Before going whitewater rafting in South Carolina, you will want to determine how adventurous you want to be. If you’re looking for peaceful and relaxing, find the class II rapids for a leisurely float down the river. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, you may want to consider class III and IV rapids. Even if you’re an experience rafter, you’ll probably want to find a guide service that is both knowledgeable and experienced. Most guide services are located within a short distance of Westminster, South Carolina. Usually found near Sumter and Chattahoochee National Forests in South Carolina’s Northwest corner, guide services offer equipment and instruction, along with guided rafting trips.

Trips are generally broken into sections based on the class of rapids located along that particular section of river. For example, Wildwater Rafting company in South Carolina offers the following trips:

• Section III Mini-trip – this trip is designated as mild and is appropriate for novices, families and older rafters. Minimum age for this trip is 8 years of age

• Section III – this trip includes more than a dozen class II and III rapids and is appropriate for those ages 10 years and older

• Section IV – with 5 waterfalls and a 75 foot drop, this steepest section of the river is recommended for those with previous rafting experience. Minimum age for this trip is 13 years of age

• Overnighters – rafting section III on day one and section IV on day two, this trip is a real wilderness adventure

Guests may be required to hike short distances and assist with carrying equipment to and from the river. Whitewater rafting does require certain physical abilities so it is necessary to ensure you are capable of making the trip. Depending on the length of the trip, snacks or meals may be offered. For example, snacks may be offered on a half-day trip, while lunch may be provided on a full-day trip. Three meals are generally provided on overnight trips.

The rafting season begins in March and ends in October, so plan accordingly. Since the Chattooga river offers a whitewater trips for all levels of whitewater rafters, the river is both popular and well known. With its beautiful scenery of shorelines and dense forests, the Chattooga River is the destination for whitewater rafting in South Carolina.