Adventure Out Woodall Shoals on the Chattooga River

By Peter McIntosh

On this adventure we’re heading to a great summer spot on the Chattooga River, the perfect spot to cool your toes. Our destination is Woodall Shoals, a beautiful set of rapids that is very easy to get to, less than 3/10 of a mile each way from the parking area. Woodall Shoals is both a put in and take out for rafters and kayakers and can be very busy on weekends. There are two trails from the parking area that lead to the river so you can walk in one way and come out by the other. I suggest you hike in via the trail that leads past the primitive campsites which is located at the far end of the parking area near the privy. From this trailhead you’ll descend some stairs before leveling off on an old roadbed. This is a heavily used camping area with lots of side trails going this way and that. Just past this open area the trail descends for a

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com short bit through Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. The sound of the river will now be in earshot and, if it’s a weekend, you’ll most likely hear people as well. Now the trail joins back up with the wide main trail and then splits again with two paths leading down to the river.

Both trails end up at nearly the same place, a broad beach offering easy access for watercraft. On the downstream end there is a trail that crosses a creek before following along the river. Along this area there are lots of places to climb down to the river and enjoy a great straight on view of the shoals just upstream. On the upstream end of the sandy beach there is a calm shallow pool, great for wading or swimming for kids. And just up from this pool are some wonderful rocks to scramble on, leading out to the churning rapids of Woodall Shoals. These rocks aren’t dangerous but please do be careful and don’t play in the rapids, no matter how good a swimmer you are. This is my favorite area because from these rocks you get a great view of the river, both upstream and down. Also it’s a great place to catch some rays, have a picnic and watch the rafters and kayakers go by. Happy hiking!

As summer flies by, here’s my poem for July: To beat the summer heat, this spot sure delivers, A place of natural beauty along the Chattooga River. If cool flowing water is one of your goals, Just head on down to Woodall Shoals.

Getting there: From Hwy 441 in Clayton, take Hwy 76 East 8 miles to the Chattooga River. Cross the river and continue 2.3 miles to Orchard Road on the right. Turn right on Orchard Road and go 3/10 mile to Woodall Shoals Road on the right. This road comes up quickly so keep an eye out for it. Stay on Woodall Shoals Road to the turn around at the end.

Field notes: The Chattooga River is a truly wonderful resource for our region, both for us to enjoy and as a tourist destination. The organization charged with protecting this wild and scenic river is the Chattooga Conservancy. To join the conservancy or learn more about their work, visit their website at: www.chattoogariver.org

To see more of Peter’s photo or if you have a question or comment: www.mcintoshmountains.com