Chattooga River — SC Section
About
From the Cherokee homeland of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the Chattooga River cuts through Oconee County as one of the Southeast's most demanding whitewater runs. Designated Wild & Scenic in 1974, this 40-mile stretch through Sumter National Forest divides into three distinct sections of escalating difficulty. Section II runs from Earls Ford to Sandy Ford with Class II-III water that builds paddling skills. Section III continues from Sandy Ford to SC 28 with sustained Class III-IV rapids that require solid boat control. Section IV drops from SC 28 to Tugaloo Lake through continuous Class IV-V water — technical, high-consequence whitewater that demands expert skills and precise lines.
At 860 CFS average, the Chattooga runs best between 500-2000 CFS on gauge 02177000. Commercial outfitters Wildwater Chattooga and Chattooga Ridge Outfitters guide trips on the appropriate sections based on water levels and group experience. The river's headwaters reopened to paddling in 2012 after decades of restricted access, expanding opportunities on this protected corridor that remains one of the few major undammed rivers in the region.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.