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.
New USGS Gage Installed on Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek! (NC)
09/28/2020 - by Kevin Colburn
American Whitewater is pleased to announce the installation of a new online U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) stream gage on Wilson Creek, one of North Carolina's five federally-designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. The new stream gage is the result of a partnership between American Whitewater, Duke Energy and the USGS, and is expected to provide significant public safety and recreational benefits. American Whitewater would like to thank Duke Energy and the USGS, on behalf of the paddling community, for this great investment in the safe enjoyment of Wild and Scenic Wilson Creek.
Piney River and Tributaries Designated Scenic Rivers (TN)
07/14/2020 - by Kevin Colburn
On June 22, 2020, the Piney River, Little Piney River, and Duskin Creek, located near Spring City, became Tennessee's newest Scenic Rivers when the Governor signed a related bill into law. These creeks flow from the Cumberland Plateau down into deep cliff-lined canyons that are traversed by hikers, paddlers, and anglers. The creeks join adjacent Soak Creek as recently designated Scenic Rivers. American Whitewater and other paddling groups actively supported protection of these streams. The move recognizes that Tennessee is home to unique rivers and creeks that are a source of pride and rejuvenation for Tennesseans and should be protected for future generations.
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.
Upcoming Events
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West Fork Tuck Gorge Release
10:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york Make up release 250-250 cfs |
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Cheoah Release
08:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york Standard Release1000-1000 cfs |
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West Fork Tuck Gorge Release
10:00 am -4:00 pm america/new_york Make up release - NOTE there will not be a release on 10/17 as originally planned. 250-250 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 - 10/25/20 [+] favorites |
| Coosa Whitewater Festival |
Wetumpka,AL
runs 05/02/14 - 05/04/14 [+] favorites |
| Upper Nantahala Release |
Topton, NC,NC
runs 04/26/14 - 09/12/20 [+] favorites |
| Cheoah Release |
Robbinsville,NC
runs 02/22/14 - 10/24/20 [+] favorites |
| Coosa River Whitewater Festival |
Wetumpka,AL
runs 05/01/15 - 05/03/15 [+] favorites |
| Tallulah |
Tallulah Falls, GA,GA
runs 04/01/17 - 11/17/19 [+] favorites |
| Catawba Bridgewater Dam Release |
Glen Alpine,NC
runs 04/28/18 - 10/28/18 [+] favorites |
(iCal)
Associated Projects
Chattooga Headwaters (NC)
The US Forest Service has banned boating on the upper 21 miles of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River.
Read MoreCheoah River (NC)
AW and regional paddling clubs spent 5 years relicensing the dam on the Cheoah and scored a huge environmental and recreational victory.
Read MoreLittle River Access (NC)
AW worked with the Dupont State Forest to lift the Forest's prohibition on whitewater paddling. Boating became legal in 2002.
Read MoreNolichucky 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.
Read MoreTallulah 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.
Read MoreTuckasegee 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.
Read MoreAssociated News
Tallulah (GA) Releases Are Scheduled For Fall 2011
10/13/2011
Gauley River (WV) Information for 2013
8/25/2013
Fall 2013 Tallulah (GA) Release Reminders
10/10/2013