The ramp at Toto Park on Lake Lanier provides good access to the Chestatee River. Toto Park is reached from Hwy 136 off Hwy 400. Lanier is a vast lake, but this section is far removed from the large sections frequented by houseboats, speed boats and cabin cruisers. You will, however, experience a number of fishing and ski boats in this area.

During winter months the lake is often down 5' or more, offering a +20' shoreline around most of its basin. From a distance this shoreline appears quite smooth and featureless. In fact Lanier's shoreline is a mix of red clay and rock. One should be alert for the occasional large rock or stump as either can ruin your day. When you leave Toto Park note some surrounding landmarks or your GPS position (34N 23' 42" x 83W 58' 48"). The ramp is around a bend in a small cove and not easy to find on the return trip.

To proceed upstream to the Chestatee River from Toto turn left and head north. Cross under the Hwy 136 bridge and then fork left at marker 16C (1/2 mile past the bridge). Shortly, Lanier will become quite shallow and if the lake level is down, bars will begin to appear mid-stream. These bars provide good hovering terrain, but beware of gullies which may be 2' or more deep.

Eventually river current will become evident and the bottom will shift from sand/mud to rock. About 8 miles upstream from Toto Park you will cross under Ga Hwy 400. At this point the river is some 30 to 50' wide and quite clear water. A rocky section about 1/4 mile above Hwy 400 creates a challenge when the river is running low, but offers great white water if there has been recent rainfall. Numerous additional sections sections of white water are encountered from this point on upstream. it is important to note, however, that this section sees heavy canoe traffic. Extreme caution must be exercised, particularly on blind turns and in tight areas.

Approximately 13 river miles upstream of Toto Park you will parallel and then cross under Hwy 52. On the right side of the river a couple of hundred yards before the bridge is an excellent restaurant named The Oar House. They do serve lunch and have a convenient sand bar for hovercraft parking between the bridge and the restaurant. Dining is available either inside or on the porch, the food and service is great and the prices are reasonable. Additional information on The Oar House is available on the internet at www.theoarhouse.com.

Continuing upstream from highway 52 the Chestatee's width and numerous turns don't facilitate operation abreast. Wildlife is abundant and the scenery great. At 19.5 miles upstream of Toto Park a meaningful section of white water is encountered. With a river flow gauge reading of 1.25' (from gauging station at Hwy 52) this section is passable by small durable craft, but not larger cruising craft. At lower flow rates it is unlikely that any craft could ascend this section. See internet link for on line gauge readings of river level.

The coordinates of this turnaround point are 34N 32' 07" x 83W 55' 41". The elevation is 1222 feet above sea level, which represents a gain of 112' from your starting point on Lake Lanier. Return time at a reasonable clip is about 1.5 hours.

A trip further upstream would be interesting and may be planned for a future date. For now the destination described above is the extent of our navigation up this river. Exploration by car has revealed a very significant +20' waterfall just downstream of Long Branch Road. Adjacent to this waterfall is a large cave which was earlier a copper mine. This could make an interesting future destination.

On the return to Toto Park remember your landmarks and turn right in Lake Lanier just after marker 11C. Turn right again just after passing under the Highway 136 bridge.

The Oar House Restaurant offers dining on the porch with an excellent (and reasonable) lunch menu.

With a river flow gauge reading of 1.25' each of these machines were able to reach a turnaround point 19.5 miles upstream of Toto Park.

At this turnaround point a relatively substantial white water section exists. Passage through this section is a function of craft type and river level.

The return trip downstream has the potential to be a bit more challenging then the ascent.

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