Flat Shoal River
2: Flat Shoals Bridge to Tanyard Bridge (SSR 37-24)
| Difficulty | I-III |
| Length | 4.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 20 fpm |
| Gauge | Chattooga River Near Clayton, Ga |
| Flow Rate as of 47 minutes | 1.35 ftbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | September 30, 2005 |
River Description
Flat Shoal is the bigger, more agressive cousin of the North Fork of the Little River. Local Clemson boaters advised running the Flat Shoal over the North Fork of the Little because the Little is fairly small, strainer filled, and unexciting. However, that being said, don't get too excited about Flat Shoal. The largest rapids are class III but the last drop can get pushy at really high water. Most of the run is wide. I did not see strainers on my one flood stage trip (Will Reeves).
There is no good reason to boat past the takeout bridge because the lake inundates the last few miles of the river, almost within sight of the bridge.
Directions:
River Features
Flat Shoals Bridge rapid
The put in at Flat Shoals is a slide.
Flat Shoals Bridge Rapid from downstream
This is a view of the put in at low water from downstream.
Blind-Slide
After a half mile of fast flowing water the stream makes a left turn and dissapers over a blind drop. Blind-Slide can be run on both river left or right, but be aware that trees can block parts of the drop.
Blind Slide more
After the first drop Blind Slide continues over more ledges.
Final Slides
The final three drops on the river are a series of sequential slides. All are easy but when combined they are a simple class III rapid.
Tanyard Bridge Slide
This is the final drop on the river and the last of the takeous slides.
Trip Reports
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Fun run for fairly new paddlers - Cody Chitwood
Feb 19, 2022
Ran with the Chattooga gauge at 2.84ft. Still a little shallow in places but a fun run for some fairly inexperienced paddlers. A few strainers in some of the calm sections but none riverwide and all were easily avoidable.
DeWitt Alexander
Jun 13, 2019
This is my home river so if anyone needs a guide, i'm down to run always. 8649033488
Jason Bohnstadt
Mar 30, 2011
Been wanting to paddle this Sec. for a while.
Anyone up for taking me down?
JB
Jon Caime
Feb 7, 2011
ran 2 6 11- no strainers 2.0 on chat gauge was accurate due to widespread rain days before. 2.0 was lower runnable. had a few bony spots.
David Scull
Sep 30, 2005
I tubed this section today (Labor Day) with some non-boater friends, and can report that there are no remaining strainers that completely span the river. Everything that remains can be maneuvered around. I would like to second Ron & Misti's opinion about the character of this run. This river has great features for learning/sharpening your skills, is largely undeveloped, very scenic, with an easy shuttle, putin and takeout.
Ron and Misti Tolley
Apr 8, 2005
This is great run for skills building. Only problem is that is requires adequate rain. The best way to determine if it is running is to scout the put-in or take out. The gauge relationship with the Chattooga does not really correlate well since the drought ceased. The Chattooga watershed is much larger, therefor it runs down much slower. When the river is running high, it is one of the best local runs around. It offers a good mix of everything. When the water level is up it has alot of great playspots. The upper is more challenging but has more flatwater after the first 1/4 mile.
