| Difficulty | II(III) |
| Length | 10.4 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Chattahoochee River Near Cornelia, Ga |
| Flow Rate as of 15 minutes | 687 cfsrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | September 4, 2005 |
Due to the popularity of the 'Upper Hooch' this run is often overlooked. The hooch continues with rapids similar to those found on the Upper Hooch till it is inundated by Lake Lanier. The run can be made shorter by using the access point at Heads Ferry on river left.
Belton bridge is the final takeout before the river is inundated by lake lanier. The next bridge downstream is Lula bridge, GA 52. Unless the lake is really low, the rapids end at Belton Bridge.
This stretch usually gets run as the paddle out from Mossy creek. From mossy down are probably 4 good class two ledges with some good surfing.
Directions:
Take Highway 365 (what I-985 becomes after Gainesville) to Belton Bridge Road. (Intersection is in Hall County near Lula - second intersection north of intersection of Highways 365 and 52). Belton Bridge Road will become Pea Ridge Road at the entrance to Belton Bridge Park. Stay on Pea Ridge Road 1/2 mile or so to bridge over Mud Creek. Take-out on the left, just before the bridge, and includes a small parking area.
To get to the put in, continue north on pea bridge road to Duncan Bridge road. Take a left on Duncan Bridge an go until you cross the river.
Jan 22, 2020
Consider revising these two statements in the description:
Jun 20, 2014
Run this section from Wildwood to Heads Ferry 2 to 3 weekends a month spring through early fall. Funniest rapid on the river as far as running down it in my opinion is in this section. We call it the Jimmy Martin rapid as that is the homeowner on river left at the top of the rapid. Run it river right, but up against the rock outcropping in the middle of the river. Good long drop with a nice wave at the end. There is also a three way split about half way down. At low levels run the right channel. At higher levels run either middle or left. The left channel has the biggest drop at the end but the gauge at Wildwood needs to read at least 1.5 for this to be fun. The middle can be run at any level and is probably the best approach for beginners. A nice little drop. We run this section with any age group alone on sit on top kayaks. We have 8 year olds to 60 year olds run this section with us. Good fun to get your kids into kayaking or canoeing. My favorite section of the upper Hooch.
Aug 7, 2011
The board is calling this 'lower runnable' at 200 cfs. More like upper walkable. That little water spread over this rather wide section is not going to make for a meaningful run.
Jul 24, 2009
With water levels up a tad this will kick butt (mossy rocks really put the brakes on)so but be prepared to flat water paddle for about 2 miles @ the end of run
Mar 26, 2008
Just below Duncan Bridge is a small, man made rapid that most people call the wave. At low levels, not much to talk about. At higher levels, I've seen people get stuck in it; could be a descent spot for a park and play. I go there to fish from time to time, and it looks pretty cool at higher levels. It is located at river left about 100 to 200 feet below the bridge.
Sep 4, 2005
Mike:
Take Highway 365 (what I-985 becomes after Gainesville) to Belton Bridge Road. (Intersection is in Hall County near Lula - second intersection north of intersection of Highways 365 and 52). Belton Bridge Road will become Pea Ridge Road at the entrance to Belton Bridge Park. Stay on Pea Ridge Road 1/2 mile or so to bridge over Mud Creek. Take-out on the left, just before the bridge, and includes a small parking area.