Chattooga, North Carolina, US

Chattooga Cliffs - Grimshawes Bridge to Bull Pen Bridge (AKA Section 00)

Gauge Information

River Description

NEW RULES!

Legal access to portions of the Headwaters began in December 2012

The new rules include:

1. Allow paddling to occur between Green Creek and Lick Log Creek (about 15 of the 21 miles of the Upper Chattooga),
2. Allow paddling to occur between December 1 and April 30, on days when flows have hit 350 cfs or higher.
3. Permit must be obtained at locations shown below..  Green Creek Trail or Bull Pen Bridge are easiest for this reach.
4. Leave paddling banned on the uppermost two miles, the lower four miles, and all tributaries all year. 
5. It would also ban paddling from May 1 through November 30 on the entire Upper Chattooga, and on all days when flows have not hit 350 cfs or above.
6. Impose no direct limits on other similar visitors.

These severe restrictions are the only of their kind in the entire Unites States, and are intended to benefit anglers who pursue heavily stocked non-native trout. The artificial fishery created by the USFS-sanctioned stocking has significant impacts including hatchery pollution, backcountry helicopter disturbances, near elimination of native brook trout, user created angling trails, and the elimination of nature based paddling from the upper Chattooga River. Ironically, the USFS decision actually harms anglers across the Country by creating potential competition for wild rivers that are currently shared by all forms of backcountry recreationists, and by degrading the rights of anglers to fish from a boat.

During a press briefing, the acting Sumter Forest Supervisor, Monica Schwalbach, stated that the US Forest Service has determined that boating on the upper Chattooga -- even in unlimited numbers -- "would have no impact on the resource."

AW has been working for a decade to bring responsible, nationally consistent river management to the Chattooga, and this work continues today.

For more information about American Whitewater's efforts to remove this boating ban go to the Chattooga Project page

This page was put together from information gained during the Forest Service Boater Trials as shown in this video and Trip Report. 

River Description

Approximately 1/2 mile downstream of the put-in, a river-wide logjam formed around two large boulders that created three narrow channels. The log jam appears to be from old floods and appears to function as a strainer for most floating debris coming down upper reaches.

A small ledge defines the beginning of the whitewater immediately downstream of the logjam that continues approximately 1.2 miles down to Bull Pen Bridge. The upper 2/3-mile has the most difficult rapids. The river enters a narrow canyon defined by steep rocky cliffs overhung above by dense vegetation. The rapids are close together, constricted and easy to approach and scout at this flow. The rapids are generally Class IVor V-, with one difficult sieve that may be boatable at higher flows.  Strainers and sieves are common on this reach and a portage or two can be expected.  After "the Sieve" the river mellows to Class IV the last mile to the bridge.  The run required 2.5 hours for a 1.2 mile trip. (adapted from FS Expert Panel Report)

This run is about the unique river features and closed in feel of the river.  It is a lot of work for the few rapids and would be visited to experience an almost primordial sense of the river.  The entry hike of almost two miles is long but easier than many other runs such as the Toxaway, Horsepasture or Ravens.

The upper two miles of the Wild and Scenic corridor runs through private property. The property owner does not allow the Forest Service access for management or study and denies access to the river. The river corridor in this section is not protected with conservation easements and has no protection against development.

Emergency Locations

Reach Profile

Related Reaches

Chattooga Cliffs (AKA Section 00)

Ellicott Rock (AKA Section 0)

Rock Gorge (AKA Section 1)

Woody Debris

This section of the Chattooga has special concerns about large woody debris for fish habitat. Please respect the environment and leave wood as you find it, even if it adds a portage. The Chattooga has a remarkable ability to clean itself and the rapid may be ready next time.

For more information about woody debris in rivers go to Large Woody Debris and Stream Ecology

Permit Information

Permit must be obtained at Green Creek Trail, County Line Trail, or Bull Pen Bridge in NC, Burrell’s Ford Rd (GA side of the river), Warwoman Campground (FR 86) and Overflow Creek in GA, or Hwy 28 boat landing, Low Water Bridge, Earl’s Ford, Sandy Ford, Fall Creek, Thrift’s Ferry, Hwy 76 / Bull Sluice lot, and Woodall Shoals in SC.