The Chattooga River is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast. The setting is primitive. Dense forests and undeveloped shorelines characterize the primitive nature of the area. Floaters , hikers, and fishermen can all enjoy this protected river corridor. From its origin, it flows southward for ten miles in North Carolina, and then continues for forty miles as the state boundary between South Carolina and Georgia, dropping almost one-half mile in elevation.
Few rivers possess the special characteristics to qualify.
This protection is reserved for rivers possessing not only outstanding scenery but also recreation, wildlife, geologic, and cultural values. No motorized vehicles are permitted within a corridor about one-fourth mile wide on either side of the river. Human-made facilities are minimal, consisting primarily of hiking trails and primitive camping facilities . However, Wild and Scenic River designation and protection of its corridor are not all that the Chattooga needs to stay healthy. Pollution of a river's tributaries along with careless development in the river's watershed threaten the river.