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Forming the border between Georgia and South Carolina, the Chattooga River is widely regarded as the premier whitewater rafting destination in the Southeast. Protected in 1974 under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the river corridor remains entirely free of dams and commercial development, delivering an authentic wilderness adventure through lush forest gorges, steep rock cliffs, and crystal-clear mountain waters.
Famous for its feature role in the 1972 film Deliverance, the river’s free-flowing nature means water levels depend entirely on rainfall, making every trip dynamic and unique.
Commercial whitewater rafting on the Chattooga is primarily split into two distinct sections to accommodate different skill levels and age groups:
Difficulty: Class II–III rapids culminating in the iconic Class IV Bull Sluice.
Experience: Perfect for families, beginners, and groups looking for a balance of exciting drops, peaceful floating, swimming holes, and scenic scenery.
Age Requirement: Minimum 8 years old.
Difficulty: Class IV–V technical whitewater.
Experience: An intense, adrenaline-pumping run highlighted by Seven Foot Falls and the infamous Five Falls—a rapid succession of five major drops including Entrance, Corkscrew, Crack-in-the-Rock, Jawbone, and Woodshopper ending at Soc-Em-Dog.
Age Requirement: Minimum 12 or 13 years old depending on outfitter policy.
Most full-day trips last 5 to 7 hours and include equipment, safety orientation, professional raft guides, shuttle transport, and a freshly prepared deli lunch served riverside along the canyon banks.
2-day wilderness expeditions combine Section III on day one, riverside camping with catered campfire meals, and Section IV on day two.
To protect the wilderness character of the river, the U.S. Forest Service limits commercial operations to only three licensed outfitters:
Outpost located in Clayton, GA (Rabun County).
Outpost located in Mountain Rest, SC / Chattooga Ridge Road.
Outpost located in Long Creek, SC.
Outfitters operate outposts along US-76 East near Clayton, GA / Dillard, GA and across the river border into South Carolina.
Spring through Autumn (March – October). Spring offers higher, faster water levels, while summer provides warm weather perfect for swimming.
Advance online bookings are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and Section IV trips.