National Wild And Scenic River Chattooga, North Carolina, South Carolina And Georgia

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South-Carolina

Nearby: Tallulah Gorge State Park Sumter National Forest

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Chattooga River is a National Wild and Scenic River that runs through North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

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Summary

The river is known for its beautiful scenery and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The Chattooga River is also famous for its appearance in the movie "Deliverance."

There are several points of interest to see along the Chattooga River, including the Chattooga River Trail, which offers a scenic hike through the area. The river is also home to several waterfalls, including the popular Big Bend Falls. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the diverse flora and fauna found in the surrounding forests and the river itself.

The best time of year to visit the Chattooga River depends on your interests. Summer is the busiest season, with the river being a prime destination for white-water rafting. Spring and fall are also popular times to visit for hiking and fishing. Winter brings fewer crowds and offers a unique beauty with the snow-covered mountains and frozen waterfalls.

Overall, the Chattooga River is a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Southeastern United States. With its stunning scenery and exciting outdoor activities, the river offers something for everyone.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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