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.
Community Proposes Post-Hurricane Plan for Rocky Broad River (NC)
06/12/2025 - by Kevin Colburn
Flooding caused by Hurricane Helene largely destroyed the town of Chimney Rock and the Rocky Broad River as we knew it. The river grew to fill the entire valley with a torrent, and the storm left behind a greatly widened river often lacking a clear channel and with massive carved out banks. Shortly after the storm, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) built a temporary road through the gorge that is often in the middle of the river channel. Now, as the community seeks to rebuild, they have come together with a draft plan to create a river park through town that features a trail, whitewater features and pools, and green space. With a little effort by NCDOT to leave the river in good shape, and in combination with the river park downstream, the Rocky Broad could once again be a beloved staple of the Western North Carolina boating community. Explore the new plan and learn more in this article!
2025 Southeast Advanced Release Schedule
12/18/2024 - 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. Also 2025 marks the third year of releases on the Great Falls of the Catawba! Thankfully, none of these rivers were significantly affected by Hurricane Helene.
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)
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 News
Associated Rivers
Upcoming Events
November 2025 |
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Tallulah Gorge
08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 500-500 cfs |
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08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 700-700 cfs |
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08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 500-500 cfs
Cheoah
08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 1000-1000 cfs |
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08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 700-700 cfs |
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08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 500-500 cfs |
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08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york 700-700 cfs |
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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 - 08/24/24 [+] favorites |
| Coosa Whitewater Festival |
Wetumpka,AL
runs 05/02/14 - 05/04/14 [+] favorites |
| Upper Nantahala Release |
Topton, NC,NC
runs 04/26/14 - 09/29/24 [+] favorites |
| Cheoah Release |
Robbinsville,NC
runs 02/22/14 - 03/16/24 [+] favorites |
| Coosa River Whitewater Festival |
Wetumpka,AL
runs 05/01/15 - 05/03/15 [+] favorites |
| Tallulah |
Tallulah Falls, GA,GA
runs 04/01/17 - 11/17/24 [+] 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 [+] favorites |
| Catawba Great Falls Short Channel Release |
Great Falls,SC
runs 07/08/23 - 10/22/23 [+] favorites |
| Cheoah |
Robbinsville,NC
runs 02/22/25 - 11/08/25, next 06/21/25 [+] favorites |
| Tallulah Gorge |
Near Tallulah Falls,GA
runs 04/05/25 - 11/16/25, next 11/01/25 [+] favorites |
| West Fork Tuckasegee Gorge |
Tuckasegee,NC
runs 04/26/25 - 08/30/25, next 07/05/25 [+] favorites |
| Upper Nantahala / Cascades |
Nantahala,NC
runs 04/19/25 - 09/28/25, next 06/20/25 [+] favorites |
| Catawba River (Bridgewater section) |
Glen Alpine,NC
runs 04/26/25 - 10/26/25, next 06/20/25 [+] favorites |
| Catawba River (Great Falls - Short Channel) |
Great Falls,SC
runs 04/19/25 - 10/19/25, next 06/21/25 [+] favorites |
| Catawba River (Great Falls - Long Channel) |
Great Falls,SC
runs 03/08/25 - 10/25/25, next 06/28/25 [+] favorites |
(iCal)