Nantahala National Forest Archives

Why The Southeast Is Best For Whitewater Rafting

June 9, 2021 by Grant Outlaw Leave a Comment

1. So Much Whitewater, So Close Together

The southern Appalachian Mountains are covered in beautiful whitewater rivers. From southeast Tennessee to West Virginia there are over a dozen world class whitewater rafting rivers to enjoy. This means that if you are in the these southern mountains you are only a half days drive from anyone of these rafting adventures. With so much whitewater multi river vacations are very common and easy to do. If you make the Smoky Mountain National Park your hub then you are only a few hours drive from the: Nantahala River, Ocoee River, Pigeon River, and Chattooga River. Staying in Asheville, NC puts you close to the: French Broad River, Nolichucky River, and Watauga River. The sheer amount of whitewater the southeast boasts makes it a natural destination for those who love whitewater rafting.

Tennessee – Ocoee River, Pigeon River, Watauga River and Nolichucky River
North Carolina – Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River, French Broad, Cheoah River and The Charlotte Whitewater Center
Georgia/South Carolina – Chattooga River
West Virginia – New River and Gauley River

2. The Weather

The warm weather of the southern Appalachian Mountains provides three season whitewater rafting. The average temperature of the Smoky Mountains in the summer is in the high 80s. This makes for perfect rafting weather in the summer and with a little bit of insulation gear fantastic spring and fall rafting. Compared with the rest of the country this is unheard of. Most rivers out west and up north raft on snow melt and have to provide full dry suits to maintain their guests’ comfort.

3. Variety Of Whitewater

In southern Appalachia the sheer number of raftable rivers lends itself to an expansive variety of different whitewater experiences. There are mild rivers and wildly adventurous rivers. Some are dam controlled and others are natural flow. There are wild and scenic rivers and there are man made whitewater courses. All can be fun and exciting while being very different experiences.

Mild Whitewater

Nantahala River (NC)
Tuckasegee River (NC)
Watauga River (NC)
Lower Pigeon River (TN)

Adventurous Whitewater

Mild Ocoee River (TN)
French Broad River (NC)
Chattooga River Section III (SC)
Upper Pigeon River (TN)
Nolichucky River (TN)
New River (WV)
Charlotte Whitewater Center (NC)

Wild Whitewater

Gauley River (WV)
Cheoah River (NC)
Chattooga River Section IV (GA)
Upper Ocoee River (TN)

Dam Controlled Rivers (Consistent Flows) – Ocoee River, Nantahala River, Tuckasegee River, Pigeon River, Gauley River and Cheoah River

Natural Flow Rivers – Chattooga River, French Broad River, Nolichucky River, New River, and Watauga River

Man-Made Rivers – Charlotte Whitewater Center and Ocoee River (Olympic Section)

4. Ease Of Access

Nearly 40% of the US population lives in the South and the Appalachian Mountains are the natural getaway from the congestion of the cities and the relentless heat of the summers. The Northeast is home to another 17% of the population who are often trying to escape the cold of the north. This makes this region of the country perfect for over half the population. Sandwich this with the fact that over half the rivers on our list run along major highways. So the whitewater rivers of the south are perfect for vacationers and weekend warriors alike.

5. The Whitewater Community

Since whitewater rafting started in the south in the 1970ss it has grown a strong community of river loving enthusiasts. The outfitters that operate on these rivers have a mindset of helping one another and setting standards of excellence in rafting. Kayak clubs and youth programs have popped up in these areas increasing the knowledge and securing a future and love for these mountain rivers. Around all of these rivers jobs are created by the raft companies and industries thrive in the innovation and production of whitewater gear. It is truly a incredible place to live, work, and play in.

What White Water Rafting River Is Best For Me? (Infographic)

March 15, 2016 by Grant Outlaw 2 Comments

It can be hard to decide which white water river to go rafting on?

So, we put together this infographic comparing three of the south’s most popular dam released rivers to help you decide.

Which river do you think is best for you?

Presidential Quotes on Rivers and Nature

February 15, 2016 by Grant Outlaw Leave a Comment

Here are a few presidential quotes on rivers and our environment to celebrate this Presidents Day. In searching for these quotes is seemed that our waters, lands, and wild places have always been a love of our leaders (although some more than others).

