Chattooga River
The ultimate whitewater adventure with some of the most thrilling rapids in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.
Wild. Scenic. Unforgettable.
The Chattooga River is one of the Southeast’s most iconic waterways—and for good reason. Famous for its role in the film Deliverance, this federally protected Wild and Scenic River offers both adrenaline-pumping rapids and serene, untouched wilderness. Flowing between South Carolina and Georgia through the Sumter National Forest, the Chattooga is the crown jewel of southeastern whitewater and a perfect kickoff to the SC7 Expedition.
The Mission
Paddle the wild. Hike the highlands. Protect the wild places.
On this leg of the SC7 Expedition, we’ll dive headfirst into adventure. Our morning begins with a whitewater rafting trip down the Chattooga, experiencing Class II–IV rapids surrounded by raw, undeveloped forest. In the afternoon, we’ll transition from water to land for a guided trail hike with the U.S. Forestry Service, exploring the surrounding landscape and learning about the efforts to preserve one of South Carolina’s most cherished wild places.
What Makes it a Wonder?
- Designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1974
- Boasts some of the most challenging and scenic rapids in the Blue Ridge Mountains
- Remains entirely free-flowing and undeveloped—a rare find in modern America
- Offers incredible biodiversity, remote beauty, and deep cultural significance