Chattooga River

Arising high in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, the Chattooga River is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast. Floaters, hikers, and fishermen flock to this national Wild and Scenic River, one of the region’s most popular recreation destinations. For years, the US Forest Service has been protecting the undeveloped character of the stream and its tributaries in the face of encroaching second home development. Recently, the Craig Ewing family decided to preserve 160 acres of woodlands, pasture, and former apple orchard as public open space. The preservation of this family property helps protect the watershed of Long Creek, a primary Chattooga River tributary. In 2004, TPL’s completed its 11th project along the Chattooga, where it has helped the Forest Service protect more than 2,300 acres since 1991.