Chattooga River Trail
In weekend warrior style ... we completed the Chattooga River Trail in two sections. Very similar to the Foothills Ttrail ... I don't recommend doing this trail in the summer ... it's hot, humid, and buggy! I'd recommend doing it in late spring or early fall - and note, that the wooden bridges can be slippery.
Also, the northern end of this trail was significantly longer than AllTrails had said ... because I'd intended on doing this as a 3 night/4 day trip to do the whole trail. I bailed at Hwy 28 ... it was the smartest decision to keep myself and Sally safe - huge thank you to Taz for rescuing us!!
If you live close enough - this trail also makes some some great weekend in/out trips especially with the campsites by the river near Dicks Creek Falls, Pig Pen Falls, and around Burrells Ford.
The trail is dog friendly.
If you need a shuttle, I highly recommend Taz (1.864.431.0447) or Sherpa Al (1.305.216.7234).
Day 1
Sally & I headed out to conquer the Chattooga River trail. Things didn't quite go to plan, but we still had a blast! From ice cold stream crossings, frozen shoes, down trees which made the trail more like a jungle gym, plenty of blue skies, and several extra miles ... we still had a blast! We only made it from Sloan Bridge to Hwy 28. Follow our journey along the way...
Day 2
...
Day 3
...
Sloan Bridge to Hwy 28
Hwy 28 to Hwy 76
Day 1
After leaving my car at Hwy 76 (Chattooga River access) ... Taz shuttled me up to where he rescued me from the the upper portion of the trail at Ridley Fields access off of Hwy 28. We begin our journey to finish the Chattooga River Trail there ... and after surviving the short road walk across the narrow bridge and the GoPro trying to work it's own issues out we hit the trail. At this point the Bartram Trail overlaps the Chattooga River Trail ... along the way seeing river views, old tractor ruins, and rolling country views. We reach our intended campsite to enjoy a nice meal by the fire before retreating to our hammock!
Day 2
Packing up wet gear is never fun ... but grateful the rain had stopped long enough for us to pack without getting completely soaked! Hiking in the rain ... it's a love/hate relationship! But the trail was absolutely gorgeous ... and Dicks Creek Falls is absolutely worth taking the side trip to see. Shortly after that waterfall ... the Bartram Trail continues going north while we remain on the Chattooga River Trail going south. Finally, in the afternoon the sun makes an appearance and we decide to stop at Hippie Beach for the night. After playing at the beach for awhile ... we make use of the extra daylight to prepare wood for the fire. It was a fantastic day!
Day 3
Feeling rested and ready to finish this trail we set off. Some bridges need some work, while others were well missing some critical pieces. But it was another beautiful ridgeline walk and some gorgeous creek and river scenery! This lower half of the Chattooga River Trail was absolutely beautiful and well worth exploring. The mileage from Hwy 28 to Hwy 76 was around 21 miles. And if you're feeling like you've got a little bit of energy ... check out Bull Sluice since it's right there at the Chattooga Access at Hwy 76.