Protected within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Area, the West Fork contains 4 miles of extremely scenic canoeing for the novice and can be used as an intimate launching pad for a longer trip into Section II of the Chattooga. The river is formed by the unusual symmetrical junction of three creeks: Overflow, Big, and Holcomb. For those interested in visiting the headwaters in addition to the tailwaters, the Three Forks hiking trail to this point is found farther up the same road as the put-in (See "Related Listings," below). The camping is good, inviting multiple-day trips within the area.

OVERFLOW CREEK ROAD TO THE CHATTOOGA RIVER

Trip Summary
Class: I-II; Length: 5.7 miles; Time: 3 hours; Gauge: visual; Gradient: 10 feet per mile; Scenery: A-

Description
The river is a popular one for trout fishing and provides one of the best opportunities on the Chattooga to both canoe and fish on the same trip. If floating by a fishing party, minimize any disruption by passing quietly.

The West Fork's rapids are mostly Class I, but two rapids are designated Class II. The first of these is formed by the remains of an old dam, 1 mile below Warwoman Road. The other Class II, Big Slide, is 1.5 miles below the old dam and less than 0.5 miles above the confluence with the main Chattooga.

The most frequenrly used put-in is at the U.S. Forest Service campground, less than a mile from Warwoman Road. Ample parking is available there, and the carry to the river is short. Take-out either at the GA 28 Russell Bridge, 0.2 miles upstream on the main Chatooga, or drift downstream to the Long Bottom Ford take-out on river left. There is no direct road access at the confluence of the West Fork and the main Chattooga.

Shuttle
From US 441 in Clayton, turn east on Rickman Street and then right onto Warwoman Road. Take Warwoman Road 13.4miles to the river; turn left onto Overflow Creek Road on the far side of the bridge. Potential put-in locations on Overflow Creek Road are 0.9 miles ahead at the U.S. Forest Service campground (primitive camping is available here), or an additional 0.4 miles above that, where the road crosses the river.

Maps
Satolah (USGS); Rabun (County)

Gauge
See Overflow Creek. The recommended minimum level for running the West Fork of the Chattooga is 1.0 foot.  

Tagged with: West Fork Savannah River Watershed Paddling Guides

Related Listings

West Fork Chattooga River Boating

Clayton, GA, Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting
Protected within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River Area, the West 
Fork contains 4 miles of extremely scenic canoeing for the novice boater.

Three Forks Trail

Clayton, GA, Outdoors, Hiking Trails
This 1.4-mile easy-to-strenuous hiking trail leads to the convergence of Holcomb, Overflow and Big creeks, creating the West Fork of the Chattooga River.

Three Forks Falls

Clayton, GA, Waterfalls
Find Three Forks Falls in Rabun County and over 100 other waterfalls in North Georgia.