Chattooga River Runs through Stonefly
Diana Nellans
The Chattooga originates at the base of Whiteside Mountain, a massive, 4,800 foot tall granite wall. The multiple creeks and streams that flow through Stonefly are the headwaters of the Chattooga River. Waterfalls dot the landscape throughout this area and hiking trails are plentiful. In 1974 the Congress of the United States designated the Chattooga River as a “Wild and Scenic River”.
If you want to spend time fishing, you have your pick from many lakes, ponds, streams and creeks. The Chattooga is home to more than a hundred types of fish, including three species of trout. The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery regularly releases trout into the local rivers, creeks and streams.
The forests around the Chattooga River are home to a multitude of flowers, plants, trees, and animals. The banks are dotted with native Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, Flame Azalea and many species of fern. In early spring it is possible to see otter, bear, beaver and later, the migrating songbirds passing through during their trip north.