Adventure Out – Chauga Narrows

By Peter McIntosh

On this early summer adventure we’re heading over to South Carolina to visit a beautiful natural area called the Chauga Narrows. The Chauga Narrows gets its name from a narrow flume in the Chauga River, but there’s more to this place than just this sluice. There are a couple of pretty shoals and a nice small cascade thrown in for good measure. I rate this hike as moderate, it’s a little over 1/2 mile each way and mostly flat but when you get to the narrows there is some very tricky scrambling through the thick Rhododendron along the steep river bank.

The trailhead to the Chauga Narrows is off of Whetstone Road at the Chauga River Bridge and there’s a primitive parking area just off the road. This spot can be a bit trashy since it’s so easily accessible. We begin walking down an old roadbed with a few water filled mud holes along the way. After about 100 yards we’re still following alongside the river but the path now seems more like a trail. The river along here is mostly calm, slow moving water with a small rapid every so often. Both sides of the river are bordered by beautiful River Birch, Loblolly Pine and White Oaks. There are plenty of side trails, leading to the riverbank that are used by fishermen. (And fishermen make note: The Chauga River is stocked with trout annually by the DNR.) As we continue down the trail, it gets a bit more overgrown as we go along. There’s a nice campsite at a bend in the river and then this trail gets a little more interesting.

The sound of rushing water gets louder telling us that the narrows are nearby. The trail now climbs away from the river up into the Rhododendron. It looks more difficult than it is but do be careful as you could easily twist an ankle. There are a few places to scramble down to the river to see the rushing water features and all are worth checking out. There’s a pretty little waterfall just above the narrows, and then there’s the narrows, a flume of rushing water dropping

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 quickly to a really nice wading pool at the base. This is a great spot should you want to cool your toes. There are also some nice big rocks here to sit on and enjoy a snack. Happy hiking!

And not a moment too soon, here’s my poem for June: Summer’s here so I think you oughter, Go hike alongside some cool mountain water. With a quick flowing chute and nice little cascade, The Chauga Narrows is a water feature parade.

Getting there: Take US 76 E. from Clayton and go 8 miles to the Chattooga River, cross the bridge and go 2 miles to Chattooga Ridge Road on the left. Stay on this road for 5 miles until you come to the intersection with Whetstone Road. Turn right on Whetstone Road and go 1 mile to the Chauga River bridge. The pull off to parking areas is on either side of the road, just before the bridge. It looks rough but it’s not too bad. As I said in the poem, I do recommend you wear boots on this adventure as the last part of this trail is very rugged. I also suggest you bring a friend on this hike, just for safety’s sake.

To see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment, visit: www.mcintoshmountans.com