Chattooga River Rafting: Section 4 Wild Whitewater

Several class IV-V rapids, a towering waterfall, and lunch at Long Creek Falls

Section 4 Chattooga River rafting is a 5.5-hour whitewater trip on the Southeast's most technical rapids, guided from put-in to take-out with all gear included. The river itself is protected as a Wild and Scenic waterway, and the section you paddle includes Seven-Foot Falls, Raven's Chute, and the famous Five Falls: five consecutive class IV-V rapids compressed into one-third of a mile. Minimum age is 12. Moderate fitness is required.

The experience

Five and a half hours on the water means you're paddling through the Chattooga's most demanding section with an experienced guide who walks you through every rapid before you hit it. After a safety briefing and video, you'll gear up, load onto a shuttle bus to the put-in, and get final instructions at the river's edge. Then the work starts: you and your paddle crew navigate Seven-Foot Falls first, then Raven's Chute, building into the Five Falls. The signature stretch where five class IV-V rapids stack up in just 1/3 of a mile. The guide reads the water and calls the line through each one.

Lunch breaks the day at Long Creek Falls, a majestic stop on the riverbank where you eat and recover before tackling the final rapids. The Chattooga is the same river where the film Deliverance was shot, and it's been protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act since 1974: meaning the wilderness around you is legally preserved. All rafting equipment, life jackets and helmets are included. You bring the paddling effort and a moderate level of fitness.

What’s included

• All rafting equipment including life jacket, helmet and paddle.
• experienced guide leading you through each rapid.
• shuttle transport to the river put-in.
• riverside lunch at Long Creek Falls.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 9 Jul 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Nantahala Outdoor Center

Is this one for you?This is a shared, guided paddle trip where you operate the raft alongside other paddlers under your guide's direction, not a spectator experience. It suits paddlers 12 and up with moderate fitness who want to actively navigate technical whitewater rather than watch it from a boat.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What are the Five Falls and why are they famous?

The Five Falls are five consecutive class IV-V rapids that occur in just one-third of a mile on Section 4, making them the most technical and intense stretch of the Chattooga. They're the signature challenge of this rafting section.

How long does the whole trip take from start to finish?

The trip runs 5.5 hours total, including the safety briefing, shuttle to the put-in, paddling time, the lunch stop at Long Creek Falls, and the final rapids.

What's included in the rafting equipment?

All rafting gear is provided: life jacket, helmet, paddle, and raft. You don't need to bring or rent any equipment yourself.

Is this rafting trip suitable for teenagers?

Yes, the minimum age is 12 years old. Paddlers need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to handle the class IV-V rapids and the full 5.5-hour day on the water.

Where do you stop for lunch during the trip?

Lunch is at Long Creek Falls, a riverside stop partway through the day where you eat and rest before paddling the final section of rapids.