Kayak Through This Unique Abandoned Mine Tunnel In Georgia
Georgia is filled with outdoor adventures for the whole family, from stunning waterfall hikes to nighttime swamp tours. But this particular adventure in Georgia might just be the end-all-be-all in terms of nature, excitement, and adrenaline-pumping fun. If you’re brave enough to tackle this underground river and can find adventure in kayaking or canoeing through an abandoned mine, this river run is for you. Kayaking the Etowah River Tunnel, an abandoned mine tunnel in Georgia, may just be the most exciting thing you do all year!
Floating down a river in Georgia can be one of the best days you’ll have when the temperatures are warm. With gorgeous scenery, cool, clear water, and a nice breeze, it’s a wonderful way to cool off when the weather heats up.
And for those who choose to float down Etowah River, there is a surprise waiting for you along the river trail. This is one of the most interesting places to kayak in Georgia, and you’ll see why.
Kayaking down this relatively calm river in Georgia is a nice treat for many kayakers, until of course, you reach the abandoned mine tunnel. The river itself is surrounded by beauty, but the tunnel offers an air of mystery!
For those entering the river along the Castleberry Bridge, less than four miles away you will find an old abandoned mine that you can actually kayak through, perhaps one of the most interesting of all abandoned places in Georgia.
The Etowah River mine tunnel has been around since the 1800s, when miners wanted to search for gold on the bottom of the river. This part of the river is thrilling, and fun to adventure down.
Today, the abandoned tunnel still exists, allowing kayakers to have the adventure of a lifetime traveling through. This abandoned mine in Georgia adds another element of fun to your trip, but be sure to bring some sort of light source like a flashlight if you want to take your time a bit and explore.
From the entrance of the tunnel to the exit of the tunnel, it’s only about a quarter of a mile in length, so don’t worry if you are afraid of the dark—it goes by quickly. This underground river in Georgia will bring you right through the mine.
But be prepared as you travel through the tunnel—the rapids do pick up a bit inside and will seemingly slingshot you out at the end. The combination of the bright sunlight and small rapids are an adrenaline rush!
It should also be noted that before you enter the tunnel, get out of the kayak and look through—if you see a tiny speck of light, the tunnel is clear, if you don’t—debris may have piled up inside and you will need to move it out of the way as you travel through.
We recommend using a headlamp while you kayak through an abandoned tunnel, especially when going through for the first time, because it will be near pitch black with just the sound of the rapids guiding you through the tunnel. It’s exhilarating, and you will need the light to see any debris.
Sound like something that you’ll enjoy doing? Head to the Etowah River today by the Castleberry Bridge and get ready to for an adventure of a lifetime. This is one adventure you won’t want to miss!
Thanks to YouTuber subproject43 for the entire video of what to expect from the Etowah River Mine Tunnel in Georgia. Now you know what to be prepared for!
For more information about the trail, visit the Etowah River Trail website. Have you kayaked the underground river through this abandoned mine tunnel, the Etowah River Tunnel, in Georgia already? What did you think? Was it amazing? Share with us your experience in the comments section!
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Address: Etowah River, Georgia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Mine Tunnel In Georgia
March 11, 2021
Megan McDonald
What’s the best time of year to go kayaking in Georgia?
The spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to go kayaking in Georgia. If you find a great, shady river trail, it’s a wonderful way to beat the summer’s heat and stay cool on the water while exploring Georgia’s natural beauty.
Where are the best places to kayak in Georgia?
There are tons of great rivers to enjoy kayaking in Georgia. You can choose calm ones, or even ones with white water rapids. There are also calm and clear lakes, and even coastal waterways that are fun to explore on your kayak.
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
