Floyd County's finest park and play can be found at Mayo's Lock and Dam, outside of Rome, Georgia.
The mighty Coosa fluctuates throughout the year due to unsteady flows from the Oostanala and from the Etowah (with releases from Lake Allatoona downstream) that flow into downtown Rome. The confluence of these rivers form the Coosa and not far downstream is Rome's old Lock and Dam.
Finding the Lock and Dam at consistent levels is tough, largely because of sporadic releases from Allatoona that rise and lower the water in the Coosa throughout the day. At lower water levels, running the broken part of the dam on river left is often risky due to sharp blasted rocks, debris, and rebar. At mid to high water levels, the river left side of the dam forms a nice Class III-IV rapid while the right side of the dam forms a large hole. At really high water levels, the whole thing washes out. Scout from atop the old lock to decide whether running the rapid is worth the risk or not. If not, then put in at the boat ramp alongside the many fisherpeople, onlookers, and locals, and paddle up to the dam.
The playboating below at the dam also depends on the water level, and is rarely consistent. Higher water levels often result in the dam washing out and nice, glassy waves and strong eddylines. Lower water levels result in more wave/holes and usually, much better playboating. On river left can be found the best wave/hole where simpler rodeo moves are possible. The Lock and Dam isn't exactly Rock Island, but it does service a small handful of desperate local boaters during the long summer months in Rome. Be aware, though, that you'll probably get some funny stares when you unload your Discos and G-Forces and Pops. The afterwork fishing crowd isn't quite sure what to think of whitewater boating, and whether or not you are any good, you'll probably draw quite an audience positioned atop the lock directly adjacent and about 12 feet above the playspot. Don't worry, rolls alone will wow the crowd.
Directions from Downtown Rome: From Broad Street, continue to South Broad and turn right onto Blacks Bluff Road. About 5.5 miles down Blacks Bluff, you'll see a sign for the Lock and Dam park. Turn right, follow the road down, and park nearest the lock to check out the level with a visual. If it looks good, go back up and pay the $2 parking fee.
For more information about Lock and Dam park, visit this
link.