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Run the Chattooga River’s Section 4—five named Class IV–V rapids in a short, technical canyon run. Expect powerful hydraulics, a riverside lunch at Long Creek Falls, and a strong dose of southeastern whitewater history.
Run the Chattooga River’s Section 4—five named Class IV–V rapids in a short, technical canyon run. Expect powerful hydraulics, a riverside lunch at Long Creek Falls, and a strong dose of southeastern whitewater history.
A low morning sun cuts through the hemlocks as your guide clips on a helmet and the river answers with a distant roar. Section 4 of the Chattooga River throws itself into steep, narrow canyon—rock shelves, ledges and the famous Five Falls compress a torrent into explosive, technical rapids that demand attention. You ferry across eddies, punch into chutes and feel the raft lift and drop as boofs and holes arrange themselves downstream.
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Operated by Nantahala Outdoor Center · Mountain Rest, South Carolina
A low morning sun cuts through the hemlocks as your guide clips on a helmet and the river answers with a distant roar. Section 4 of the Chattooga River throws itself into steep, narrow canyon—rock shelves, ledges and the famous Five Falls compress a torrent into explosive, technical rapids that demand attention. You ferry across eddies, punch into chutes and feel the raft lift and drop as boofs and holes arrange themselves downstream.
The Chattooga is protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and carries cultural weight: it’s the cinematic backdrop for Deliverance and a corridor long used by Cherokee and early settlers. Geologically, the river cuts through metamorphic bedrock of the Blue Ridge, producing the steep gradient and tight, hydraulically complex rapids that define Section 4.
On a typical trip you’ll get a safety briefing, shuttle to the put-in, and run roughly 7–10 river miles that include Seven-Foot Falls, Raven’s Chute, and the Five Falls sequence. Lunch at Long Creek Falls breaks the run—rocky pools, mossy banks and quick-drying sun.
Bring footwear that grips wet rock, dress for immersion, and expect intermittent carries and guide commands that matter. The run is dynamic and physical: paddle hard, brace, and trust the guide. Timing matters—spring flows are punchier, late summer lower and more technical, and fall brings crisp water and clearer lines.
For paddlers and non-paddlers alike, Section 4 is a concentrated stretch of southeastern whitewater—short, intense, and uncompromising. It’s the trip that forces you to move with the river rather than against it.
challenging.
5–6 hours.
Good cardiovascular fitness and upper-body endurance recommended; ability to follow safety instruction and perform basic paddling.
Minimum age is 12; all participants must meet physical standards and follow guide instructions.
Yes—guides accommodate non-paddlers, but everyone must be prepared for potential immersion and follow commands.
Spring and early fall flows are cold—wetsuits or splash jackets are recommended; summer may be comfortable but still warrants quick-dry layers.
Outfitters monitor flows and weather closely; trips may be rescheduled or canceled according to safety and permit conditions.
The Chattooga was designated Wild and Scenic in 1974 and gained cultural notoriety as the setting for the film Deliverance.
The river is managed under federal protections and commercial permits; follow leave-no-trace practices and pack out all trash to protect fragile riparian habitat.
Nantahala Outdoor Center operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A low morning sun cuts through the hemlocks as your guide clips on a helmet and the river answers with a distant roar. Section 4 of the Chattooga River throws itself into steep, narrow canyon—rock shelves, ledges and the famous Five Falls compress a torrent into explosive, technical rapids that demand attention. You ferry across eddies, punch into chutes and feel the raft lift and drop as boofs and holes arrange themselves downstream.
A low morning sun cuts through the hemlocks as your guide clips on a helmet and the river answers with a distant roar. Section 4 of the Chattooga River throws itself into steep, narrow canyon—rock shelves, ledges and the famous Five Falls compress a torrent into explosive, technical rapids that demand attention. You ferry across eddies, punch into chutes and feel the raft lift and drop as boofs and holes arrange themselves downstream.
The Chattooga is protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and carries cultural weight: it’s the cinematic backdrop for Deliverance and a corridor long used by Cherokee and early settlers. Geologically, the river cuts through metamorphic bedrock of the Blue Ridge, producing the steep gradient and tight, hydraulically complex rapids that define Section 4.
On a typical trip you’ll get a safety briefing, shuttle to the put-in, and run roughly 7–10 river miles that include Seven-Foot Falls, Raven’s Chute, and the Five Falls sequence. Lunch at Long Creek Falls breaks the run—rocky pools, mossy banks and quick-drying sun.
Bring footwear that grips wet rock, dress for immersion, and expect intermittent carries and guide commands that matter. The run is dynamic and physical: paddle hard, brace, and trust the guide. Timing matters—spring flows are punchier, late summer lower and more technical, and fall brings crisp water and clearer lines.
For paddlers and non-paddlers alike, Section 4 is a concentrated stretch of southeastern whitewater—short, intense, and uncompromising. It’s the trip that forces you to move with the river rather than against it.