Winter rains promise high-water adventures

Chattooga River rafting is popular with beginners and experienced rafters alike in all age groups.

“Now in our 39th season, Southeastern Expeditions is a terrific day trip, no matter which section of the river you choose,” said Larry Mashburn, president of Southeastern Expeditions, which opened in 1971 following the filming of “Deliverance” on the Chattooga. “The thrill of white-water rafting is fun for the entire family and the Chattooga is the perfect place to experience the great outdoors.”

Southeastern Expeditions hosts guided rafting trips with experienced guides on the Chattooga. In 1974, the Chattooga River earned the designation as the Southeast’s first Wild and Scenic River.

“Even today the Wild and Scenic designation can be appreciated throughout the entire river corridor,” Mashburn said. “Our guests experience the true wilderness aspect of the Chattooga River from start to finish. This river is popular with beginners and experienced rafters alike in all age groups from families and teens to college students and active adults.

The gentler Section III with mostly Class II and Class III rapids is perfect for first-time rafters, families and those who want to become immersed in incredible scenery, glimpses of wildlife and pockets of lush forests and rock outcroppings. Section III’s laid-back journey ends with a huge splash through Bull Sluice where guides and guests navigate through the Chattooga’s most notorious rapid and get their picture taken as they drop into the awesome whitewater.

Section IV, which was featured in “Deliverance,” is a wild white-water ride with Class III, Class lV and Class V rapids. Run rapids with descriptive names such as Seven-Foot Falls, Raven’s Chute and Deliverance Rock. Then catch your breath before tackling a series of falls that includes Corkscrew, Jawbone and Soc-em-Dog. Along the way, view waterfalls that cascade into the river and provide breathtaking and refreshing experiences.

“A typical trip is about six hours,” Mashburn said, “and it includes rafting, all your gear and a picnic lunch with home-made cookies, fresh deli-meat sandwiches and fresh fruits and vegetables.”

At the beginning of the season, when the air temperature is cool and the water is at its highest and most exciting, Southeastern supplies complimentary wet suits. As the temperatures rise into the summer, most rafters choose to run the rapids in shorts and T-shirts, feeling the cool fresh spray as they surf waves and hang out in eddies along the way.

“Summer is our most popular time of the year, but anytime from early March through October is a great time to go rafting,” he said. “Even during our busiest season, we make each adventure special and it’s rare that you’ll see any other rafts on the river other than your group.”

Southeastern Expeditions offers several trips on the Chattooga, including an overnight adventure that encompasses both Section III and Section IV. They also teach kayak and canoe clinics for all levels of paddlers.

Other attractions in the Clayton area include hiking on the world-famous Appalachian Trail and other venues, Lake Tugaloo water sports and the Dillard House Restaurant and Cabins.

Chattooga River Rafting is open for rafting seven days a week beginning in early March through the end of October. Call the reservation office at 1-800-868- 7238 for trip times and availability or book online at www.southeasternexpeditions.com.