Popes Ferry Landing is a peaceful riverside access point in Juliette, Georgia, drawing anglers, paddlers, and nature lovers to the serene banks of the Ocmulgee River.
Popes Ferry Landing sits along the Ocmulgee River in Monroe County, carrying on a tradition of river crossings and landings that shaped travel and commerce throughout middle Georgia. Ferry crossings like this one were once essential links between communities before bridges became common, and the name itself speaks to that layered local history.
Today the landing serves as a quiet put-in for canoes and kayaks, a favored fishing spot, and a place to reconnect with the unhurried pace of rural Georgia. The surrounding landscape is dense with native trees and shrubs, and the riverbank provides good habitat for herons, turtles, and other wildlife that reward patient visitors.
The town of Juliette adds context to any visit here. Made famous by the film Fried Green Tomatoes, the town retains a genuine small-town character that complements the natural setting of the landing. For those who enjoy being on the water, kayaking along this stretch of river offers a perspective on the Georgia piedmont that few visitors ever experience. Popes Ferry Landing earns its place as a rewarding destination for anyone seeking stillness, history, and the simple pleasure of a Southern river.
Visit during early morning hours when mist rises off the water and wildlife activity along the bank is at its peak.
Bring a rod and reel, as catfish and bass are commonly caught from the bank and nearby shallows.
Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, since the path to the water can be uneven and muddy after rain.
Pack your own food and water, as there are no concessions or facilities at this rural landing.
Combine your visit with a stop in downtown Juliette, just a short drive away, where the Whistle Stop Cafe draws visitors from across the state.
Guided paddle through Seven Islands on the Upper Ocmulgee
Paddle Class I shoals on a guided 5–6 hour Ocmulgee River float
Boat shuttle from Amerson River Park to Popes Ferry with morning departure
Paddle a quiet Ocmulgee stretch past shoals and historic Dames Ferry