Raft & Paddle
Chattooga River
The Chattooga River is the boundary between GA & SC. It is nationally designated as Wild and Scenic and is protected from development. Known for whitewater rapids, and meandering, mountainous woodland passage. The lower sections of the Chattooga are considered among the best whitewater in the SE with heart-thumping Class III to Class VI rapids.
Chattooga River – Section 3
Long Creek/Mountain Rest, SC
Get Directions >
Section 3 is a 13-mile beautiful stretch of river with intermediate to advanced whitewater. Its a 4-6 hour trip down river. Section 3 put-in is at Earls Ford, and the take-out is the Highway 76 Bridge. There is 1/4 mile hike in and out of the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. There is a self-permit system (no fee), where you fill out a form, drop a copy at the box near the put-in and carry the other copy with you down the river.
Chattooga River – Section 4
Section 4 is one of the most well-known sections of whitewater in the U.S. This 8-mile section includes major whitewater including Class IV-V rapids. It takes 4-5 hours to raft or paddle Section 4. Put-in at the Highway 76 Bridge, and take-out at Lake Tugalo. There is 1/4 mile hike to and from the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. Anyone paddling on the river needs to fill out a permit (at the put-in) prior to getting on the river.
Chattooga Whitewater Shop
Shop offers t-shirts, merchandise, paddling gear, whitewater equipment rentals and transportation shuttles. The Gauge Coffeehouse is located within the store and Humble Pie restaurant also onsite. WINTER HOURS: Monday-Thurs. 9am-1pm; Friday-Sunday 8am-4pm.
Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee
Located in the “Pavilion” of Devils Fork State Park in the day use picnic area. Provides everything you would ever need for a day of Fun on the lake. A genuine surf shop and snack bar combined.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Headquartered on the Nantahala River, Nantahala Outdoor Center operates a rafting outpost on the Chattooga River also. N.O.C. offers guided trips down both Section III and Section IV. Section III is know as “Mild & Scenic” with stops at swimming holes and ends the day at Bull Sluice rapid. Section IV is the stretch of river for adventure seekers and has a quick succession of Class IV rapids.
Southeastern Expeditions
Founded in 1972 as one of the first whitewater rafting outfitters in the southeast, Southeastern Expeditions was the pioneer in whitewater rafting in the Southern U.S. They offer guided whitewater rafting trips on Section III and Section IV of the Chattooga River.
Unlimited Outfitters
(Formerly Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.)
Board, boat and kayak rentals. Serving Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. Rentals available from South Cove County Park or High Falls County Park. Luxury pontoon boat rentals (launch from South Cove County Park). Contact them about kayak or paddleboard delivery on Lake Hartwell.
Wildwater Ltd.
The Wildwater Team prides themselves on setting a high standard and working hard everyday to exceed expectations. They invest in the best equipment, staff, training and facilities. Their focus is to provide guests with their full attention and desire to make every trip down the river special. Guided rafting trips and zip line canopy tours.
