Chattooga,

Headwaters Trespassing Sign

Headwaters Trespassing Sign
Photo of Chattooga Headwaters Trespassing Sign

Gauge Information

River Description

Conservation-oriented kayakers and canoeists sought protection in federal court from an illegal decision by the United States Forest Service involving the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. The USFS decision, which was the culmination of a 2004 administrative appeal by American Whitewater, makes it a federal crime for paddlers to float the northernmost 21 miles of the River and its tributaries except on a limited seven-mile section during 6 or less days per year.

These severe restrictions are the only of their kind in the entire Unites States, and are intended to benefit anglers who pursue heavily stocked non-native trout. The artificial fishery created by the USFS-sanctioned stocking has significant impacts including hatchery pollution, backcountry helicopter disturbances, near elimination of native brook trout, user created angling trails, and the elimination of nature based paddling from the upper Chattooga River. Ironically, the USFS decision actually harms anglers across the Country by creating potential competition for wild rivers that are currently shared by all forms of backcountry recreationists, and by degrading the rights of anglers to fish from a boat.

After a considerable delay of over 2 years, US Forest Service officials announced a final decision on managing recreation uses on the upper Chattooga River and released the Final Environmental Assessment (EA). A briefing paper and news release were also made available. While the new management plan falls short of our requests for Headwaters access, it does open the door to a small amount of legal boating on a small section of the upper river starting in December 2009, flow levels permitting. The decision also places some limited restrictions on other river users regarding group size and camping locations.

During a press briefing, the acting Sumter Forest Supervisor, Monica Schwalbach, stated that the US Forest Service has determined that boating on the upper Chattooga -- even in unlimited numbers -- "would have no impact on the resource." American Whitewater staff and volunteers are reviewing documents released today and will be posting additional information over the next few weeks.

AW has been working for a decade to bring responsible, nationally consistent river management to the Chattooga, and this work continues today.

For more information about American Whitewater's efforts to remove this boating ban go to the Chattooga Project page

This page was put together from information gained during the Forest Service Boater Trials as shown in this video and Trip Report.

Approximately 1/2 mile downstream of the put-in, a river-wide logjam formed around two large boulders that created three narrow channels. The log jam appears to be from old floods and appears to function as a strainer for most floating debris coming down upper reaches.
A small ledge defines the beginning of the whitewater immediately downstream of the logjam that continues approximately 1.2 miles down to Bull Pen Bridge. The upper 2/3-mile has the most difficult rapids. The river enters a narrow canyon defined by steep rocky cliffs overhung above by dense vegetation. The rapids are close together, constricted and easy to approach and scout at this flow. The rapids are generally Class IVor V-, with one difficult sieve that may be boatable at higher flows. Strainers and sieves are common on this reach and a portage or two can be expected. After "the Sieve" the river mellows to Class IV the last mile to the bridge. The run required 2.5 hours for a 1.2 mile trip. (adapted from FS Expert Panel Report)

This run is about the unique river features and closed in feel of the river. It is a lot of work for the few rapids and would be visited to experience an almost primordial sense of the river. The entry hike of almost two miles is long but easier than many other runs such as the Toxaway, Horsepasture or Ravens.

The upper two miles of the Wild and Scenic corridor runs through private property. The property owner does not allow the Forest Service access for management or study and denies access to the river. The river corridor in this section is not protected with conservation easements and has no protection against development.

Shuttle Directions to Norton Mill Creek

Start at Bull Pen Bridge. Continue west on Bull Pen Road (County Road S-1102) 2.7 miles to Garnet Hill Lane (County Road NC-1606) turn right (may change to Whiteside Cove Rd), and go north 0.85 miles. A small parking area will be on the right that holds several cars. It would be recommended not to leave a car here due to adjacent landowners. Follow well worn old roadbed trail 1.7 miles to the confluence with Norton Mill Creek. Bull Pen Road is approximately 16.1 miles north of the intersection of Hwy 107 and Hwy 28 in Mountain Rest, SC .

Emergency Locations

Reach Profile

Related Reaches
Chattooga Cliffs (AKA Section 00)

Ellicott Rock (AKA Section 0)

Rock Gorge (AKA Section 1)

Woody Debris

This section of the Chattooga has special concerns about large woody debris for fish habitat. Please respect the environment and leave wood as you find it, even if it adds a portage. The Chattooga has a remarkable ability to clean itself and the rapid may be ready next time.

For more information about woody debris in rivers go to Large Woody Debris and Stream Ecology