About
Chattooga River, South Carolina — 1670s-1770s Cherokee, 1840s-1880s Logging, 1974 Wild/Scenic 57-mi Oconee County. Wild & Scenic since 1974, the Chattooga runs 50 miles through Sumter National Forest with flows averaging 1,200 CFS and optimal conditions between 800–3,000 CFS. Section II offers Class I–II family floating from Burrells Ford to Earls Ford to Route 76, while Section IV presents expert-only Class IV–V water including the notorious Five Falls sequence — a committing run that demands precise boat control and solid rescue skills. At higher flows within the optimal range, the technical moves become increasingly consequential. The Nantahala Outdoor Center guides commercial trips on the more moderate sections. USGS gauge 02177000 tracks the flows that determine whether you're looking at a scenic float or a serious whitewater challenge.
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.