Where was The movie Deliverance filmed? Deliverance, the classic 1972 survival thriller, was filmed in various stunning and challenging locations. The film not only launched Burt Reynolds' career but also showcased the natural beauty and rugged terrain of its shooting sites. The story follows four friends on a canoe trip in Georgia, where their adventure turns into a nightmare. The setting plays a crucial role in the film's tense atmosphere, and the locations chosen for filming are as iconic as the movie itself.

Where Was the Movie Deliverance Filmed? The Locations

The Chattooga River: The Heart of the Adventure

Most Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga River, which served as the fictional Cahulawassee River. This river, located in Rabun County, Georgia, is known for its fierce rapids and breathtaking scenery, providing the perfect backdrop for the film's intense canoeing sequences. The Chattooga River is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and canoeing, drawing outdoor enthusiasts who are eager to experience the same waters navigated by the film's characters.

@kabemayor | Instagram | Most Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga River, which served as the fictional Cahulawassee River.

Tallulah Gorge: A Scene of High Drama

Tallulah Gorge, also located in Georgia, was another significant filming location for Deliverance. This dramatic gorge is prominently featured in the film, particularly in a scene where Jon Voight's character, Ed, climbs a cliff to confront a sniper. Voight performed the climb himself without the aid of stunt doubles, adding to the film's raw and authentic feel. The gorge's rugged cliffs and deep valleys enhanced the film's themes of survival and man versus nature.

Sylva, North Carolina: The Town in Deliverance

While much of Deliverance was filmed in Georgia, some key scenes were shot in Sylva, North Carolina. The rundown town where the four friends encounter the mountain men was filmed here, lending an eerie and desolate atmosphere to these crucial moments. Additionally, scenes were filmed at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, which was soon after submerged by the creation of Lake Jocassee. The dam seen under construction in the film is the Jocassee Dam, another significant North Carolina landmark.

Unforgettable Banjo Scene

One of the most iconic scenes in Deliverance is the "Dueling Banjos" sequence, where Drew, played by Ronny Cox, engages in a banjo duel with a local boy. This memorable moment was filmed in Rabun County, Georgia, and it remains a standout scene in cinema history. The authenticity of the location adds to the film's gritty and immersive atmosphere, making the audience feel as though they are right there in the Appalachian wilderness.

A Rise in Tourism and Tragedy

Deliverance's success led to increased tourism in the areas where it was filmed, particularly along the Chattooga River. Many fans of the film sought to recreate the adventure, unaware of the river's dangerous currents. Unfortunately, this surge in unprepared tourists led to numerous accidents and fatalities. In 1974, the Chattooga River was designated a Wild and Scenic River, highlighting the need for conservation and safety measures.

@vintagemovieclub | Instagram | Filming Deliverance on location was no easy feat as the cast and crew faced numerous challenges, including performing their own stunts due to budget constraints.

The Challenges of Filming on Location

Filming Deliverance on location was no easy feat. The cast and crew faced numerous challenges, including performing their own stunts due to budget constraints. This decision led to several on-set accidents, with Burt Reynolds famously being injured after going over a waterfall. Despite the dangers, the commitment to filming on location without stunt doubles added a layer of authenticity to the film that resonated with audiences.

Deliverance remains a powerful film, not only for its gripping story and performances but also for the stunning and often treacherous locations where it was filmed. The choice to shoot on the Chattooga River, Tallulah Gorge, and Sylva, North Carolina, created a vivid and immersive experience that continues to captivate viewers. The film's legacy is intertwined with these landscapes, making them integral to its enduring appeal.