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Paddling the Nolichucky

Paddlin the Nolichucky

May 23rd - June 6th

Paddlin the Nolichucky Kick Off

Celebration and Camping Trip!

Sat. May 23rd 11-1pm

Riverside Park in Downtown Spruce Pine,NC

Great Grilled Food

Music by the Wisemans

Raffle Prizes

Boating and lots of Fun!

This fun kick off event will feature great Bluegrass music from the Wisemans, food, speakers, raffle prizes, and lots of boating fun. The event will also celebrate the removal of the dam on the North Toe River. This dam removal has been collaborative project that will tear down a huge barrier on the North Toe River. This will help make the river a fishing and paddling destination for everyone. Bring your own boat or rent one from River’s Edge Outfitters (for a short two mile day trip with shuttle) or Loafers Glory Rafting (if you plan to camp overnight).. Click here to RSVP if you plan on camping the first one or two nights.

Camping Trip Information

To really capture the beauty of this scenic river you need to see more than a couple miles. A two day/two night paddle trip is being offered for those who want to bring your own boat and gear along to camp.The two day trip ends 19 miles downstream. These quintessential mountain rivers wind through parts of Pisgah National Forest and offer gorgeous scenery and serene paddling through class I and II water.

Day 1: Today’s paddle will wind about 6.5 miles through magnificent boulders and a rhododendron tree line stream. The train track along much of the paddle also adds some charm. After crossing under a historic swinging bridge the day’s seven mile paddle will end at a wide open sandy, shady primitive campsite where several short fun hikes are available.

Day 2: There will also be just enough swift water to keep the day exciting. There will be stops for swimming, fishing, hiking, and lunch as we make our way another seven miles downstream. For those guests who don’t feel completely comfortable paddling swifter water, there will be a shuttle waiting to take you to the nights camping, at Loafers Glory Campground. Hot showers, gem mining, fishing, and nature trails are all fun activities along the banks of the Nolichucky River. The more adventurous paddler will continue through class II-III rapids for the next 4.5 miles. This exciting trip through one of the gorges on the Nolichucky River will get the blood pumping and deliver you right to the campground.

Day 3: You can arrange your own shuttle back to Spruce Pine or use the service of Loafers Glory Rafting. Remember to call and reserve a shuttle ahead of time to ensure there is room for you.

This kickoff event and overnight paddle is sponsored by Altamont Environmental and being organized by Toe River Valley Watch and RiverLink.

Stay tuned for much more information! or contact the French Broad Riverkeeper at 828-252-8474 ext. 114 or at riverkeeper@riverlink.org.