Welcome to Chattooga River TU!
New license plate means happy trout in South Carolina
November 12th, 2019 will go down as a historic day for coldwater conservation in South Carolina. After a monumental effort by the 046 – Mountain Bridge, 359 – Saluda River and 556 – Chattooga River Chapters, a brand-new South Carolina Trout Unlimited license plate was unveiled. Designed by homegrown artist, Jay Talbot of Columbia, the tag features a striking native Southern Appalachian brook trout in all its colored-up glory.
New funding for conservation
Getting this beautiful plate is not just a way to display your TU pride. Each purchase contributes directly to the conservation efforts of SCTU, a council and three chapters that are, as Chris Wood stated at a Summer 2019 meeting, “punching above their weight class”. Their impressive track-record of protecting and restoring the states’ precious coldwater resources includes multiple marquee projects. This includes designating more than two miles of the lower Saluda River as catch-and-release only and removing a failing earthen dam from the headwaters of one of the state’s most crucial sources of coldwater, Matthews Creek. SCTU also assisted the state in restoring miles of native brook trout habitat. With this intervention, a stream once considered lost to logging impacts is now thriving.
On the importance of today, SCTU Vice Chair and President of Mountain Bridge, Greg Placone, commented, “Native brook trout are finally getting the exposure they deserve! When you see these amazing tags on cars around the state that means that our grassroots conservationists will have access to the funds necessary to preserve, protect, and enhance critical coldwater resources in South Carolina for years to come."
Palmetto State brook trout artwork by Jay Talbot
Landing your SCTU plate
South Carolina residents can get their tag through the South Carolina DMV website. After accessing the site, scroll through the gallery to find the TU plate. Then, go through the prompts to buy your tag. Each tag is only $70, renewable every two years.
If you really want to make history, you can be SC TU Number 1. The TU00001 tag will be available through an online auction on RallyUp. The bidding will start on December 1st and conclude on December 15th.
Additionally, tags TU00004 through TU00009 will be available through the same online auction site after the bidding on the initial plate concludes. TU00010 through TU00099 are reserved and require an additional minimum donation of $100 to SC TU, plus the $70 cost of the tag. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Email Greg Allison at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check on availability and get details on how to submit your donation.
For more information, please visit the Mountain Bridge, Saluda River or Chattooga River website.
Now hit the road and get your get a plate today!
Morning Activities
The following will take place on the SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST:
Location: Burrells Ford Parking Lot
GPS Coordinates: 34 58? 28 N, 083 06? 57 W
Chattooga River Trail/Kings Creek Falls Hike
Need description from FTC (Heyward)
Group size limit of 12 per guided hike
Spoonauger Falls Hike
Need description (Plinio/David)
Group size limit of 12 per guided hike
Foothills Connector Loop Hike
Need description (Plino/David)
Group size limit of 12 per guided hike
The following will take place at OCONEE STATE PARK:
Location: 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Fishing with casting demos
Need description from TU (Bob)
Boating
Need description from Southeastern & Oconee State Park
Wildwater will have a small raft for the kids to sit in and have their photos taken with Banjo the Bear. Lots of giveaways- pens, bags, magnets and more! We will be able to answer any questions about rafting, ziplining, kayaking, team building, stand up paddle boarding or any of our other outdoor activities!
Cross Cut Saw Demonstrations
Description – David?? Get someone who will come from SAWS or Georgia??
Family-Friendly Hike
TBD
Wilderness Kids Activities
TBD
Lunch with Smokey Bear 12:00 p.m.
Pack a lunch and join Smokey Bear for a picnic at shelter #3 along with free celebration cake! (Donated by Trout Unlimited – Chattooga River Chapter).
Afternoon/Evening Activities
The following will take place on the SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST:
Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Wildwater will be offering a half day whitewater rafting mini trip on section III of the Chattooga, leaving at 1:30 pm. Special event price of $20 per person, advanced reservations highly recommended. Only a 20 minute drive from Oconee State Park to Wildwater. Minimum age 8. Call 866-319-8870 to make reservations or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Location: 1251 Academy Road Long Creek, SC 29658
GPS Coordinates: 34 47? 36 N, 083 14? 47 W
Fly Fishing on the Chattooga River 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Learn to cast a fly rod presented by the fly fishing guides from Chattooga River Fly Shop. From the beginner to the expert, learn casting techniques, drifting different flies, reading the water and much, much more all helpful for your fishing day on the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River. Recommended age 5+.
Location: Hwy 76 Bridge Recreation Site on the Chattooga River (border of South Carolina & Georgia)
GPS Coordinates: 34 48? 54 N, 083 18? 19 W
River Critter Crawl 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
The Wild & Scenic Chattooga River is home to an amazing community of insects and other critters that support a healthy ecosystem. Professor Emeritus John Morse (Clemson University) will explain interesting aspects of the behavior and ecology of the living examples we will find in the River. Participants willing to get wet can help sample some of this fascinating diversity and take preserved examples with them. Recommended age 5+.
Location: Hwy 76 Bridge Recreation Site on the Chattooga River (border of South Carolina & Georgia)
GPS Coordinates: 34 48? 54 N, 083 18? 19 W
Geology of the Chattooga 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Woodall Shoals offers a unique opportunity to observe the metamorphic rocks in which the Chattooga River has become entrenched. The abrupt bend in the river has allowed flood events to expose a wide expanse of bedrock. The geologic structures that are readily observed here reflect the complex history that has affected much of the Blue Ridge province. Must wear sturdy footwear with the possibility of getting feet wet. Pre-registration required. Group size limit of 20 per guided hike.
Location: Chattooga Belle Farm (will shuttle to Woodall Shoals) 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658
The following will take place at CHATTOOGA BELLE FARM:
Location: 454 Damascus Church Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658
GPS Coordinates: 34 58? 28 N, 083 06? 57 W
Horse Rides 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Enjoy the scenic view of the Chattooga Belle Farm from on top of a horse. The Pendleton Area Saddle Club will be offering free horse rides around the farm. Please wear proper clothing and footwear.
Disc Golf
Need description from CBF
Fruit Picking
Need description from CBF
Celebration Dinner with Live Bluegrass Music 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Need description from CBF
News