5 Best Water Sports Activities in the North Georgia Mountains

This year more than ever, we are needing to dream about summer plans and all the ways to celebrate the magnificent life we are privileged to live and all the beauty we get to experience in the natural world. So start making plans for your summer of fun by reading about all the different water sports you can enjoy in the North Georgia Mountains. We can’t wait to see you back at Lucille’s for a summer that is sure to be special!

A woman holding paddles in a kayak on a partially shaded body of water.

  • Tubing in Helen—The Chattahoochee River runs through Helen and is the perfect spot to take a lazy tubing ride through town and beyond. Try Cool River Tubing or the Helen Water Park for access to tubes and a ride to and from your starting point. This is one of the best ways to “Shoot the Hooch,” as the locals say.
  • Helen Water Park—In addition to tubing access, the Helen Water Park boasts four large slides and a lazy river, making it a great place to get your water park fix.
  • Tallulah Gorge State Park—There’s an abundance of water experiences you can have at this breathtaking state park. Keep an eye on their page to see when they will start offering gorge floor permits again. This day permit allows you to hike down to the bottom of the waterfall and enjoy swimming and sliding along the banks—a truly remarkable experience. If you plan it right, you can make your visit coincide with their aesthetic water release dates which make the waterfall even more majestic. If you’re a skilled boater, stop by on a weekend that they are offering water releases for class V white water rafting. (Please note: hiking and rock climbing are NOT allowed in the gorge during water releases). If white water rapids aren’t your thing, it’s enjoyable even just as a spectator. When you’re ready to relax and take it easy, enjoy swimming and picnicking at the beach area.
  • Unicoi State Park—This state park is bursting with water-related activities. Try paddleboarding on Unicoi Lake, ziplining across the water, fly fishing to your heart’s content, or enjoying a guided kayak tour led by local experts. There is something for everyone here and at just about ten minutes from Lucille’s, you can easily spend multiple days taking it all in.
  • Moccasin Creek State Park—Lake Burton offers an abundance of water recreation at this state park. Moccasin Creek has a fishing pier for seniors, people with disabilities, and children, making it a great spot to take it easy while you wait to pull in the Big One from these trout-filled waters. The park is open to private boating and also offers kayak, canoe & stand-up paddleboard rental.

Lucille’s is the perfect launch point for your North Georgia water adventures. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast served in the dining room or on our sweeping back porch, and when you’re tired from a day of outdoor fun, crawl into one of our cozy, comfortable beds for a well-deserved rest. Start dreaming of summer and book a stay with us today!

A breakfast table setting of orange juice, berry muffin, and a savory dish.