The Wild Chattooga River
A 57-mile Wild and Scenic river on the Georgia-South Carolina line, about 75 minutes from Helen
The short answer
A wild river on the state line
The Chattooga runs 57 miles from near Cashiers, North Carolina, to Lake Tugalo, according to Wikipedia. Congress designated it a National Wild and Scenic River on May 10, 1974, and the same article lists 39.8 miles as "wild," about 2.5 miles as "scenic" and 14.6 miles as "recreational." Rafting here runs from easy to expert.
It's also the river in the 1972 film Deliverance, which used the Chattooga as the model for its fictional Cahulawassee. Most people are here for the whitewater, not the movie.
Rafting trips and 2026 prices
All trips are fully guided with equipment provided. Prices below were listed in October 2026 and exclude taxes and fees; they change, so confirm when you book.
| Outfitter | Trip | Price | Min. age | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwater Ltd. (Long Creek, SC) | Section III, full day | $159.95 | 8 | About 7 hours |
| Wildwater Ltd. | Section IV, full day | $179.95 | 12 | About 7 hours |
| Wildwater Ltd. | Half-day mini trip (lower Section III) | $109.95 | 8 | About 4 hours |
| Wildwater Ltd. | Overnighter (Sections III and IV) | $469.85 | 12 | 2 days, 1 night |
| Southeastern Expeditions | Section III | From $109, lunch included | 8 | About 6 hours |
| Southeastern Expeditions | Section IV | From $120, lunch included | 12 | About 7 hours |
| Southeastern Expeditions | Overnight adventure | From $425 | 12 | Both sections |
Nantahala Outdoor Center also runs Chattooga trips; its booking line is 866-336-1037. Wildwater runs early March through early November (866-319-8870); Southeastern Expeditions books at 800-868-7238.
Section III or Section IV?
Section III
The better first trip. It has Class I to III rapids with an optional run at the Class IV Bull Sluice, according to Wildwater, which calls it moderate in intensity.
Section IV
The one to pick if you've rafted before. It includes Five Falls, which Wikipedia describes as five Class III to V rapids packed into about a quarter mile. Wildwater rates it strenuous.
Half-day mini trip
If you only have the morning, the lower part of Section III is about four hours and includes the optional Bull Sluice.
Overnighter
Both sections over two days with camping and meals, for ages 12 and up.
Getting there from Helen
Plan on about 75 minutes and 50 miles by road from downtown Helen to Long Creek, South Carolina, where the outfitters are based. Book ahead for weekends, and keep in mind that low water can make a Section III trip more of a scrape than a splash, so ask the outfitter about flows when you call.
Bring a change of clothes and a towel, shoes that stay on, and leave valuables in the car. Many people pair a morning on the river with dinner back in Helen. If you'd rather stay on calm water, tubing in Helen is a much gentler float. Fishing the Chattooga? The trout fishing guide covers licenses and regulations.
What's included and what to expect
Outfitters supply the gear. On Wildwater trips that means a raft, paddle, life jacket, helmet, paddling jacket and a guide, plus lunch (a snack on the mini trip). Wet suits are free in March, April, October and November, and booties are $5. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don't mind soaking, and bring swimwear, water shoes, a towel and a water bottle. On the overnighter, bring your own pillow and sleeping bag.
Water level shapes the day. Wildwater says spring and early summer bring higher water and tougher rapids, while late summer and fall are calmer. Section IV is advertised as 8 miles of challenging whitewater and requires previous experience, so be honest with yourself when you pick. Transportation to and from the river is provided from the Wildwater Chattooga Adventure Center in Long Creek.
Quick questions
How far is the Chattooga River from Helen?
About 75 minutes and 50 miles to Long Creek, South Carolina, where the rafting outfitters are based.
What age can you raft the Chattooga?
Section III and the half-day mini trip start at age 8. Section IV and the overnighter start at 12.
How much does Chattooga rafting cost?
Wildwater's 2026 prices, before taxes and fees, are $109.95 for the mini trip, $159.95 for Section III, $179.95 for Section IV and $469.85 for the overnighter. Southeastern Expeditions lists Section III from $109 and Section IV from $120, lunch included.
Do I need rafting experience?
Not for Section III, which Wildwater pitches to beginners and families. Section IV, with Five Falls, requires previous experience.
What's the rafting season?
Wildwater runs early March through early November. Call ahead in the shoulder months and ask about water levels.
Related Imagery from Around Helen
