THE ETOWAH MINE TUNNEL: My Most EXPENSIVE Kayak Trip | Kayaking NORTH GEORGIA

This is not clickbait, this has been my most expensive kayak trip to date. It is also one of the most unique sections of river in north Georgia having 1/4 mile section going through an underground tunnel.
The first half has a lot of rapids and is fun! Once you go through the tunnel things slow down and make for a great relaxing float.

[@ActionAdventureClips]

Even at 275 cfs you will still be dragging on the way to the tunnel. But once you get inside the tunnel, you rip through it! Definitely recommend a whitewater kayak if you are going 275 cfs or higher but some locals went zooming through there on some sit on top kayaks and were fine. Thats hardcore going with barely any lights. At lower flows it may be possible to walk back through the tunnel but we just walked back up river in the part that doesnt go through the tunnel for round 2. Takes about 45 minutes!

[@JasonMurdoch-uo7om]

I’ve done the tunnel a dozen times. I ww kayak. You don’t need a ww kayak for this run. Plus the back half to the take out is grueling in a ww kayak because it’s a long stretch of flat water.

[@timkennedy8145]

I love it . Me and my brother shot though this tunnel 35 years ago , planing on doing it again. Its on my bucket list as I am reaching the age of 66

[@JesseMiers]

Looks great! Any tips on planning our own expedition? I believe most people put in at Castleberry Bridge. Where do you get out, and who can you rent a kayak from? Thanks!

[@SammyBenitez]

The take out down river will be where hwy 136 intersects with the Etowah. As far as I know, there is no shuttle/rental in this area. You can reach out to Murphs Surf shop or Festive Water Paddle sports about rental kayaks.

[@meredithhusack558]

I had the same exact ride as you haha. Fortunately did not have much to lose. That river was more wild than anticipated!

[@Verataz]

I’d watch a longer version of this , pretty cool

[@andycorrea00]

Love the edits! Hate that you lost all that stuff :( Need to check out that tunnel.

[@SammyBenitez]

I’ll do it again, I’ll just take less expensive stuff and be better prepared. Lol

[@andycorrea00]

@@SammyBenitez haha I hear that

[@okdude9574]

Im a relativly new paddler, if i go with a group and bring a pfd would you recomend this cave? I have a head light so it would be too dark but from this video Im not sure how easy it would be to get stuck in the bottom of that cave.

[@SammyBenitez]

@@okdude9574if you have some river experience you should be okay. The tunnel is shallow, getting stuck isn’t really a concern as much as getting disoriented. It is a little claustrophobic feeling. Definitely wear a PFD and don’t go alone.

[@mr.valentine8399]

Nice video… Def need to try this

[@bdw0559]

Well done on the editing! Sorry you lost all that stuff. Next purchase: scuba gear

[@SammyBenitez]

Next time I go down this section I’m definitely taking goggles. Lol

[@noone-ph2jc]

Jesus loves you and God bless you

[@johnmalone6780]

Sucks that you lost all that stuff.

[@SammyBenitez]

For sure! I did have my PFD on which helped me stay afloat at least. I couldn’t touch bottom and had to drift until my feet could reach something