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A run up the Chattahochee River
from South Cobb Drive offers several interesting sections for hovercraft.
Less than 1 mile up from South Cobb one encounters a small fall just
downstream of Georgia Power's Plant McDonough as this section allows
flow across the full width of the river it is only 4" to 6"
in height during periods of normal river flow.
From this point continue
upstream another mile or so and turn right into Peachtree Creek. One
or two miles up, Nancy Creek will branch in on the left. At the time
of this writing Nancy Creek remains unchartered via hovercraft. Continue
upstream in Peachtree Creek by bearing right and proceed under Moores
Mill Rd. Shortly afterward you will encounter a wastewater pipe only
a foot of so above the creek. Given a shovel, it would easily be possible
to ford the pipe near the left bank. This is, however, yet to be accomplished
accomplished so sections further upstream remain uncharted. One word
of caution on Peachtree Creek, avoid this area during periods of moderate
or heavy rain. Construction in the Atlanta area have made this creek
very prone for flash floods. Water rises in the range of 12' to 15'
during relatively short periods of time are possible.
Now back down the creek and
right to continue upstream on the Chattahoochee. Only a hundred yards
or so away is a flow diversion for the Atlanta Water Works intake structure.
This consists of very large rocks and rip rap which funnel the entire
river's flow down to a path which is maybe 20' wide. The height of the
water above this channel is about 3' higher than below, but the force
of the flow creates a depression about 1' deep at the end of the chute.
This results in a very aggressive section of white water with a rise
of about 4' over the course of a run that is 6 or 8' in length. This
section should be approached with great caution.
Continuing upstream another
4 or 5 miles and one crosses under the Hwy 41 bridge and into the Chattahoochee
River national Recreation Area. It should be noted that this area falls
under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department and personal watercraft
are prohibited. Discussion with enforcement personnel regarding the
application of this law to hovercraft has resulted in conflicting answers.
Continuing upstream from this point opens the opportunity for a challenge
by officers. Not only for safety reasons, but also in the interest of
community relations, this area should be avoided on nice weather summer
weekends as the river will be loaded with rafters. |
