Southeast States
Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky

Nolichucky River, NC / TN
 
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    Cherokee Adventures 800-445-7238  
    High Mountain Expeditions 800-262-9036  
    Nantahala Outdoor Center 800-232-7238  
    Wahoo's Adventures 800-444-7238  
    USA Raft 800-872-7238  

 

 
 Sections Poplar, North Carolina to Erwin, Tennessee (Gorge)
 Location Mitchell County, western North Carolina; Unicoi County, near Erwin, eastern Tennessee
 Driving Time Asheville—1.5 hours; Knoxville—1.5 hours
 Difficulty Class III-IV+
 Trip Length 10.5 miles (16 km)
 Trip Options Paddle raft, oar raft, inflatable kayak; one day, two days
 Season Late March-June
The Nolichucky Gorge in the Appellation’s Unaka Mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee provides a spectacular backdrop for rafting on the Nolichucky River. Throughout much of the gorge, the walls rise more than 2,800 feet above the river, which originates on the slopes of Mount Mitchell—at 6,684 feet, eastern America's highest point. The Clinchfield Railroad line follows the entire river course between Poplar, North Carolina, and Erwin, Tennessee.
               
     The first half of the 10-mile (16-km) Nolichucky trip is the most intense. Large boulders, giant waves, and a gradient dropping at a rate of 66 feet per mile create numerous long Class III-IV+ rapids, such as On the Rocks, Jaws, Quarter Mile, Rooster Tail, and The Sousehole. This portion of the river requires active rafter participation, leaving little time to enjoy the passing scenery.

Family Raft Trips on the Nolichucky
The high water rafting season on the Nolichucky, a free-flowing river through the Pisgah and Cherokee national forests, usually lasts only from early March until mid-June. During the summer months when water levels on the Nolichucky become too low for large rafts, outfitters offer guided trips using smaller rafts and inflatable kayaks. These superior low water runs are popular with families, seniors, the disabled, and vacationers just wanting to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. On typical warm summer days, outfitters allow time for swimming and hiking.