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Natural Heritage Trail

Chattooga River Gorge

The Chattooga River Gorge, which begins near Cashiers, North Carolina, is home to one of country's longest and most spectacular Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Chattooga. The Chattooga River is also regarded as the crown jewel of southern whitewater rivers.

From its headwaters under the shadow of Whiteside Mountain, the river runs for 10 miles in North Carolina and then continues southward for another 40 miles, forming the border between South Carolina and Georgia. As it leaves the North Carolina mountains, it flows through the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, a 8,274-acre tract of rugged mountain forest that surrounds the point at which the three states meet.

On the North Carolina side, visitors can explore the Chattooga River Gorge by hiking into the Ellicott Rock Wilderness on the Ellicott Rock Trail or the Bad Creek Trail. Primitive camping is permitted within the Wilderness with some restrictions.

Chattooga River Gorge Hours of Operation
N/A

Chattooga River Gorge Admission Fees
None
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on this website.

Chattooga River Gorge Location
The Ellicott Rock Wilderness is located south of Cashiers, North Carolina, just off NC 107 near the South Carolina border. Parking for the two trailheads is found on Bull Pen Road.

Highlands Ranger District
Nantahala National Forest
2010 Flat Mountain Road
Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-3765