SLUICE - To drench with a sudden flow [verb] or to flow or pour through [verb]
Bulls Sluice is a Class IV rapid located along the mighty Chattooga River, which happens to be the squiggly blue line that separates upper northeast Georgia from western South Carolina on maps.
~~~
DIRECTIONS
From Hwy 23/441 in Clayton, GA - Travel southeast on Hwy 76 for approximately 8 miles. Shortly after you cross the bridge over the Chattooga River you will see an entrance to a parking area on your left.
The parking area here is large because it is also access to the 15.5 mile Chattooga River Trail and the PUT-IT location for many section kayakers. It can easily hold over 100 cars and multiple trucks w/trailers.
~~~
THE TRAIL
Once you find a parking space, secure your vehicle and begin your hike approx. 1/4 mile down the paved trail to the left of the restrooms at the northwest end of the parking lot. The paved trail will take a deep curve left towards the put-in and beach area.
However, at the curve you will notice a dirt trail on your right with a sign directing you to Bulls Sluice. The trail will end at a small platform overlooking the Sluice. But if you would like to get closer, another spur trail leads down to the rock shores of Bulls Sluice and the Chattooga River.
~~~
THE SLUICE
If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of kayakers making a run through Bulls Sluice. The Chattooga has several sections known to rafters/kayakers. Bulls Sluice is the last rapid in Section III and the prelude to Section IV, the river's high-adventure section. Section IV boasts Seven-Foot Falls, Raven's Chute Rapid, and the famous Five Falls, where five Class IV-V rapids unfold in 1/3 of a river mile.
Video of Section III (Bull Sluice is featured at the 5 minute 5 second mark) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HoD_xYvK9U
Bull Sluice is a Class IV+ rapid as rated by American Whitewater during normal flow of 1.8 to 2.4 feet.[1] It becomes easier at lower water and significantly more difficult at higher water. Bull Sluice is the largest and final named rapid of Section 3 of the Chattooga River. [source - Wikipedia]
AMERICAN WHITEWATER says this about Section IV of the Chattooga River:
"This is the Southeastern Classic! More legends exist about Five Falls of the Chattooga than almost any other set of rapids. Taken individually any of the 5 rapids of Five Falls would be significant named drops on any typical Southeastern river. They are far from the hair found on steep creeks and the legendary danger associated with these rapids arises in part from the long history of boating the Chattooga (40+ years). That said, approach these rapids with caution as they have killed and injured plenty of boaters."
Video of Section IV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=F7Wncrnhb9U&feature=emb_logo
NOTE the waterfall shown in the video around the 30 second mark is Long Creek Falls, which I provide a link for below!
~~~
THINGS TO KNOW
Hiking Distance: 1/4 of a mile (one way to Bulls Sluice)
Difficulty of trail: EASY
Creek Crossings: NO
Elevation Gain: probably less than 60 feet
Access to sluice: YES - but be careful
RESTROOMS: YES
PARKING: YES (plenty) + secondary parking area off Hwy 76.
FILM: The classic 1972 movie Deliverance was filmed here on the Chattooga.
~~~
[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
A great little stop if you are visiting any of the nearby waterfalls in South Carolina or Georgia! Here is a helpful list of NEARBY WATERFALLS you can add to your adventure (listed from closest to furthest away from Bulls Sluice parking area):
REEDY BRANCH FALLS (1.6 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/reedy-branch-falls-trailhead-mountain-rest
FALL CREEK FALLS (5 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/fall-creek-falls-trailhead-south-carolina
OPOSSUM CREEK FALLS (8.4 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/opossum-creek-falls-trailhead-long-creek
LONG CREEK FALLS (9.1 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/long-creek-falls-long-creek
BECKY BRANCH FALLS in Georgia (11.2 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/becky-branch-falls-no-title
MARTIN CREEK FALLS in Georgia (11.2 miles away) - https://www.yelp.com/biz/martin-creek-falls-rabun-gap
2020 / 16 read more