Sunbathers Drop
Chattooga - Chattooga Cliffs - Grimshawes Bridge to Bull Pen Bridge (NC)
Gauge Conditions
Runnable: 350.0 – 1,200.0 CFS
Due to an arbitrary decision by the Forest Service, the river is not boatable unless the river has previously exceeded 350 cfs the same day.
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Sunbathers Drop is a technical Class III+ rapid with a complex center line requiring precise maneuvering around submerged wood and irregular hydraulics. Paddlers must navigate a series of offset rocks and potential undercut features, with the main channel presenting a challenging route that demands careful boat positioning and momentum. Upstream scouting is recommended to identify current wood hazards and select the most efficient line through the rapid's turbulent water.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (14)
Rapid
N/A
Parking Area
Rapid
N/A
Green Creek
Rapid
IV
First Falls
Rapid
N/A
Log Jamb (Impaction)
Rapid
IV+
Separation Falls
Rapid
IV+
Potholes Left, Logs Right
Rapid
IV+
Beauty and Beast
Rapid
IV+
Beast
Rapid
N/A
Alleyway
Rapid
V+
Whoa Nellie! (aka Sieve Rapid)
Rapid
IV+
Crease Boof
Rapid
IV
Wakeup Ledge
Rapid
V
Bull Pen Rapid
Rapid
N/A
Take Out
View Full Run
Chattooga Cliffs - Grimshawes Bridge to Bull Pen Bridge
Chattooga
IV-V
3.5 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
American Whitewater