Cashiers Lake, nestled in Cashiers, North Carolina, serves as the primary source of the Chattooga River, which winds its way for 57 miles until it merges with the Tallulah River within Lake Tugalo, formed by the Tugalo Dam.
Originating in southern Jackson County, North Carolina, the Chattooga flows southwestward, delineating the border between northwestern Oconee County, South Carolina, and eastern Rabun County, Georgia.
The merging currents of the Chattooga and Tallulah rivers form the Tugaloo River, officially beginning at the outlet of Lake Tugalo. Once the Tugaloo meets the Seneca River downstream, it transitions into the Savannah River, eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Savannah, Georgia.