Chattooga

Location: Far northeastern corner of Georgia, on the border of South Carolina and Georgia (about 100 miles northeast of Atlanta).

Length of trips: 13 miles in six to eight hours (Section III—suitable for novices); 7 miles in four to seven hours (Section IV—most challenging commercially run section of river in the Southeast).

Season: March through mid-November. The Chattooga is a free-flowing river, and spring rains ensure high water. When the water level drops in late summer and autumn, trips are more relaxed, affording opportunities to explore the unusual rock formations along the river.

Weather: While early spring and late autumn are often cool (40° to 70°F) and wet, late spring and summer bring heat (70° to 90°) and humidity to the southern Appalachians. Densely forested mountains and valleys shade the Chattooga in summer, when rainstorms are frequent. Daytime temperatures in September average in the upper 70s, then drop to the upper 60s in October and the upper 50s in November. Mosquitoes can be a problem in summer, so bring insect repellent.

Lodging: Variety of accommodations in Westminster, South Carolina, and Clayton, Georgia.

Boats: Paddle rafts.

Rapids: Class II and III, with one Class IV rapid on Section III; very hazardous Class III, IV, and V rapids on Section IV. Cold, clear water.

Special features:

  • Waterfalls, deep gorges, and boulder-strewn shores.
  • The 1972 movie Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga.
  • Excellent hiking trails along the river.
  • Wildflowers in spring.
  • Technicolor foliage in autumn.
  • White-tailed deer, black bears, river otters, beavers, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, quail.
  • Wilderness solitude.
  • Section III is suitable for first-time rafters, but only adventurous, physically fit river runners should try Section IV.

Nearby excursions:

  • Excellent trout fishing (brook, brown, rainbow) on Sections 0 and I.
  • Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
  • Chattahoochee National Forest.
  • Sumter National Forest.

For a list of outfitters and more information:

  • Rabun County Chamber of Commerce and CVB, P.O. Box 750, Clayton, Georgia 30525; +1 706 782 4812, fax +1 706 782 4810. Try to book at least a month or two in advance for weekend trips, two to three weeks in advance for weekday trips.

 
 
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