Chauga Narrows

Oconee County, South Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Oconee County, South Carolina
Access status: National forest path route and parking documented; slippery rock at the end
The walk: About 0.6 mile one way, per SC Trails
Ground & access: Old roadbed, then a faint riverside path ending on bare rock that is very slippery when wet. Do not enter the rapid.

Discover Upcountry Carolina: Chauga Narrows

Chauga Narrows is a 25-foot chute where the Chauga River squeezes through a 200-foot run, a Class VI rapid, in Sumter National Forest. From Walhalla, drive west on SC 28 about 6.6 miles and turn left on Whetstone Road just before the Mountain Top Trading Post. Drive 3.8 miles to Blackwell Bridge over the Chauga River and park beyond the bridge on the left. Cross Whetstone Road to the trailhead, follow an old roadbed about 0.3 mile, then a narrow, faint path downstream beside the river. At about 0.5 mile the river curves right and the path turns to rock. For the best view, some climbing over rocks is needed.

Plan your visit

Blackwell Bridge on Whetstone Road, then an old roadbed and riverside path downstream to Chauga Narrows

SC Trails gives 0.6 mile downstream from the parking area; the Oconee County guide calls it an easy quarter-mile hike. Return the same way.

Old roadbed, then a faint riverside path ending on bare rock that is very slippery when wet. Do not enter the rapid.

Where to start

Parking just past Blackwell Bridge on Whetstone Road; the Oconee County guide gives N 34.83412, W 83.17474 for the parking area.

Timing & water

No seasonal closure is stated.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore South Carolina

Waterfall location

Oconee County, South Carolina.

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