Note: Preregistration is required. Please email:
Field Trip Leader: Chris Hastings
Description: We will explore the shores of Bull Sluice Lake, an impoundment of the Chattahoochee River, with an up-and-back paddle along the still waters above Morgan Falls, starting from Morgan Falls Overlook Park. This is a 2-3 hour paddle based on conditions. Bring your own canoe/kayak/paddleboard, or you can rent from Murph’s Surf at the put-in (www.murphssurf.com Please reserve ahead of time.) The put-in is a floating dock that is approximately 100 yards from the parking lot along a paved sidewalk.
Our route will take us along the shores of Gold Branch, a unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. We will see both wetland species as well as upland species hanging from the shores/cliffs. We will reach the 40-foot cliffs below Cherokee Country Club where an interesting group of Mountain-laurel, Rhododendron minus, and Eastern Red Cedar grow from the cracks and crevices of the cliffs.
Our route will shift based on wind, sun, and current, but the goal will be to stay in the shade in the calmer sections of the impoundment, with the wind at our backs!
Location & Directions: The destination is Morgan Falls Overlook Park at 200 Morgan Falls Rd, Sandy Springs GA 30350. Morgan Falls Rd starts at Roswell Rd. You can reach it from the Abernathy Rd or Northridge exits on Hwy 400. Once on Morgan Falls Rd, travel 1.3 miles to the dead end. Turn right into the parking lot of Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
Meet At: The Morgan Falls Overlook Park parking lot, near Murph’s Surf rental kiosk (northeast corner of the parking lot). There are trailer parking spots available.
Bathroom Facilities: There are bathrooms at the park, but none once we are on the river.
Paddling Difficulty: This will be a beginner level paddle, suitable for those new to kayaking/canoeing/paddleboarding (and want to rent). The floating dock put-in is 100 yards from the parking lot. It is easy with a kayak cart, and not too bad if you have two people to carry each kayak or canoe. The rental boats are already at the dock, so no carrying needed. There is a handicap boat put-in that makes it easy to launch. We will be slowly paddling 1.2-1.5 miles upstream and back at a leisurely pace.
Bring: Lunch, snacks, & water. Remember to dress for the sun, although we will take shade breaks along the shore. You may wish to bring binoculars, hand lens, notebook, and camera. There are often Bald Eagles flying over the area. There will be limited opportunities for a quick swim to cool off, if the conditions are favorable.