South Carolina Chattooga River

On the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River in Sumter National Forest, America Outdoors outfitters provide whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountain biking.

The Chattooga River begins in mountainous North Carolina as small rivulets, nourished by springs and abundant rainfall, high on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains—the start of a 50-mile journey that ends at Lake Tugaloo between South Carolina in the Sumter National Forest and Georgia, dropping almost ½ mile in elevation.

Under the shadow of Whiteside Mountain, the highest sheer cliffs in the east, the Chattooga headwaters spill over small ledges and waterfalls. Much of the first 6 miles is privately-owned with limited public access. The waters then enter the narrow Chattooga River gorge. In the next 20 miles the river gathers momentum through remote country, following a narrow, twisting route over continuous rapids, huge boulders, and self-cut rock flumes, slowing only occasionally in quiet, deep pools. At the end of this stretch, the River breaks free from the gorge, flowing relatively wide and smooth for 6 miles through an area bounded by old fields.

SECTION ONE

The merging of three streams at Three Forks in northeastern Georgia forms the West Fork of the Chattooga River. The 3 miles (5.3 km) above Overflow Bridge provides good fishing for native trout. Because of the extremely rough terrain and lack of access, at least ½ day is necessary to view this segment. The use of floating equipment is impractical. The southeastern (lower) 4-mile section (6.4 km) of the River is a slow moving, gentle stream suitable for the novice canoeist.

SECTION TWO

The Chattooga River is relatively calm for about 7 miles. Shelf-like rapids and only one Class 3 rapid (Big Shoals) make this portion of the river an excellent area for novice whitewater boaters.

SECTION 3

At Earl's Ford, the River again gathers momentum as it plunges over ledges, around boulders, and through steep gorges. This section requires expertise, and scouting of rapids is necessary. A good test of boating ability is at Wa (the second rwoman Rapidrapid), located about 1/4-mile (400 meters) below Earl's Ford. This rapid requires an S-shaped maneuver near the left bank. If you have problems here, turn back, as much more difficult rapids lie ahead. At the Narrows, vertical rock walls constrict the River to a dangerous 15-foot wide channel which is nearly impossible to portage. Bull Sluice, a Class 5 rapid, is encountered in a blind curve about 400 yards before the U. S. 76 Bridge. Scouting Bull Sluice is mandatory; portaging is recommended for all but expert boaters. Persons familiar with the River can recognize it by the large exposed rock dome on the Georgia side.

Chattooga River - SC