CHATTOOGA RIVER (FIVE FALLS SITE)

The Chattooga River begins in the mountains of North Carolina as small rivulets, nourished by springs and abundant rainfall, high on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains. The water drops a half mile in elevation over fifty miles as it winds its way to Lake Tugaloo where the river ends between South Carolina and Georgia. The Chattooga is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast, and the setting is primitive with dense forests and undeveloped shorelines on most of its route.

This hike approaches the Chattooga from the west side of the river and is not on the heavily traveled Chattooga River Trail (although there are links below if you want more information on it).  The decent to the river is on an old road that drops gradually and quickly to the river. Once you reach the Chattooga you can hike north (up river) to a few campsites that are situated among the trees that line the river. This is an easy hike that can be done as either a day or overnight trip.