Place

Powers Island Canoe and Raft Launch

View of steps leading to rivers edge with wooded shoreline in the distance.
Watch your step as you carry your gear down the steps.

NPS/Ashley Turner

Quick Facts
Location:
5450 Interstate North Parkway Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Significance:
Canoe and Raft Launch

Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot

The Powers Island Launch provides access to the river for canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes. During the summer this launch is one of the busiest put-ins on the river.

Water Quality

Be sure to check the Current Estimated E. coli count before starting your trip. If the count at Paces Ferry Road is greater than 235 you have an increased risk of getting sick. Contact with the river is NOT recommended.

Water Release Schedule

Water conditions on the Chattahoochee River are influenced on a daily basis by water releases from Morgan Falls Dam. Visit Georgia Power's Chattahoochee Hydro Real-Time Operations website to view the tentative water release schedule for Morgan Falls Dam. Besides showing the time for scheduled releases it also shows how many turbines will be operating and the current flow in cubic feet per second (cfs). It takes approximately 1 hour for water released from Morgan Falls Dam to begin rising at Powers Island.

River Flow Rates

Water conditions on the Chattahoochee River are also influenced by the weather upstream of Island Ford. Regardless of whether the water is coming from a dam release or inclement weather upstream check the discharge/flow rate at the gaging station below Morgan Falls Dam.

  • If Canoeing, Kayaking, or Stand Up Paddleboarding and the flow rate is over 4,000 cfs, cancel your trip
  • If Rafting and the flow rate is over 5,000 cfs, cancel your trip.
  • If Tubing and the flow is over 2,500 cfs, cancel your trip.

Try These Floating Options

  • Morgan Falls River Park to Powers Island: 6 miles
  • Johnson Ferry to Powers Island: 4.2 miles
  • Powers Island to Whitewater Creek (no trailer access): 1.8 miles
  • Powers Island to Paces Mill Canoe (no trailer access): 2.6 miles
  • Powers Island to Paces Mill Boat: 2.8 miles

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Last updated: October 10, 2024