Free Fun for the Whole Family
Are you tired of spending so much on your family vacation? While we appreciate people coming
rafting or ziplining with us, we know that it is a often a financial sacrifice for a family, especially
on the Chattooga River. However, not everything worth doing has to cost money. In fact, many
of the activities we enjoy doing to connect with our family and friends do not cost anything at all!
One of these activities is waterfall hunting (Cue, “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls). Here are our 3
Favorites near the Chattooga River.
Bull Sluice, Chattooga River
Bull Sluice is located about .5 of a mile from the Hwy. 76 bridge at the border of SC & GA. The hike is easy, but once you get to the river, be careful and have good footing as you will be climbing over rocks. The good news is that there is also plenty of swimming to be had after making the hike to the falls. Once at the falls, it is fun to watch the raft trips come through the falls, sometimes with some excitement!
Insider suggestion: Bring plenty of water and a picnic lunch or snack to hang out at the falls or
while swimming in the Chattooga!
Directions to Bull Sluice
Issaqueena Falls
Issaqueena Falls is located about 15 minutes from Wildwater Chattooga. I know I introduced this as activities that can be done for free; however, there is a small parking fee at the entrance to the park. Once parking at the in bottom parking lot, take the short trail to the falls overlook. This hike is perfect if you want a short hike with a tremendous payoff!
Insider suggestion: There are two other hikes (walks) that are also very rewarding at the
same park. The first is Stumphouse Tunnel, a partially built railroad tunnel with
an incredible history. The second hike or bike experience is the Stumphouse
Mountain Bike Park. From the pavilion parking lot, take the trail uphill. After about 1/4 mile, you will reach a water reservoir—you can either turn around here or continue along the wooded trail at the far end of the dam.
Directions to Issaqueena Falls
Brasstown Falls
Brasstown Falls is on of our absolute favorites to visit. It is a four tiered waterfall about 15 minutes from Wildwater on Brasstown Creek. This series of 4 waterfalls is only a short walk from the
parking lot and is breathtaking no matter how far you adventure. Once you get to the creek, turn downstream, following the newly renovated trail until you get to the platform & the first drop. Venture on downstream to the spectacular 2nd waterfall. You can continue down to the bottom of the 3rd falls, but it is a little more challenging. Follow the trail back up to the top and take the trail that goes off to the right at the parking lot (left from the parking lot). For those looking for the iconic swimming spot at the base of a waterfall, this is your spot. The bottom of this drop is into the perfect swimming hole!
Insider suggestion: If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, check out The
Gathering Place BBQ on the way to the falls. This is a local favorite!