Water Gauge Road

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5/5 (4 reviews)
Tallulah Falls, Georgia (Rabun County)
Last Updated: 05/15/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Situated in the Chattooga River District of the Chattahoochee National Forest, just outside Tallulah Falls, Georgia, lies Water Gauge Road - a relatively smooth gravel Forest Service road offering access to the famous Chattooga River. The border between Georgia and South Carolina, the Chattooga River is a whitewater river where the 1972 movie Deliverance starring Burt Reynolds was filmed. A short hike down the Water Gauge Hiking Trail at the end of the road leads to numerous access points to the river for fishing, watching the whitewater rafters or just relaxing along the river.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (4)
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Official Crew
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20350
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/15/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Trail hasn't changed much over the years. Many potholes, but they are hard gravel bottoms and not deep. I'd say it's still possible to take a passenger car down this road, but would be a slow miserable ride. I wouldn't take my Charger down this road. It was wet today and 4x4 still not necessary but ground clearance preferable. If your taking this trail, it's probably for the payoff at the end - the Chattooga River. Definitely worth it.
Trail Review: Water Gauge Road - Dave G.
Trail Review: Water Gauge Road - Dave G.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/25/2020

The trail is in decent shape, some ruts towards the end going down closer to the river. Fantastic short hiking trail at the end.
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Official Crew
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20350
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 04/18/2020

Last half mile or so really damaged by wet weather - small ruts and potholes. Is it still possible in a passenger car? Probably, but it will be a really slow and miserable ride. Very strongly recommend ground clearance. 4WD not necessary in dry conditions. Park at the end, short hike, one of the best spots in the state!
Trail Review: Water Gauge Road - Dave G.
Trail Review: Water Gauge Road - Dave G.
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Official Crew
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20350
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/20/2019

Super easy trail, whole thing in great shape - not even pot holes. But the payoff at the end is one of the best around if you don't mind a short hike (20 minutes) to the river.
Trail Review: Water Gauge Road - Dave G.

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