Nolichucky River. The Nolichucky Gorge in the Appalachian’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.

Appalachian Wildwaters/USA Raft

Route 1, Box 315
Benton  TN  37307
Phone: (423) 338-2381
Fax: (423) 338-8604
Toll Free: 800-USA-RAFT

Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Box 4, Jones Branch Rd., Erwin, 37650. 800-232-7238

USA Raft.

Jones Branch Rd., Box 2, Erwin, 37650. 423-743-7111, 800-USA-RAFT