The paddle to Toonigh Falls is the best-known short trip on Lake Allatoona, and the Georgia Conservancy runs guided trips on it. It's flatwater, short and starts at a public launch in Woodstock.
The route at a glance
| Launch | Olde Rope Mill Park boat launch, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188 |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 2.5 miles round trip |
| Water | Flatwater |
| Best for | Beginners, families, a half-day trip |
How the paddle goes
- Launch at Olde Rope Mill Park. Put in at the boat launch and head out onto the lake.
- Paddle toward the falls. Keep a steady, easy pace. This is the open-water part, so stay near the shoreline and give boats room.
- See the falls, then return the same way. How close you get depends on the water level that season.
Water level decides how close you get. The lake rises and falls through the year. Read how the lake level works before you go, and expect a better view when the water is up.
Tips
- Go early on summer weekends. The lake gets busy and the creek is calmer in the morning.
- Bring water, sun protection and a dry bag for your phone. Our kayak packing list covers the rest.
- Everyone needs a life jacket, and kids under 13 must wear one. See Georgia's paddling rules.
Need a boat?
Murphs Surf Shop rents kayaks and paddleboards at Little River Marina in Canton, a nearby option on the north side of the lake, open Friday to Sunday in 2026.
Book Little River Marina Opens Murphs Surf Shop's booking page (Peek).
Don't own a boat? Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Murphs Surf Shop at Little River Marina or Glade Marina, with live prices and booking online.
See rental locationsPaddle Allatoona · Dodge logs, geese and jet skis across 10 levels of the lake. Free, works on your phone.
Play the gameQuestions
How long is the paddle to Toonigh Falls?
About 2.5 miles round trip on flatwater from the Olde Rope Mill Park boat launch, according to the Georgia Conservancy, which runs guided trips on this route.
Where do you launch to kayak to the waterfall?
Olde Rope Mill Park, 690 Olde Rope Mill Park Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188. The park has a public boat launch on the lake.
Can you always see the falls?
No. How close you can get depends on seasonal water levels. Some days you paddle right up to it; other days you view the falls area from the water and turn back.
Is it good for beginners?
Yes. It's flatwater and short. Beginners should still wear a life jacket the whole way and watch for boat wakes on the open lake section.
Sources
- Toonigh Falls Day Paddle (Georgia Conservancy)
- Kayak to Lake Allatoona Waterfall (The Outbound)
- Olde Rope Mill Park (Explore Georgia)
Checked October 16, 2026. Fees and hours change; confirm with the operator before you go.