Place

Settles Bridge Canoe and Raft Launch

View looking upstream at the steps leading into the river with wooded shoreline in the distance.
Steps leading to the water at Settles Bridge.

NPS/Ashley Turner

Quick Facts
Significance:
Canoe and Raft Launch

Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

The Settles Bridge Launch provides access to the river for canoes, kayaks, and rafts. During the summer this launch can be crowded.

Water Quality

Be sure to check the Current Estimated E. coli count before starting your trip. If the count at Medlock Bridge 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 Buford Dam. The water release schedule can be obtained by calling (770) 945-1466, or toll free 1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569), or visit their Hydropower Generating Schedule website. 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 45 minutes for water released from Buford Dam to begin rising at Settles Bridge.

River Flow Rates

Water conditions on the Chattahoochee River are also influenced by the weather upstream of Settles Bridge. 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 Buford 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.
  • Float tubes are prohibited on this stretch of the river due to cold water temperatures.

Try These Floating Options

 

  • Lower Pool Park to Settles Bridge: 4.5 miles
  • Settles Bridge to McGinnis Bridge: 3.8 miles
  • Settles Bridge to Roger Bridge (Temporarily Closed): 6.7 miles
  • Settles Bridge to Abbotts Bridge: 8.3 miles
  • Settles Bridge to Medlock Bridge: 12.8 miles

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Tags

Last updated: May 5, 2021