Waterfalls and Rapids, Westminster SC
 PDF Printable Version of Chau-Ram Park
Chau-Ram County Park near Westminster, SC is a
wonderful place to spend a day, especially for families. Named for the confluence of the
Chauga River and Ramsey Creek. Both of these waterways are relatively
clean deriving mainly from the rugged woodlands of the Blue Ridge in
Oconee County.
Falls on Ramsey
Creek from
the lower parking lot
Don't let the low use - lack of crowds fool you in the park. There are
plenty of things to do from a cool dip or tube ride
(bring your own tube) in the Chauga (or the "Chauggie") River, to
hiking, fishing or just having a picnic. Note: There are no life
guards so swimming and water sports are at your own risk.
The waterfall at the parking lot is worth the visit if you
don't want to venture beyond your car. The park is clean, accessible
from major roads, and best of all for the frugal traveler free for day
use (as of July 2006). In addition to day use activities there is
a fee based campground on site, some with electric/water
hookup. The park is maintained by the Oconee County Parks Department.
falls
Getting there is easy. Just drive west of Westminster SC
approximately 4 miles on US 76 and the park entrance is on the left (
Approximate GPS Coordinates 34º40'53.00"N 83º08'42.93"W ). Moore-Moore fish camp (a local eatery) is on the left as you
turn into the park.
Summary To explorer Chau-Ram, begin at the lower
parking lot for a view of the
Waterfall on Ramsey Creek. Cross the little footbridge to the
opposite side and follow the trail upstream (right) toward the falls for a
closer look and a chance to wind through the boulder field beneath the
falls.
Boulder near
path to waterfall.
The trail dead ends at the falls so turn back around and
follow Ramsey creek downstream toward the suspension bridge ("Bridge"
on map).
Suspension
Bridge over the Chauga River at Chau-Ram Park.
Chauga River
from the suspension bridge.
On the opposite shore a trail map is displayed on a wooden
sign. Follow the trail upstream along the Chauga River to Pump
House
Rapids which is just upstream from the City of Westminster water
intake structure on the opposite shore. To continue upstream on the trail double back
and at the next trail intersection bear right and then right again up a
short rise, which continues parallel to the shore.
Pumphouse Rapids
- Tubing Passage is to right on other side of rock island
Trail along
Chauga River
In approximately 5 minutes you will arrive at a shoal with a small
series of rapids where the US Highway 76 bridge is visible further upstream. In July 2006 the
trail beyond this point along the river was not accessible further due to
overgrowth on the trail.
upper shoals
with US
76 Highway bridge in background
For any float trips in the park this is a good starting place.
Downstream from here the rapids become more challenging and depending
upon your skill level you may want to portage around some rapids though
there are some nice quiet spots in-between. The Pump House and Can
Opener Rapids are the most challenging in the park.
To see the rapids below the suspension bridge, just bear left
after crossing the suspension bridge and follow the trail downstream.
Other Places of Interest Near Chau-Ram:
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