Kayaking and canoeing on the Chattooga River

Kayaking and Canoeing on the Chattooga River
The Chattooga River, on the Georgia/South Carolina border, offers some of the best whitewater in the southeast United States. Because of its protection as a National Wild and Scenic River, it is almost untouched by civilization, and offers some exceptional scenery. For the novice paddler, or the expert whitewater kayaker, it offers plenty of excitement. This page gives a brief description of each section of the river, and a guide to paddling it. However, those who are not familiar with the river should obtain a detailed map, or go with someone who is familiar with the river.
Conditions for paddling the Chattooga
To continue the preservation of the river, and for the safety of boaters, these conditions must be followed:
1. Each float party must register.
2. All floaters must wear a life jacket rated "Coast Guard Approved."
3. All persons in decked craft, and all floaters below Woodall Shoals, must wear a helmet.
4. Minimum party size: Above Earls Ford - 2 persons, 1 craft; Below Earls Ford - 2 persons, 2 craft.
5. Inner-tubes are prohibited below Earls Ford.
6. Rafts must have a minimum of two air chambers.
7. All floating is prohibited north of SC 28.
8. Air mattresses, motorized craft, or other craft deemed unsuitable by the US Forest Service, are prohibited.
Guide to the River
Following is a brief guide to the river. It is recommended that each party have at least one person who is familiar with the river, and who is an experienced whitewater paddler. Do not attempt anything beyond your skill level. If in doubt, always portage around the rapid.
Section II: Hwy 28 to Earls Ford
This 7 mile section is good for beginners, and includes numerous small rapids. The only major rapid is Big Shoals, a class III with a 5 ft. drop. It can be recognized by the big rock ledges in the center of the river. It should be scouted from these ledges, and run on the right side. The takeout at Earls Ford is on the left, where you will have about a 1/4 mile walk to the parking lot.
Section III: Earls Ford to Rt. 76:
At Earls Ford, the river gains momentum, and the rapids increase in difficulty. Only experience boaters should attempt this section. It includes numerous class III and IV rapids, some of which can be dangerous. At the Narrows, a class IV, the river runs through a narrow canyon, and is very difficult to portage. Just above the Rt. 76 bridge is Bull Sluice, a class IV-V that can be very dangerous, especially at high water levels. The takeout is on the left just before the bridge.
Section IV: Rt. 76 to Tugaloo Lake
This section is only for expert paddlers. It includes Woodall Shoals, which is the most dangerous rapid on the river. Several miles below this is Five Falls, a series of five major rapids in a 500 yard stretch. These rapids contain undercut rocks and dangerous hydraulics, and should be run only by the most skillled paddlers, as a mistake could result in serious injury or death. This section ends with a two mile paddle across Lake Tugaloo to the boat ramp on the left.

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