After my first trip to the BW last year, I'm hooked and going again this early June. But being in the Southeast (Atlanta area), my son and I are interested in doing some similar style canoeing closer to home. Does anyone have any suggestions within a few hours of Atlanta?

I have heard the Okefenokee is a good place...if you like swamp canoeing...reservations required...

http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/WildernessCanoeing.html

I live outside Athens Ga. Pick up a copy of " A Canoeing and Kayaking guide to Georgia" by Suzanne Wetlander

I like to paddle the Broad River near Athens, it has a remote feel to it. Other good options for canoe camping and good fishing are the Ogechee, Flint and Ocmulgee rivers. RC

I'll certainly pick up the book - thanks!

I love paddling Fontana Lake, just by the smokies. It is not wilderness as the BW, but it is a good time, dodging speedboats. Decent camping, great views. Wildlife too...


hummm?

Fontana Lake looks interesting. Looks like some fantastic views; I'll have to research that one carefully. Also looks like there may be some primitive areas so we could get away from the car camping set (not that there's anything wrong with that).