Rolling Thunder River Company is an outfitter located in the mountains of North Georgia in the town of McCaysville. They offer kayaking trips on the Toccoa River from April through September. This river is dam-controlled with daily non-scheduled water releases giving you either a peaceful or swift kayaking trip, depending on your proximity to the water during the release time.
Getting There
Rolling Thunder is a 90-minute drive north from Atlanta via I-75 N to I-575 N which transitions to Zell Miller Parkway. Continue on the parkway through Blue Ridge, Georgia, before turning left on Highway 60 and continuing for 10 miles to the Rolling Thunder facilities.
Kayaking Runs
There are two kayaking routes for you to choose from. Choose the 1 ½-mile run if you are a beginner, want to make multiple runs or are short on time. The six-mile run is recommended to get a full kayaking experience and must be started before noon. On either run, be prepared to handle small rapids and to navigate around protruding rocks.
Equipment
Rolling Thunder offers one-person kayak rentals. Inflatable funyaks accommodating one or two riders are also available. Rental includes a life jacket, paddle and shuttle bus transportation to the starting point on the river. Advance reservations for a kayak or funyak are recommended.
What to Wear
Secure-fitting shoes for your trip on the river are required by Rolling Thunder. A pair of tennis shoes is recommended as your best option. Do not wear flip flops. A bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt are your best clothing option as you will get wet while kayaking down the river. Don't forget to apply sunscreen prior to getting in the water.
Availability
Rolling Thunder kayaking is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends in the months of April, May and September. Daily service is offered from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting on Memorial Day and continuing through the Labor Day weekend.
Children
Children must be at least five years old to participate in any activities on the Toccoa River. All children must securely wear the lifejackets provided for them by Rolling Thunder at all times.
Warnings
Wildlife often congregate along the river banks and on tree branches so do your best to navigate down the center of the river to stay out of their way. Do not take your car keys with you on the river as lost keys are impossible to find in the water. Instead, leave your keys with Rolling Thunder personnel at their secure facility before boarding the shuttle bus to your starting point. Use a retainer to secure your eyeglasses of any kind to keep them firmly in place during your kayaking trip. Retainers are available for sale in the Rolling Thunder retail store.
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