Help with the Chatooga river

“I have a friend that is looking into doing a White Water Rafting trip to the Chatooga...has anyone been there and used an outfitter of special quality...also...does anyone have photos...I'm wanting to go and canoe this river this summer....so, your help will be appreciated...Thanks.”

“I went on a 2 day rafting trip on the Chattooga, but it was about 10 years ago and I don't remember the name of the outfitter that we used. I don't have any pictures either, but the trip was great. We rafted a total of 8 hours, in 2 days. We rafted half way down the river, camped out alongside the river, and then rafted the other half the next day. If I hear some names of the outfitters I might can remember who we used.”

“The guys that we used spoiled us. They carried our belongings to the campsite so it was there when we arrived. They also cooked us steak and baked potatoes when we camped out.”

“Never been there. Sawry.

Watch "Deliverance" for a primer.”

“Never been but want to.

Deliverance cliff notes version”

“Belle and I took a break along the Animas River in The Weimenuche Wilderness, CO.

While there, a huge raft pulled up. The crew scurried about setting up grills, etc, to begin preparing lunch. The clients milled around. One couple came and sat a spell. The guy picked my brain with a myriad of questions about bp'ing. He was totally envious of a dog and a man that could spend days on end in the wild...

"Just do it", I says...”

“But seriously now, I know of several Scout Troops that have done Chatooga trips. I'll ask around and see what info I can russle up.”

“Holy moley, HPM!

(I reckon I can count on that link to surface from time to time until the end of time)”

“I've done section four five times and section 3 once. Wildwater Ltd. has always been my outfit of choice. It's easily accessable, the have good facilities and great guides. Check out their website.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions.”

“by canoe. and MUST you go with an outfitter.

I like to do my own thing...but, am not a white water canoeist. class 2 or 3 at most.

and, I'd really like to see someones photos...I can't believe all the people that live in the area, and NO PHOTOS!!! whats up wif dat???”

“stik:

Here is a link to the American Whitewater site for Georgia Rivers with info on the Chattooga. As you can see, it varies from class II to class V.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/state/GA/

For perspective, the middle and lower Buffalo and Elevenpoint are class I. The Mulberry is a class II.

You might also post your questions on Boatertalk as many boaters from the southeast watch that board.
http://boatertalk.com/forum/BoaterTalk”

“Owl...once again, you have proved your worth as a friend...thanks...that white water link is great...there were TONS of photos of the Chatooga river...and they are HAIRY and VERY scary looking...after looking at them, I have decided that this is NOT a stream to canoe on...it is a WILD river to DIE on, unless one is VERY skilled.

I shall only wish to do it at this point of my water career. Some nother day, I might wish to try it, but not this day. But my friend is gonna do an outfitter trip and he thanks you much.”

“Section 4 is great!!”

“The public will have a chance to learn more about the tug-of-war over recreation on the Chattooga River at a public meeting sponsored by the National Forest Service from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, in Highlands.

Paddling is currently banned on the upper 21 miles of the Chattooga River, a Wild and Scenic River that tumbles off the Cashiers Plateau. The controversial ban was put in place in the mid-1970s by the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina to protect the river’s solitude and wilderness experience, primarily for backcountry fishermen.

Prompted by a challenge from the national paddling organization American Whitewater, the forest service office in Washington, D.C., found there is a lack of data to justify the ban and ordered the Sumter National Forest to re-examine the ban. The Sumter National Forest is in the early stages of a study.

http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/07_06/07_12_06/out_public_chattooga.html

I vote to maintain the status quo for the back country fishers.
last edited: 7/12/06 7:39:32 PM”

“what? for those back country fishers who leave the mess behind or for the back country fisheres who take their crap back with them?

I need to think about that one for a second.

[last time me and smokeygirl hiked along the Chattoga river, even though it was a georgous area, it was VERY dirty! I actually have never seen an hiking area dirtier then this one.”

“backcountry fishers create too many trails. give it to the boaters”

“I agree with LS some places should be set aside for the fishermen. I think most areas should be open to paddlers though. Then other areas also open to motorized boats. The fishermen and others however should respect the area that is designated to them. I don't understand what drives people to trash the outdoors.”

“The Namekagon and St. Croix Rivers in NW Wisconsin have been protected by the Wild Rivers Act since sometime in the 60's. Having been raised on the St. Croix, it's always been sort of sacred to me. There are canoe outfitters/shuttles all over the place and the rivers are becoming increasingly trashy. Beer cans are common place and, on my recent float trip with my brother, we came across both a bicycle and a table saw. The table saw was particularly vexing since it was in the middle of the river and not that close to a landing. I generally pick up what trash I see along the way, but there is a need to organize float trips/cleanup days to rectify this matter. I'm hoping I can get some support from the shuttlers (since they profit from all this) and Park Service to coordinate something in the early spring. Maybe it's time I step up to the plate. A table saw for Christs' sake...”

“on different days....

Schedule it even/odd and reverse it from month to month....fish on even days, paddle on odd; next month, fish odd, paddle even...that way everyone wins...”