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Nolichucky Gorge No-shuttle Sampler
Written by James Trombley, DBO Staff

Description:

The Nolichucky River is formed when the Toe and Cane Rivers join close to Poplar, NC.  In the summers the Noli is a popular destination for commercial rafting customer due to the fact that the gorge can be floated at levels down to as low as 250 cfs.  At low levels the first 1.5 miles of the gorge offer tight, creek-like moves through five or so class III- rapids.  At higher water levels the same section is a playboaters’ dream with multiple catch-on-the-fly waves, the always-in Jaws wave, and a solid Class IV experience if you choose to run Quarter Mile Rapid. 

Varies, see description.

Put-In:

The parking area for the gorge is right at the railroad tracks just off of 197 in Poplar, NC.  To reach 197 from Asheville, take I-26 West to exit 37 in Erwin TN.  Turn right at the end of the exit ramp, go over the railroad tracks to a traffic light.  Turn left on 107/ Main St. for 1 mile, then turn right at Rock Creek Rd./395.  Follow this road for 10 miles until you near the railroad tracks again where you will turn right onto a road that leads to the parking area.

Take-Out:

The railroad tracks follow the river through the gorge, providing a good area for scouting, portaging, or hiking back to the put-in.  Listen closely for oncoming trains while crossing the bridge on the way back.  Quarter Mile Rapid is approximately 1.3 miles downstream of the put-in.