About This Float

PLEASE NOTE: This float trip must be booked in advance, as we only operate one shuttle departure time per day at 9:00AM on weekdays, and at 8:00AM on Saturdays. 

This river adventure is extremely popular because it travels past the historic Etowah Indian Mounds. If you have not seen the Indian Mounds from the river, then you are in for a real treat, as they will be front and center on this trip! 

Your river adventure will begin at the riverside day use park, just downstream from the Altoona Dam, where for 3 river miles it will seem like you are on the lake. You will then need to exit on your river left, so that you can portage your equipment around the Thompson Weinman "little" dam. Don't let this necessary action deter your floating spirit, the portage is not that difficult, and the scenery is simply outstanding and well worth the effort. Then just before Pumkinvine Creek you will encounter the beginning of the Etowah Indian Mounds on your river right. The next item of historical significance will be an old iron bridge just before the Douthit Ferry Road Bridge.

There is a lot of history in this area, along with the remains of a very old steam engine and its tender that are scattered about the river. Further downstream you will travel past the newly renovated Leake Mounds launch site at Highway 113, which boasts ample parking and a kayak/canoe launching area. Then it's onward to one of the smaller, but in my opinion, most well preserved Native American fish weirs available on the lower Etowah. This small weir was reconstructed and utilized by the troops of both sides during the Civil War. An entire tree was used to restore the left side of the weir that looks as if it was just cut and placed there last year.

This river adventure concludes at Floyd's Landing, found on your river right at the gravel boat ramp.