Overview:
The Willis is more like a linear pool than a river, one that has been partially filled with dead trees. While there are some very attractive areas of rock outcrops and riverside beech groves, the frequent strainers make this a less attractive river compared to others nearby like the Slate, James, and Appomattox. However, if you want to ensure that you are canoeing in a place that you will see nobody else, the Willis is guaranteed to offer that solitude. It also has the usual Southside accompaniment of wildlife, though fauna is likely to be scared off by the sound of a canoe and human thrashing over, under, and through trees that inexplicably populate what in most drainages would be a free flowing river. Roger Corbett has suggested that stretches upstream of Trenton Mills are navigable but I would not suggest trying it.
Recommended Trips: None
Directions to Put Ins and Take Outs:
View Willis River in a larger map
Trenton Mills/Rt 608: This dirt road has convenient roadside parking and unposted informal access on the east side of the river, north side of the road, approximately 15 minutes from Cartersville
Rt 690/Columbia Rd: There is convenient access down a dirt path on the west side of the river/south side of Rt 690 at this trestle bridge.
Rt 602 Amphill Road: There is parking along the road on the north side of the river and convenient access on the east and west sides of the road.
Sections of River to Run:
Trenton Mills/Rt 608 to Columbia Rd/Rt 690: This 9.5 mile section of river has two distinct sections. For the first 3.5 miles the river has swamplike characteristics such as strainers--probably 5 that need to be dragged over and another 5 that require intricate maneuvering or ramming speed to get past. After 3.5 miles of tedium the river banks stabilize, there are some nice rock outcrops, and the remaining 6 miles to Columbia Road are pleasant if uneventful. Only one building is visible during these 9.5 miles, and there is plenty of wildlife, particularly redbelly, pileated, and downy woodpeckers. Some logging is visible from the river but fortunately the clearcuts do not extend to the riparian buffer area. Give yourself at least 4 hours for this stretch, and that is if you're paddling all the time.
Columbia Rd to Amphill Rd/Rt 602: These six miles would seem to go by quickly after the banks firm up above Columbia Road, but unfortunately there are more strainers despite what seems to be a healthy current. There are even strainers where there is an attractive bluff on the right with healthy stands of beech and pretty ferns. I have never seen a river that did such a poor job clearing itself of strainers. Give yourself 2.5-3 hours for this stretch, assuming resolute paddling.
