The Chattahoochee is one of the most iconic rivers in the South. Flowing from North Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico, tons of people are shooting the ‘Hooch, from Alan Jackson to your average Joe. There’s no better place to beat the heat than floating your cares away. I hope that with this guide your next trip will be a success, and I’ll see you way down yonder on the Chattahoochee!

My Last Time Shooting the ‘Hooch

A couple weekends ago, some friends of mine suggested we shoot the ‘Hooch. Unlike any self-respecting Georgian, I’m sad to say, I had no idea what they were talking about. Quickly, I was introduced to the wonderful world of river tubing.

After purchasing the essentials: a tube and life jacket, we set out to the Paces Mill Canoe and Raft Launch. The entrances and exits to the river on our stretch are part of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, so for a $5 parking fee you’re all set. After blowing up our tubes, and a quick trip to Walmart for missing supplies, we launched our flotilla. The opening leg of the journey was excellent, the water was a good temperature and the views on the river were good as well. However, the impending weather would soon rain on our parade.

We knew some scattered thunderstorms were coming in the late afternoon, and I was assured that we would be out and dry by the time they rolled in. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I’m not sure if the river was just slower than normal, or my friends really weren’t the experts they seemed, but we were caught in the rain before our scheduled departure at the Johnson Ferry boat, canoe, and raft launch.

While the rain itself was kind of refreshing, the lighting that came with it was not. Several strikes hit over the river in front of us, and we were looking for an exit. It was really quite harrowing. Fortunately, we managed to escape danger by leaving the river at the Powers Island Unit of the National Recreation Area, but not before I banged my knee on a large rock while trying to speed up my river travel.

Now I know what you’re thinking. That sounds like a terrible time, why would I want to do that? To put it simply because I would still go back and do it again. Shooting the ‘Hooch is worth it, and on a calmer journey it would have been a perfect place for some relaxation. Of course, make sure to check the weather, more thoroughly than we did, and you’ll be prepared to have a great time on the river.

What you need to Shoot the ‘Hooch

It is absolutely mandatory that you bring a life jacket with you on the river, if caught without one you could be subjected to a fine. Rest assured, you don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to, you just have to have it with your tube. I tied mine to the side.

You are also going to need a good quality float. Don’t bring one of those cheap, thin-walled tubes you buy for your pool. There are some rocky sections in the river that will definitely shred your run-of-the-mill glorified balloon. I bought this model here, and it was perfect for river tubing. The mesh in the bottom is a major boon because not only will it stop anything you drop from going into the river, but it can hold your refreshment of choice as you float.

I would also suggest you consider wearing water shoes. Not many do this, but if you have to exit your float in an emergency, you might want them. Some of the stones in the Chattahoochee are sharper than your average river rock, and the bottom is uneven.

FAQs for Shooting the ‘Hooch

What all do I need to Shoot the ‘Hooch?

All you really need is a good quality float, a life jacket, and your beverages of choice. Everything else is just extra. Some others I would recommend are towels, a change of clothes, and some water shoes.

Is alcohol allowed on the Chattahoochee River?

Yes, but make sure to clean up after yourself and don’t litter in the river. Also be careful not to go overboard with your refreshments. The last thing you want is to be in an emergency situation swimming and spinning.

Be warned, glass is absolutely prohibited in the Chattahoochee River, so keep it to cans only. Glass containers in the river may be punishable by fine.

Do I really have to have a life jacket when I’m Shooting the ‘Hooch?

Yes, you have to at least bring it and have it in your possession when on the river. Children under the age of 13 must wear them. This is also punishable by fine. While official sources are hard to find, former ‘Hooch shooters say that the fine may be upwards of $50 per infraction.

Should I worry about water quality?

Make sure to check for the river’s flow rate, water release schedule, and water quality before you go. This ensures that you’ll have the best trip you can on the Chattahoochee.

What is the best way to Shoot the ‘Hooch?

This depends on your priorities. There are companies that offer shuttles to and from the river, places to rent floats and life jackets, and tons of other options to choose from. For the best bang for your buck, you can just have half your party drop people off at your entry point and the other half park at your exit. Make sure whoever parks at the exit has your towels, space for the floats, and whatever else you will need when getting out. This way you can avoid having to pack into the back of an Uber in your soggy swimming trunks.

For more interesting stuff to see and eat in the Peach State, check out my page dedicated to the great state of Georgia!