Nolichucky, Tennessee, US

Poplar N.C. to Nolichucky Gorge Campground (Erwin, TN)

Usual Difficulty	III-IV (for normal flows)
Length	8 Miles
Avg. Gradient	31 fpm
Max Gradient	57 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
NOLICHUCKY RIVER AT EMBREEVILLE, TN
usgs-03465500	500 - 3000 cfs	III-IV	00h50m	295 cfs (rc= -0.1 )

River Description

The Nolichucky is in an incredibly beautiful, deep, mountain gorge that offers lots of great play, especially within the first few miles. The Noli's punch is at the beginning, then it mellows out to a mostly class III run allowing ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery. The gorge is remote with the only opportunity to walk out by a railroad track that parallels the river.

Parking at the takeout: Do NOT park at the commercial rafting companies, space is already tight & needed for rafting customers. Private boaters can park at the Nolichucky Gorge Campground for a fee (which includes a hot shower - nice on a cold winter day), the campground can also arrange shuttles. Round trip shuttle runs take up every bit of an hour. Private boater parking has created some contention in the past, just abide by the business's requests and there should be no problem. Alternate parking is available at the USFS Chestoa parking area (note: fee demo area) about 3/4 mile past the campground, the take-out is on river right.

For further information and the most incredibly accurate and specific shuttle directions known to the western world, see Chris Bell's excellent boatingbeta.com website.