Toe

Toecane Rd. to RedHill(Gorge)

Reach banner
DifficultyII(III)
Length2.8 mi
Avg Gradientn/a
PermitNone
GaugeSouth Toe River Near Celo, Nc
Flow Rate as of 1 hour
40 cfsbelow recommended
Reach Info Last UpdatedMarch 2, 2026

River Description

From the put-in bridge to Toecane is approximately one half mile and fairly flat. At Toecane, Cane creek enters from the right adding more flow and then the river narrows somewhat and the gradient picks up and the rapids start. Most are in the class 2-2+ range. At higher levels some are 3-. The action is fairly continuous but there are plenty of pools. There are a couple good surfing spots.

Soon you will come to the relatively new rte 197 bridge. The best takeout is about 100 yards below the bridge on river left. Those who are youthful and adept at climbing over boulders & up large rip-rap can also take just above / at the bridge on river right or just at / below the bridge on river left. There is a space to load / unload boats at the 'good' takeout but you are not allowed to park there as space is quite limited. A sign directs you to nearby approved parking. There is also a large roadside pulloff between 197 and the river near the bridge.


River Features

Put In - Toecane Rd.

Distance: 0 mi

Several small pull-off options exist along the small frontage road along the railroad, the largest of which is 1/4 mile upstream from the bridge.

Take Out - RedHill

Distance: 2.84 mi
Take Out
Take Out - RedHill

The parking lot is just downstream of the 197 Bridge on river left. Oddly, the steps up to the road are located downstream a few hundred feet, requiring a short but sketchy carry along a guardrail to reach your car. Do not part at the top of the steps. Not perfect, but it works, and it is nice to have a formal public access site. Note that the news signs as of 2023 are pretty confusing, but paddlers are welcome to park in the lot and take out and use the steps up to the road.


RM
Randy Mckinney

Jun 21, 2022


LT
Lee Thonus

May 7, 2013


Catching an eddy in the Toe Gorge (level 200 on S Toe & 2800 on Nolichucky at Embreeville)

LT
Lee Thonus

May 7, 2013


Long standing wave rapid with a few rocks

LT
Lee Thonus

May 1, 2013


Long rapid

LT
Lee Thonus

May 1, 2013


Peeling out from an eddy

LT
Lee Thonus

May 1, 2013


One of the long standing wave rapids.

LT
Lee Thonus

May 1, 2013


Long standing wave rapid on Toe Gorge.

LT
Lee Thonus

Apr 29, 2013


Taking a slot at 'Three Eddies'. 300 cfs on S. Toe, 4800 cfs on Nolichucky at Embreeville

LT
Lee Thonus

Apr 29, 2013


At Three Eddies. 300 cfs on S. Toe; 4800 on Nolichucky at Embreeville

LT
Lee Thonus

Apr 26, 2013


Henry at Three Eddies (163 on s. Toe; 1900 on Noli at Embreeville)