Georgia Wilderness Society
Towaliga River
Past Photos
Towaliga River 2019
We had a good turnout of 11 canoers & kayakers with one very late, late show, and he had to buy a park pass. We started at High Falls SP and paddled & floated to the HWY 42 Bridge, about 8 river miles. The trip was wonderful with the water level just right for the shoals and the mountain laurel blooming with some honey suckle mixed in.
Participants were Bud, Nike, Tim, Jim, Irene, Curt, Lynn, Margaret, Terry, Truett, Jeff & Basil. Margaret & Lynn had the most “fun” being newbies on their sit on tops. Both got the opportunity to go swimming and one donated her tandem paddle to the Towaliga River Gods. Terry identified a Mississippi Kite we had the chance to see soaring above us. Had a great lunch stop and enjoyed the day on the Towaliga River. Looking forward to the next river trip.
Bud & Niki Queen
GWS Trip Report
7 August 2019
7 August 2019Towaliga and Ocmulgee River Day Trip, 27 July 2019
Twelve canoers got on the river at 9AM after shuttling to Juliette. Jeff was late and had to leave his vehicle at the put-in. Bet he won't do that again. The paddlers were Bud, Niki, Genise, Barnard, two Guests (Dave & Jessica), Sharon, Truett, Bob, Terry, Bonnie, and last but not least, Jeff. The water level was just right on the Ocmulgee, but very shallow on the Towaliga where 5 stopped to have lunch. The rest went on into Juliette Lake and stopped at the island to snack and wait for us to catch up. After a long swim, float, and conversation, we all paddled on to the Juliette Park to takeout. No casualties were reported and it was a slow & easy float for us amateurs. Overall, a great trip. Now for the next one.
Thanks to all for helping with the shuttle. Bud Queen
Towaliga River
May 10, 2020
On May 10, 2020, Curt and Irene Cole, Margret Clay, Bonnie Geltling, Terry Ross, Thomas Payne, Jeff Sorensen, and Jo Scott paddled almost 10 miles on the Towaliga River from Mayfield Road, Blount, Ga to Ga Hwy 83, Juliette, GA. We were blessed with clear blue skies, warm weather, and adequate water for the expedition. From Mayfield Road to Ga Hwy 42 the river kept everyone alert navigating periodic rapids.
The rocks vanished at GA Hwy 42 and the river became flat-water and winding. Due to the heavy amounts of recent rain and high winds four massive trees were lying in the river between GA Hwy 42 and GA Hwy 83. Two landed on sandbars and made for an easy portage. The remaining trees, with fresh green leaves and supple branches, landed in the river between steep banks with no easy portage. Jeff Sorensen, with his agile boat, as reigning tree branch trapped boat extractor engineer aided anyone who found paddling under fallen trees with grasping branches difficult.
Upon rounding a corner we found a very innocuous passage around a small gravel island had dumped one of our best paddlers. When asked what on earth had happened the reply," I was attacked". After dumping and bailing the vessel others made the same passage without attack. Since it was Mother's Day it has been assumed that the wicked step-mother current picked a victim to show her rage, and jealousy of the delightful mother current we all enjoyed.
Trip leader Jo Scott apologizes for not taking pictures as she should have. The three pictures taken by paddlers show social distancing, and the beautiful day and river.
