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Overflow Road Campground
Highlands, NC
Overflow Road Primitive Camping Area represents a marvelous opportunity for whitewater enthusiasts. It’s the spot for serious campers who want to leave the 21st century far behind. From Highlands, take US 28 south for 12 miles and turn right onto Warwoman Road. Drive two-tenths of a mile, turn right onto Overflow Road and go a mile to the camping area on the left.
The adjoining Overflow Creek is a beautiful stream in the upper West Fork of the Chattooga watershed, originating in the Osage Mountain and Blue Valley Overlook areas seen from NC 106 near Highlands. It’s a fairly difficult Class IV-V(V+) creek with some big drops and beautiful scenery. The difficulty level increases with higher water, becoming pushy with large holes.
Overflow is narrow below the put-in and there are often many trees and limbs in the river — so be vigilant after a major rain event for new wood. The first 1.5 miles are low-volume Class II-III before Clear Creek comes in on the left and adds flow and width. The volume picks up considerably again at Three Forks (where Holcomb, Big and Overflow Creeks converge and become the West Fork of the Chattooga) — this is an exceptionally beautiful area. There are many sizeable rapids, such as Hemlock Falls, First Fall or “Pee Wee”, Roundabout, Blind Falls, Gravity Falls, Singley’s Falls, Marginal Monster, Pinball and Swiss Cheese. The “Big Three” in difficulty are considered to be Gravity, Marginal and Pinball – though Singley’s Falls has the greatest verticality (but it’s not as demanding). Technically, the West Fork of the Chattooga begins at Three Forks, where Wild and Scenic protection is also extended a quarter-mile in all directions from the river. The Three-Forks trail begins about halfway up the shuttle road on the right, marked by a large engraved boulder — this trail will meet the river near Swiss Cheese, with a spur going off left to Holcomb Creek. It also continues west to Rabun Bald’s summit.
Take-out and put-In are easily accessed by Forest Service Rd. 86-B and 86 which is now signed as “Overflow Creek Road” off of Warwoman Road which either ends or begins on US 28 depending on where you’re driving from. Warwoman Road has its other end in Clayton, Georgia, by the Burger King. From the take-out bridge, drive up seven miles bearing right twice along the way to the put-In — just past a culvert, with a short trail descending after the berm. The gravel road will cross a sizeable creek about halfway up. This is not Overflow, it’s Holcomb Creek — it’s a popular camping spot, so slow down a bit here. The gauge is located on river right underneath the take-out bridge on a piling support; a little goat-path leads to it. Be sure to park at take-out and put-in with enough room for other vehicles to pass. The placid stretch below the takeout bridge occasionally sees trout-fishing activity.
Recreation
Whether you want to tackle a mountain or sit by a stream, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here. This is a premier golf destination, but there’s so much more available. There are streams to fish, public pools and tennis courts to enjoy and playgrounds, too. Winter sports include ice skating, skiing, tubing and hiking.
