Chauga River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chauga River |
|
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Chauga Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Carolina |
| Region | Oconee County |
| Municipality | Westminster |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sumter National Forest 34°50′54″N 83°9′17″W / 34.84833°N 83.15472°W |
| River mouth | 34°36′30″N 83°9′55″W / 34.60833°N 83.16528°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 28.6 km2 (11.0 sq mi) |
The Chauga River is a river in South Carolina, United States. It flows for about 31.3 miles (50.4 kilometers) and is an important part of the Tugaloo River system. The Chauga River is known for its beautiful natural areas and fun outdoor activities.
Where the Chauga River Flows
The Chauga River starts in the Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, South Carolina. It begins where two smaller streams, Village Creek and East Village Creek, meet. This is near a place called Mountain Rest.
As the river flows, other streams join it. Jerry Creek, which comes from Lake Becky and Oconee State Park, adds its water to the Chauga. You can find Cassidy Bridge crossing the river at a camping spot called Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp. After this, Cedar Creek and Rocky Fork Creek also join the Chauga.
The river then goes under US Highway 76. Ramsey Creek joins it at Chau Ram County Park. At this park, the river flows over a waterfall. There is also a cool pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses the river. The Chauga River continues to flow south until it reaches Lake Hartwell. This large lake was formed by building dams on the Tugaloo River and the Seneca River.
About the Chauga River Area
The land area that drains into the Chauga River is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 70,768 acres (28,640 hectares). Most of this area, about 93%, is covered by forests. About 5% of the land is used for farming.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has given the upper part of the Chauga River a special classification. It is called an "Outstanding Water Resource." This means the water is very clean and healthy. The lower part of the river is also classified as "freshwaters." This means it is good for swimming, other water activities, and can be used as a source for drinking water after it has been cleaned.
The city of Westminster gets some of its drinking water from the Chauga River. They also get water from Ramsey Creek, which flows into the Chauga.
Fun Things to Do on the Chauga River
The Chauga River is a popular spot for fishing. People enjoy catching different kinds of fish here, including:
In the warmer parts of the river, you might also find:
The Cassidy Bridge area is a good place to park and get access to the river for fishing.
The Chauga River is also a favorite place for whitewater kayaking. Kayakers love the section that starts at Cassidy Bridge. This part is about 9.8 miles (15.8 kilometers) long. It can be quite exciting, with rapids rated up to Class IV when the water is high. This means it's a challenging section for experienced kayakers.
