About Deep Hole Recreation Area

We "put in" in two canoes at Deep Hole Campground off GA 60 near Suches. There was some mild to medium whitewater between there and the Toccoa Swinging Bridge where we stopped for lunch. Just below the bridge is the roughest water of the trip. We had great views of wildlife (even saw a small deer escape a coyote by running across the river). One heron repeatedly flew ahead of us several miles down the river. There are several historic spots along this trip, including the community of Dial, GA, and the Van Zandt store, which is the oldest business operating in the same place in Fannin County. Just after you pass the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant, start looking for a takeout (respect private property--we'd made prior arrangements with friends to take out at their cabin.) Only expert canoeists would run the chute on the east side of 'party rock' (aka Stanley Falls.) Altogether because the water was low and we got caught on rocks a few times, the 14 or so miles took us pretty much all day and early evening, but it was definitely worth it. Water is about 50 degrees, but we had the sun to warm us. Be sure to take drinking water rather than drinking the raw river water...there are cow pastures and other agricultural activities along the streambanks. But mostly it's a good ride through national forest on a wild river. By the way, I'm 65+ and this was my first outing in a canoe in over 2 years due to back surgery. A couple of days later I've still got sore muscles, but no back problems.