The Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
Fifty-seven miles of protected whitewater on the Georgia-South Carolina line, within an hour or so of Helen
The short answer
If Helen's river is the lazy one, the Chattooga is the wild one. It runs 57 miles along the Georgia-South Carolina line with no dams and almost no development on its banks, which is a big part of its appeal. The 1972 film Deliverance was shot along it, and that's how most people first heard of it.
Congress designated the river on May 10, 1974: roughly 40 miles "wild," 2.5 "scenic" and 14.6 "recreational." The Forest Service manages it across the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Nantahala and Sumter National Forests.
Which section is right for you
| Section | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Section III | Rolling Class I to III rapids that build to the optional Class IV Bull Sluice. The pick for first-timers and families; the minimum age is 8. | Beginners, families |
| Section IV | About 8 miles of the steepest whitewater on the river, with Seven Foot Falls and the five-rapid Five Falls sequence. The minimum age is 12. | Confident, fit paddlers |
| Upper sections (I and II) | Remote, wilderness stretches with no commercial trips, run by experienced private boaters. Check Forest Service rules first. | Experts with their own gear |
Outfitters, prices and seasons
Checked with each outfitter, October 2026
| Outfitter | Base | Trips and prices | Season | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwater Chattooga | Long Creek, SC (meet at the Chattooga Adventure Center) | Section III $159.95 (ages 8+); Section IV $179.95 (ages 12+); half-day Mini $109.95; overnighter $469.85 | Early March to early November; Mini mid-March to October | 866-319-8870, wildwaterrafting.com |
| Nantahala Outdoor Center | Chattooga outpost near Clayton, GA | Section III from $135 (ages 8+); Section IV from $155 (ages 12+), 5 to 6 hours | March to October | 866-336-1037, noc.com/chattooga-river-sc |
| Southeastern Expeditions | 7350 Hwy 76 E, Clayton, GA 30525 | Section III from $109 (ages 8+); Section IV from $120 (ages 12+); overnight from $425 (ages 12+) | Check the site for current dates | 800-868-7238, southeasternexpeditions.com |
Prices are per person and the "from" prices change by season and day of the week. Book ahead for weekends. Trip details: Wildwater, NOC, Southeastern Expeditions.
Planning your day
First time on whitewater?
Start with Section III. Wildwater's half-day Mini covers the lower part of it with the optional Bull Sluice for $109.95.
Water levels change
With no dams, the Chattooga rises fast after heavy rain and drops in dry spells. Your outfitter makes the call on whether it's safe to run.
What to wear
Quick-dry clothes and shoes that stay on your feet. The outfitters supply the raft, paddles and life jackets.
Wildlife
This is bear country. Keep food packed away at any campsite.
Looking for something closer to town? See tubing the Chattahoochee in Helen, and our fall color guide for October timing.
Chattooga River questions
How far is the Chattooga River from Helen?
Southeastern Expeditions' base in Clayton, GA is about 38 miles from Helen. Wildwater's base is in Long Creek, SC, so allow extra time for that side.
What's the minimum age for rafting the Chattooga?
Section III has a minimum age of 8, and Section IV has a minimum of 12.
Can I tube the Chattooga?
Tubing rules are strict on this river and vary by stretch, so check with the Forest Service before you go. If you want a tube float near Helen, the Chattahoochee in town is the easy choice (the season runs roughly late May through the summer).
Is the Chattooga safe?
It's a free-flowing river with no dams, so it rises fast after rain. Book a guided trip unless you're an experienced whitewater boater.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