1. “… the time has also come to identify and preserve free flowing stretches of our great rivers before growth and development make the beauty of the unspoiled waterway a memory.”

– Lyndon Johnson, Message on Natural Beauty

2. “Clean air, clean water, open spaces — these should once again be the birthright of every American.”

– Richard Nixon, Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union, 1970

3. “The spiritual uplift, the goodwill, cheerfulness and optimism that accompanies every expedition to the outdoors is the peculiar spirit that our people need in times of suspicion and doubt…No other organized joy has values comparable to the outdoor experience.”

– Herbert Hoover, Speech to National Conference on Outdoor Recreation, 1925

4. “I see an America whose rivers and valleys and lakes hills and streams and plains the mountains over our land and nature’s wealth deep under the earth are protected as the rightful heritage of all the people.”

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

5. “The land, the earth God gave to man for his home … should never be the possession of any man, corporation, (or) society … any more than the air or water.”

“Laws change; people die; the land remains.”

– Abraham Lincoln

6. “An unspoiled river is a very rare thing in this Nation today. Their flow and vitality have been harnessed by dams and too often they have been turned into open sewers by communities and by industries. It makes us all very fearful that all rivers will go this way unless somebody acts now to try to balance our river development.”

– Lyndon Johnson, remarks on signing the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968

7. “The supreme reality of our time is … the vulnerability of our planet.”

“National parks and reserves are an integral aspect of intelligent use of natural resources. It is the course of wisdom to set aside an ample portion of our natural resources as national parks and reserves, thus ensuring that future generations may know the majesty of the earth as we know it today.”

– John F. Kennedy

8. “Leave it as it is . . . The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

9. “As we peer into society’s future, we – you and I, and our government – must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering for, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage.”

– Dwight D. Eisenhower, Farewell Address to the Nation, January 17, 1961

10. “The public must retain control of the great waterways. It is essential that any permit to obstruct them for reasons and on conditions that seem good at the moment should be subject to revision when changed conditions demand.”

– Teddy Roosevelt, 1908

11. “We have too long treated the natural world as an adversary rather than as a life-sustaining gift from the Almighty. If man has the genius to build, which he has, he must also have the ability and the responsibility to preserve.”

– Gerald R. Ford, Remarks at dedication of National Environmental Research Center, July 3, 1975

12. “Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

13. “There is new life in the soil for every man. There is healing in the trees for tired minds and for our overburdened spirits, there is strength in the hills, if only we will lift up our eyes. Remember that nature is your great restorer.”

– Calvin Coolidge, Speech given by telephone to a Boy Scouts gathering in New York, July 25, 1924

14. “We can no longer afford to consider air and water common property, free to be abused by anyone without regard to the consequences. Instead, we should begin now to treat them as scarce resources, which we are no more free to contaminate than we are free to throw garbage into our neighbor’s yard.”
– Richard Nixon, Annual Message to Congress on the State of the Union, 1970

15. “If we’ve learned any lessons during the past few decades, perhaps the most important is that preservation of our environment is not a partisan challenge; it’s common sense. Our physical health, our social happiness, and our economic well-being will be sustained only by all of us working in partnership as thoughtful, effective stewards of our natural resources.”

– Ronald Reagan, Remarks on signing annual report of Council on Environmental Quality, July 11, 1984

Hope you enjoyed this, on this Presidents Day. Please feel free to add in the comments your favorite presidential quote on the greatness of our country.

The Best of Bryson City, NC

January 29, 2016 by Grant Outlaw Leave a Comment

Bryson City is a small outdoor town located in Western North Carolina on the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). For the adventure and outdoor lover, Bryson City has been one of the best kept secrets in the mountains.

Here is what makes this place so awesome, the best of Bryson City.

