Archived Articles (in this area) Current Articles (in this area) All Articles

AW in the SouthEast

AW is in the final stages of several epic projects that will change the way we paddle in the Southeast. Remarkable volunteer efforts and the financial support of AW members have made this work possible. We have recently summarized the past 10 years of our efforts in the Southeast in our 2006 Southeastern Stewardship Report.

article photo Wy5ftwBnkv2jBESF0lZQY.jpg

Speak Up For Dam Removals On TN’s Little River

08/28/2023 - by Kevin Colburn

The Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to remove two low head dams on the Little River in Tennessee, and considered but passed on the removal of a third dam. These dam removals are located in scenic Class I-II reaches that are popular with beginner and local paddlers. Sadly, these two dams, called Rockford Dam and Peery’s Mill Dam, have been responsible for seven drownings in recent years. Dam removal would significantly benefit the many members of the public who enjoy paddling rivers in the region, and American Whitewater has submitted a comment letter fully supporting this proposed dam removal. Additional comments from the paddling community will help this exciting project move forward and succeed at meeting the public interest in river restoration, recreation, and safety. 

article photo WpTM2kP2QRRowPTKXCoZQ.jpg

North Chickamauga Becomes TN’s Newest Scenic River

06/01/2023 - by Kevin Colburn

We are pleased to report that North Chickamauga and Cain creeks became Tennessee’s most recent state Scenic Rivers on May 18th, 2023. This state designation follows several other designations over the past few years on streams like Soak Creek and the Piney River. The designation effort was led by the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy and drew broad support from many groups, including American Whitewater. This state designation signals a bright future for these streams, which are home to classic whitewater runs.

article photo pwNCRxMLSciXdw2yYMvrk.jpg

Southeast 2023 Advanced Release Schedule Announced!

11/25/2022 - by Kevin Colburn

American Whitewater and our affiliate clubs have spent the past 25 years working to restore flows to incredible Southeastern rivers impacted by dams. A lot of our work has focused on releases and access on Class II and III rivers like the lower Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Hiwassee, and Catawba, but we also secured releases in some classic steeper reaches previously dewatered by hydroelectric diversions. Each year we meet with power companies and agencies to schedule future releases, review ongoing ecology studies, and discuss any issues with the release programs. We strive to create a schedule with minimal conflicts to maximize recreational value. Below are the 2023 dates for the Class IV/V Cheoah, Nantahala Cascades & Upper, West Fork Tuck, and Tallulah rivers. 

article photo 34466-1.jpg

A Close Look at Cheoah River Fatalities

06/29/2020 - by Charlie Walbridge

The recent death of Chris Clark at Python Rapid on North Carolina's Cheoah River is the third at this site in the last six years. In each case, the person who died was an expert paddler and their paddling partners did not see exactly what happened. Let's take a close look at the Cheoah below Bear Creek Falls and develop strategies for future runs. The river here is very fast and continuous. After a fast lead-in (Chaos), the river drops over Bear Creek Falls, a 12' drop. Below, most of the flow pushes toward the river right channel (Python). Ferrying over to the easier river left channel (the West Prong) requires careful boat control. Python itself contains several nasty holes and sieves, with a bad hole blocked by a boulder at the bottom. There is a good route through it, but paddlers need to plan their route carefully. Scouting is a good idea for first timers, although catching eddies and getting out is not  going to be easy. Groups need to stay together.. The rapid is tough enough that you can't watch your buddy all the time, but you can be ready to help if needed. Click through for links to the accident reports, photos, and comments from expert Cheoah River paddlers. (Photo above by Boyd Ruppelt)

article photo 1

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Boating Beta

07/01/2009 - by Mark Singleton

Keep this number for assistance in the Great Smoky Mountains Nation Park - (865) 436-1230. This number connects to the Park Dispatch Office and should be used in non-emergency situations. For boaters who regularly paddle in the Park it is advisable to program the number in your cell phone.


Associated Projects

Chattooga Headwaters (NC)

The US Forest Service has banned boating on the upper 21 miles of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.

Cheoah River (NC)

AW and regional paddling clubs spent 5 years relicensing the dam on the Cheoah and scored a huge environmental and recreational victory.

Clean Water Act

American Whitewater's advocacy to protect water quality.

Little River Access (NC)

AW worked with the Dupont State Forest to lift the Forest's prohibition on whitewater paddling. Boating became legal in 2002.

Nolichucky Wild and Scenic

A locally-driven effort to designate the 7.2 mile Nolichucky River Gorge, on public lands spanning the North Carolina - Tennessee border as a Wild and Scenic River.

Tallulah Gorge (GA)

The dams on Tallulah Gorge were among the first rivers in the Southeast to be relicensed and wow what a classic whitewater river it has become.

Tuckasegee Relicensing (NC)

AW signed a settlement calling for new dam releases, sweeping conservation measures, new access, and the removal of Dillsboro Dam in North Carolina.

Associated Rivers

Upcoming Events

Calendar Control Date:
Calendar by Date by Title

February 2024

S M T W T F S
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
Cheoah Release
08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york
Unique February Schedule: 1000 cfs from 8am to noon, then 600 from noon to 4pm, then 400 for the evening. 1000-600 cfs

25
26
27
28
29
1
2

Events
Nantahala River Releases Wesser,NC runs 03/10/08 - 11/14/18
[+] favorites
Pigeon Releases Hartford,TN runs 04/28/08 - 08/30/08
[+] favorites
Coosa Release Wetumpka,AL runs 05/31/10 - 05/31/15
[+] favorites
Ocoee #2, Middle Section Release Duckville,TN runs 03/15/08 - 10/28/12
[+] favorites
Ocoee #3, Upper Releases Duckville,TN runs 05/10/08 - 09/15/12
[+] favorites
French Broad Fall Fest Hot Springs,NC runs 09/22/12 - 09/22/12
[+] favorites
West Fork Tuck Gorge Release Glenville,NC runs 04/13/13 - 08/20/22
[+] favorites
Coosa Whitewater Festival Wetumpka,AL runs 05/02/14 - 05/04/14
[+] favorites
Upper Nantahala Release Topton, NC,NC runs 04/26/14 - 09/26/21
[+] favorites
Cheoah Release Robbinsville,NC runs 02/22/14 - 06/23/24, next 02/24/24
[+] favorites
Coosa River Whitewater Festival Wetumpka,AL runs 05/01/15 - 05/03/15
[+] favorites
Tallulah Tallulah Falls, GA,GA runs 04/01/17 - 11/19/23, next 11/04/23
[+] favorites
Catawba Bridgewater Dam Release Glen Alpine,NC runs 04/28/18 - 10/28/18
[+] favorites
Catawba Great Falls Long Channel Release Great Falls,SC runs 03/18/23 - 10/21/23, next 09/30/23
[+] favorites
Catawba Great Falls Short Channel Release Great Falls,SC runs 07/08/23 - 10/22/23, next 09/30/23
[+] favorites
  (iCal)  

Join AW and support river stewardship nationwide!