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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.
Don't let the low use - lack of crowds fool you in the park. There are
plenty of things to do in this park from a nice cool dip or tube ride
(bring your own tube) in the Chauga (or the "Chauggie") River, to
hiking, fishing or just having a picnic. Plus there is a waterfall right at the bottom parking lot that 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 Oconee County Parks Department.
Getting there is easy. Just drive west of Westminster SC
approximately 4 miles on US 76 and the park entrance is on the
left. 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. The trail dead ends at the falls so turn back around and
follow Ramsey creek downstream toward the suspension bridge ("Bridge"
on map).
On the opposite shore a trail map is displayed on a wooden
sign. Follow the trail upstream along the Chauga River to Pump
House
Rapid which is just upstream from the City of Westminster water
intake structure. 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.
In approximately 5 minutes you will arrive at a shoal with a little
rapid 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 trail
maintenance.
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 Rapid are the most challenging rapids in the park.
To see the rapids below the suspension bridge on land, just bear left
after crossing the bridge and follow the trail.
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