Upper Nantahala and Cascades Releases (NC)

Each year Duke Energy releases various ideal boating flows into the Cascades and Upper sections of the Nantahala River on eight days each year: one weekend in April, one weekend in September, and four weekday afternoons in the summer. American Whitewater and our affiliate clubs negotiated these releases in the early 2000’s and meet with stakeholders each year to schedule the releases and address any issues. These releases provide water in a Class III+ section and a Class V section of the Nantahala River. Parking is an issue, so paddlers are encouraged to use a shuttle service or park well off the the paved road. The April Saturday release is at 250cfs, The April Sunday release is at 350cfs, the summer afternoons are at 250cfs, The September Saturday is at 300cfs, and the September Sunday release is at 425cfs from 10am to 3pm, and 250cfs from 3 to 5pm.