally penetrated by agricultural development.
There are no rapids on the Little Satilla, with occasional deadfalls being the only hazard to navigation. Areas of special interest include the Little Satilla Wildlife Management Area, which spans both sides of 10.3 miles of the stream between the US 84 and GA 32 bridge crossings. Check hunting season schedules online at www.gadnr.org if you plan on camping here; an off-season float will afford more peace, privacy and safety.
Access is good and trips on the Little Satilla can be extended beyond its mouth onto the Satilla River. Just plan on making that a multiple-day camping trip since the next closest public access after passing US 301 on the Little Satilla requires 15.6 miles of paddling (7.3 to the Satilla, and another 8.3 miles to the Warner Landing boat ramp.)
SHUTTLE: From Nahunta, take US 301 north to the river for the last take-out on the Little Satilla. To reach the next upstream access point at Humpback Road, use Trudie Road south of the river. The next two highest access points are reached by taking 301 north to GA 32 west; there is access as the highway crosses the river (southeast corner), and a DNR boat ramp upstream of GA 32 is reached by turning right onto Zirkle Road after crossing the river. The highest access is on US 84/GA 38, which is most easily reached by continuing west on GA 32 into Patterson and turning right. Access is on the right side of the road after crossing the river.
GAUGE: There is no gauge. For additional information, call the Waycross Fisheries Office at 912-285-6094.
MAPS: USGS Maps: Screven, Patterson Southeast. County Maps: Pierce, Appling, Wayne, Brantley
Links
- Canoe the Satilla River in the same watershed.
- Canoe the Alabaha River in the same watershed.
- Read more about the Satilla watershed.
- Download a poster of the entire Satilla watershed showing the Little Satilla, as well as historical and environmental information about the entire watershed.
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.