Chattooga River in Alabama

Trip Overview

We put in under bridge since we didn't have a shuttle this day and paddle easily upstream for a couple miles. Very pleasant and enjoyable trip not a lot of traffic but those we encountered were very nice and were having a great time too. We paddled easily back and the river meanders in in a big horseshoe shape in this area.

We have done the shuttle version here also and although its only 3.5 miles up to the launch by road the the river winds easily 6 to 7 miles through the forest and surrounding valley.

It's about a 3 to 6 hour float depending on your speed and river current. Great float and always navigable water as opposed to some of the streams nearby (Little River).

If you go south from the bridge down stream the river becomes a tributary of Weiss Lake and there is a public boat launch at Hwy. 68 near Cedar Bluff. Be sure to check map if you do go downstream and be familiar with the route as there are several sloughs off the main channel.

For a longer trip upstream there is also a launch and take out just across the Georgia line on Price Bridge road. The good citizens of Georgia have even installed a boat winch at the bridge for public use, I was amazed - great idea.

From the Georgia bridge back to Cherokee County Alabama 97 its 5 miles by road so expect at least an 8 mile float trip. Enjoy and don't forget this lost treasure the "Chatooga".

Accommodations:

none

Fees:

none

Directions:

Chattooga River at the bridge on HWY 35 just past 4 way stop. Pull under the bridge for an easy launch. From here you can go upstream or down and come back to this destination if you don't have a shuttle. If you have a shuttle this would be the takeout, the launch would be to go up Hwy. 68 from 4 way stop towards Georgia 3.5 miles and turn right on C.R. 97 go bridge and launch.