The Middle Fork Broad River is born in the Chattahoochee National Forest east of Cornelia. Though adventurous boaters have plied the rapids nearer the headwaters, the river is not usually considered paddleable until found in its tamed form outside the town of Franklin springs. The section described below included mild Class I-II rapids near the beginning of the run. Farther downstream, the river subsumes the flow of the North Fork before joining the Hudson River to form the Broad River. The proximate terrain throughout this area is rolling forested hills, but occasional intrusions of farmland make human activity easily.

ATKINSON BRIDGE TO GA 281 ON THE MIDDLE FORK BROAD RIVER

SUMMARY: Class, I (II); Length, 14.5 miles; Time, 7 hours; Gauge, none; Level, unknown; Gradient, 5 feet per mile; Scenery B-. VIEW INTERACTIVE MAP

DESCRIPTION: Immediately above this section, the Middle Fork's gradient is less than 2 feet per mile. In periods of favorable rainfall, canoeing may be possible, although frequent portaging around deadfalls should be expected. Bridge crossings are common, usually less than 2 miles apart, so access is good if the river becomes passable.

Atkinson Bridge, the put-in for this section, marks the beginning of the hospitable section of the middle Fork. The gradient increases and the most notable Class I-II shoals of the lower river are encountered before the North Fork Broad joins the river from the left 4.4 miles from the put-in. Below this point, the Middle Fork offers a largely relaxing experience. The moderate gradient creates a current that is quite powerful at times, and there are very few rapids. The river passes near many towns but goes through none of them; so much of the scenery remains unspoiled woodland or minimally developed agricultural land. Wildlife is abundant, particularly birds, small mammals, and turtles. When the Hudson joins in from the right below US 29, you are now on the Broad River.

After Atkinson Bridge, access is available at GA 51 (near the intersection with GA 145), US 29 (the very steep path to the river makes this a better put-in than takeout), and GA 281 on the Broad River. Bond Bridge Road, which crosses the Middle Fork after the confluence with the north Fork, does not provide good access.

SHUTTLE: The take-out is at the Broad River's intersection with GA 281, northeast of Danielsville. The easiest access is available at the outfitter's site; make appropriate arrangements for the convenience. From the take-out to the highest put-in, take GA 281 back toward Danielsville and turn right onto Old Wildcat Bridge Road, then right again onto US 29. Turn left onto GA 145 outside Franklin Springs. Stay on GA 145 as it crosses the North Fork Broad River and veers to the north. Turn left onto Atkinson Bridge Road and proceed to the river.

GAUGE: There is no gauge on the river. Visually scout the flow from the put-in, or call the local outfitter.

MAPS: USGS 1:24,000 topographical maps: Carnesville, Danielsville North; County maps: Franklin, Madison

Tagged with: Middle Fork Broad River Savannah River Watershed Paddling Guides

Related Listings

Broad River Outpost

Danielsville, GA, Guides and Outfitters
Broad River kayak and canoe rentals on exciting beginning whitewater or scenic slow water floats.