The Chattooga River

Chattooga River Gorge

The Chattooga River Gorge is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the eastern United States. Designated a Wild and Scenic River by congress in 1974, the Chattooga River is characterized by dense forests, undeveloped shorelines, whitewater rapids and multiple waterfalls; it's banks and riverbed riddled with massive boulders and alien rock formations.

Originating in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the Chattooga flows South through the Nanthahala National Forest for ten miles before crossing the North Carolina border. For the next forty miles the river serves as the boundary between South Carolina and Georgia as it makes it's way South to Lake Tugaloo. Over the course of a mere fifty miles the river descends some 2500 feet in elevation making the Chattooga a whitewater wonderland.



The ten mile stretch of the river that courses through the Nanthahala Wilderness is remote, and the surrounding forest is extremely dense. Few trails lead to the rivers edge and those that do are typically steep descents over slick rocks or loose top soils. Those adventurous souls who are able to make the descent are often rewarded with spectacular scenery, and tempting views up and down the river. Unfortunately, it is often difficult, if not impossible, to move upstream or down while within the gorge. The Chattooga is notorious for it's impenetrable rapids and the encroaching forest leaves little, if any, shoreline to follow.



We entered the gorge through Horse Cove, East of Highlands, N.C. and covered the last three miles to the river via Bull Pen Rd. There are several primitive campsites on Ammons Branch that are accessible from Bull Pen Rd. and the surrounding area is beautiful. Approximately 1.5 miles past Ammons Branch there is an iron bridge which spans the Chattooga. Here, there are short, moderately difficult trails which lead down to the river.


View from the bridge

While not easy to get to, the Chattooga River Gorge is a virtually virgin wilderness; one of the few places in the Eastern United States where you will likely find no trace of human intrusion. We believe it is important to keep it this way, and while we encourage you to explore this area, we ask that you Leave No Trace! Gather your gear, tie on your boots and go!

Hike On!

From Highlands, follow Main Street east out of town. Go approximately 4.5 miles through Horse Cove until ;the pavement ends. Bear right onto Bull Pen Rd. and follow it approximately three miles to the bridge.

Waterfall Safety

Rainbow Falls

Western North Carolina is home to some of the nation's most spectacular hydro-displays. Waterfalls, whitewater rapids, bubbling brooks, and wild mountain streams abound throughout the area. For the outdoor enthusiast there is nothing so exhilarating as getting up-close and personal with these incredible natural wonders, and while we encourage you to do so, we also encourage you to be safe. Here are a few tips for avoiding injury (or worse) when exploring the wild water in and around The Land of Waterfalls.

Wear Appropriate Footwear - Rivers and waterfalls are inherently dangerous. The spray areas around waterfalls, and the banks of the rivers which produce them, typically remain wet throughout the year creating an environment in which mosses, algae, and molds thrive. These areas can be extremely slippery! A good pair of hiking boots or river shoes can improve traction and protect the feet from inadvertent injury.

Lower Your Center of Gravity - In addition to wearing proper footwear, lowering your center of gravity and using both your hands and your feet to negotiate wet, steep, or uneven surfaces greatly reduces the risk of falling. This is particularly useful for scrabbling over the large boulders which are common around waterfalls and mountain streams. A low center of gravity not only increases balance, it also shortens the distance of the fall should one occur.

Never Enter a River Above a Waterfall - This should be a no-brainer. Entering a river can be a dangerous proposition under any circumstance, attempting to cross a river near a waterfall increases the danger exponentially. Currents can increase dramatically as a river approaches a waterfall and even shallow water can sweep an individual off their feet and over the falls. Hiking 101: Never put yourself in a position where you can be seriously injured in a fall.

Do Not Attempt to Climb a Waterfall - Hello! Even experienced climbers would not attempt to climb a waterfall without proper gear and safety equipment. Did I mention that waterfalls are inherently dangerous?

Carry a Big Stick - Clear mountain waters are often much deeper than they appear, and rocks and river beds that appear level or stable may not be so. Many of the rock deposits in river beds are comprised of loose rocks which have migrated with the current. What appears to be a natural ford of stationary stepping stones across a running stream may in fact, be loose rocks that can shift dangerously underfoot. Carrying a walking stick into the water with you allows you to determine depth and test the stability of surfaces in front of you.

Respect the Current - River currents vary with depth, degree of descent, water volume, size and shape of obstructions, and the natural contours of the river bed. Discerning rate and course of currents can be difficult at best. Be aware that deeper water produces stronger currents. Stepping off an underwater shelf can cause you to lose contact with the river bed and send you swiftly downstream. If you do get swept up in the current, do not struggle against it. Put your feet in front of you and raise your head, letting the river carry you until the current weakens and you can make your way toward shore. If you are carrying a pack, unbuckle it at the waist before entering the water so you can discard it if necessary.

Be Vigilant - Keep in mind that you are in an extreme environment, one that is likely far outside your realm of experience. Nature is indifferent to your well-being. Exercise common-sense and don't put yourself in dangerous situations.

Hike On!

Whitewater Falls

Upper Whitewater Falls

Over a course of less than three miles the Whitewater River drops nearly 1100 feet, coursing it's way over the Blue Ridge Escarpment and producing two of the area's most spectacular waterfalls. The Whitewater River Gorge is one of four gorges that comprise the Jocassee Gorges. The Thompson, Toxaway, and Horsepasture Rivers, along with the Whitewater are the four major waterways that feed Lake Jocassee on the border of North and South Carolina.

On it's initial plunge the Whitewater River plummets over 400 feet through some of the most pristine wilderness in the Eastern United States. It's incredible height, unmatched water volume, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area make Upper Whitewater Falls one of the most revered in the area. It is reputed to be the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States and is certainly one of the most spectacular. Upper Whitewater Falls is also one of the most accessible in The Land of Waterfalls, provided one doesn't mind viewing it from a distance. The paved, handicap accessible trail is less than a quarter mile from parking area to overlook.

Lower Whitewater falls is approximately a half-mile downstream and can be viewed from an observation platform at the end of a 1.9 mile trail. Nearly as impressive as it's up-river cousin, Lower Whitewater Falls cascades some 180 feet before free-falling another 200 feet to the rock-laden river below. The view here, like that of the upper falls, is distant and encompasses nearly the entire falls. Due to the extreme nature of the surrounding topography, attempting to get any closer to the falls is extraordinarily dangerous and many have died trying.

Rugged terrain, steep elevations, and dense hardwood forests have inhibited development and discouraged human molestation of the natural environment, making the Jocassee Gorge area home to a plethora of rare plant and animal life. The spray areas around the falls form 'tropical' micro-climates that support a variety of plant life which require the specific moisture conditions found near waterfalls. Many of the ferns, mosses, and wildflowers which thrive here take decades to establish themselves. Venturing into these areas is dangerous, not only for you, but for the fragile ecosystems that exist here. If you must go, tread lightly and Leave No Trace.

From Highlands N.C. head East on US-64 to Lake Toxaway. At the intersection of US-64 and NC-281 you will see signs for Whitewater Falls.


Hike On!