National Wild & Scenic River (1974) · First Wild & Scenic River in the Southeast · American Whitewater Stewardship
One of the most celebrated wild rivers in the eastern United States — 57 miles of National Wild & Scenic river forming the Georgia-South Carolina border through Sumter and Chattahoochee National Forests. Section IV contains Bull Sluice, Corkscrew, Crack-in-the-Rock, and the legendary Five Falls sequence — considered the finest Class IV–V day run in the South. Immortalized in James Dickey's novel 'Deliverance' (filmed here in 1972).
Trip sections
Section II — Class I–II, flatwater and mild
Section III — Class III–IV, Bull Sluice highlights
Section IV — Class IV–V, Five Falls, the classic
Below Section IV — Class IV, Tugaloo Lake
Notable Rapids
Bull SluiceClass IV
The most famous rapid on the Chattooga. A powerful Class IV drop visible from the road — scout from river left. Mandatory scout for first-timers.
CorkscrewClass IV
First of the Five Falls sequence. A twisting drop through a narrow slot. Momentum is key.
Crack-in-the-RockClass IV
A narrow slot between boulders. Commit to the line — no room for error.
JawboneClass IV+
The crux of the Five Falls. A powerful, complex rapid with undercut rocks and a violent hydraulic. Scout carefully.
Sock-em-DogClass IV
Last of the Five Falls. A big, fast, powerful rapid. After surviving Jawbone, this feels like a victory lap.
Outfitters
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Chattooga Section III and IV trips
Southeastern Expeditions
Chattooga guided rafting
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.