Recreational Guide: The Chattooga River
Chattooga River Geography
The Chattooga River is the main tributary of the Tugaloo River. The actual headwaters origin of the river is located in North Carolina just south of the town of Cashiers. The river forms the boundary between Georgia and South Carolina after flowing out of North Carolina. Originating at the base of Whitesides Mountain a massive 4800 foot tall granite wall multiple creeks and streams converge creating the Chattooga River.
The Chattooga watershed is made up of 180000 acres in three states SC GA and NC and composed of private and public lands. The river flows about 57 miles until it runs later into Lake Yonah. Technically the Chattooga River has been separated into various sections according to its Wild and Scenic designation. The majority of the river has been designated wild while only 14.6 miles of the river have been designates as recreational. The Chattooga is home to more than a hundred types of fish including three species of trout. The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery regularly releases trout into the local Rivers creeks and streams.
The North Fork of the Chattooga River is what most people refer to when they simply say the Chattooga River. The Chattooga is separated in the North Fork East Fork and West Fork.
The river flows around three National Forests. The Chattahoochee Nantahala and Sumpter National Forests which add to the overall beauty of the riversides.
Chattooga River History
The original inhabitants of the Chattooga River basins and areas were the Native Americans specifically the Cherokee Nation. One of the more recent discoveries was in the 1990s when a 1700s era Cherokee Village known as Chattooga Town was discovered along the banks of the Chattooga River.
Originally the river was not the boundary between the two states. South Carolina technically did not stretch down the Chattooga River before the 1800s. The treaty of 1816 changed the boundary of South Carolina to where it is currently which then made the river act as a boundary line between the two states.
Before the Treaty of 1816 the river belonged to the Cherokee Nation.
There are locations in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area which the Chattooga is a part of that have remained relatively unchanged from their earliest known history. In the East the Chattooga River is banked by the Sumter National Forest; in the west the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Chattooga River Rafting and Recreation
The Chattooga River is one of the only Class V option whitewater rapids in the region. During the highwater months you can experience the best whitewater rafting around. There are also multiple options for horseback riding including bringing your own mounts to designated trails within the National forest. Since many of the scenic areas along the river contain waterfalls and side trails hiking and exploring are popular activities along the river.
If you want to spend time fishing you have your pick from many lakes ponds streams and creeks.
About the writer: Ryan Hutchings is the Executive Director for Rafting America the top white water rafting organization in the world. He works closely with rafting outfitters and various outdoor companies specializing in marketing strategy.
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