Nolichucky
(nicknamed the Noli by river runners)
Location: Eastern Tennessee (about 90 miles east of Knoxville).
Length of trip: 11.5 miles in seven hours (takes less time when the water is high).
Season: Late March through early July. The rafting is better early in the season, when the higher water rivals that of any river in the East.
Weather: While early spring and late fall are often chilly (30° to 65°F) and wet, late spring and summer bring heat (70° to 85°) and humidity to the southern Appalachians. Densely forested mountains and valleys shade the Nolichucky in summer, when rainstorms are frequent.
Lodging: Campgrounds on the river at the take-out near Erwin, as well as hotels in Erwin and nearby Johnson City.
Boats: Kayaks, paddle rafts.
Rapids: Class III and IV. Cool, clear water can turn muddy after a rainstorm.
Special features:
- The free-flowing Nolichucky slices through one of the Southeasts deeper, more majestic gorges; old-growth forest covers the steep, craggy cliffs.
- Several cascading waterfalls and house-size boulders along the way.
- Wildflowers in spring.
- Lovely autumn colors.
- White-tailed deer, black bears, great blue herons, egrets, ducks, ospreys, bald eagles, golden eagles.
- Good fishing for smallmouth bass and trout (brown, rainbow).
- Solitude.
- Great rafting for novice to advanced river runners. Rivals Section 4 of the Chattooga in difficulty.
Nearby excursions:
- Pisgah National Forest.
- Cherokee National Forest.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Appalachian Trail.
For a list of outfitters and more information:
- USDA Forest Service, Unaka Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, Erwin, Tennessee 37650; +1 423 743 4452, fax +1 423 743 0322. Because of the short season, try to book as early as possible.
- Appalachian Ranger District, Toecane Ranger Station, Pisgah National Forest, P.O. Box 128, Burnsville, North Carolina 28714; +1 704 682 6146, fax +1 704 682 9179. Because of the short season, try to book as early as possible.
For more information:
- USDA Forest Service, Nolichucky Ranger District, Cherokee National Forest, 124 Austin Street, Greeneville, Tennessee 37745; +1 423 638 4109, fax +1 423 638 6599.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park story in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER, January/February 1991. To order a copy, please click here.
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