Best Hike

Goldmine Loop

Located in the GSMNP, a short drive from town, in a area referred to as the “Road to Nowhere” lays the Goldmine Loop trail. This 3.1 mile trail wanders through the mountain forests opening up to views of Fontana Lake and sites of homesteads long forgotten. The loop is highlighted by the long dark tunnel that starts the hike and is the reason the area is called the “Road to Nowhere.” This area is a passionate topic with the locals who see it as a broken promise. Had it been finished the road would have allowed access to family cemeteries that were made inaccessible with the creation of Fontana Lake. The trail is a moderate hike with little elevation change and a one mile alternate if the trail seems like too much for you.

Best Cup of Joe

Mountain Perks

An awesome little cafe right in town. Bryson City has plenty of coffee shop options but Mountain Perks is by far the best. The coffee is always great and the food never fails. Their slogan of “life’s to short for bad coffee” is hard to argue with. My personal favorite meal is the Kerby sandwich w/ a Milky Way to wash it down. The owner Pam can usually be found behind the bar providing a little bit of spice that only comes from a family run coffee house.

Best Camping

Deep Creek Campground in The GSMNP

Camping in the park is an experience everyone should try. Deep Creek camping puts you in the middle of what the mountains are all about, with streams, trail, and waterfalls. Sites are cheap but there are no bells and whistles (like showers) but you can’t beat the location. At Deep Creek you can choose between backcountry, group camping and horse camps but for the beginner, go for frontcountry (it is a good primer for national park camping).

Best Brew

Nantahala Brewing Company

This place is a little different. Inside there is corn-hole and giant jinga to play. But at the bar you will find plenty to wet your whistle, from their flagship beers to seasonal and specialty brews. Must try’s are the Dirty Girl Blond, Bryson City Brown and Noon Day IPA. After a hike or paddle there is no greater reward than sitting down at the bar at Nantahala Brewing Company.

Best Mountain Biking

Tsali Mountain Bike Trails

The highly acclaimed Tsali Mountain Bike Trails are a series of four trails that climb and fall along Fontana Lake. Two trails are open to biking each day with the others open for horseback riding. Along with bike trails there is also a campground as a part of the Tsali recreational area. So if riding is what you love, camp a few nights and ride till your legs go numb. For the beginner, Thompson and Right loop are best. For the more experienced, Left loop is the way to go. If in need of some bike repairs look up the guys at Tsali Cycles, there you can have some local brew while your bike gets worked on.

Best Night Stay

Fryemont Inn

This historic inn first opened its doors in Bryson City in 1923. The Fryemont Inn feels like you have gone back in time and has a authentic mountain lodge feel. The lodge is not all old, with a modern pool, bar, and dinning on the grounds. Located in town you are in the middle of it all and can always take a walk around town. From rooms to suites they can accommodate the romantic getaway or the small family.

Best River Trip

Nantahala River Rafting

A short drive from town is the Nantahala River with class II and III rapids that are perfect for the beginner paddler. From the first splashes of the rapid Patton’s Run to the final drop of Lesser Wesser the Nantahala river excites. Chose between rafting with a guide, non guided, or fun one or two person funyaks. Floating through the Nantahala gorge is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the area. For the best ride on the river reserve with Carolina Outfitters. They offer a wide variety of boats and times so you can raft when you want the way you want.

Best Breakfast

Everett Street Diner

No frills, just good food. Everett Street Diner is locate at what most would consider the direct middle of town. This is where the locals eat. The reason why, because it is good hardy go get something done food. If you happen in at typical working folks breakfast or lunch time, good luck getting a seat. When you come in for breakfast you are likely to be eating across from the fire squad or EMT’s. My favorite by far is the biscuits and gravy, but there has never been anything I didn’t tear through.

Best Gear Shop

Bryson City Outdoors

Located right in the heart of town, Bryson City Outdoors is part gear shop and part adventure hub. They know the local area well and have what you need to get the most out of it. Aside from their store they also offer stand up paddle board rentals on the Finger lake. Check these guys out, they are new and make an awesome addition to the Bryson City area.

Best Time of Year

The Autumn

The summer is crowded and the winter is dead but the fall is perfect. In mid October the leaves start to changed turning the mountains into a colorful landscape. The temperature is perfect for enjoying everything the mountains have to offer, from rafting to hiking. Fall festivals are happening everywhere with local artisans and Appalachian music abundant.

Hope this helps you make the most of your next trip to the Bryson City area.