Green

Upper Green 2.0 has some nice surprises and some not so nice. There's one major safety issue, a set of strainers blocking the main channel just above the I-26 bridge. It's covered in the 'Alerts.' Be sure to check that out.

The water level was low, noticeably less than one turbine release equivalent. However, looking at the shoals at the put-in, it was easy to see that there was a shallow but viable path through them. (That's the best I can do for a level measure. Obviously, we need a gauge at Pot Shoals Rd!) At that level, the river is bony in many places, but as long as you pay close attention you probably won't have to get out and drag your boat over rocks. We thought this level would be a good zero for the eventual gauge.

Overall, aside from the strainer above I-26, the main difference in the river's appearance is that there is a lot more exposed rock along the shore, and there are a lot more inviting sandy beaches. There are small landslides and uprooted trees everywhere, and fallen trees line the riverbank in most places. That pleasant slalom warmup at the beginning of the run is mostly replaced now with rubble fields, and there's a tree all the way across the river shortly before the power line crossing. There are a couple of nice new surfing spots, and the old surfing spots are different.

Bayless's Boof should be scouted, which you can do easily from the top of the drop on the right. It's hard to tell how much of the difference was due to the lower water level, but it was different. The usual route on the far left side was not viable. The best route was a bit to the right of that route, and just to the right of that 'halfway-down-the-drop' hole.

Wanda's Hole, Devil's Elbow, and Pinball look a little bit different, but the routes are pretty much the same. You can probably boat-scout and pick your way down. Obviously, watch out for ever-shifting wood and follow your own best judgment.

The take-out is not obvious. It's a small beach next to the mouth of a tiny stream, much closer to the mouth of the Big Hungry than the old take-out. I suggest that you walk down to the take-out and scout it out before putting on the river; otherwise you will probably spend a long unpleasant time picking your way through the piles of fallen trees at the take-out. If there is recovery work going on, go paddle somewhere else. Someone has done a heroic amount of work with chainsaw and backhoe to open that take-out trail. Many thanks to whoever arranged that!

If you loved the old Upper Green, as I did, I think you'll come to love the new Upper Green. It is still beautiful and remote-feeling, with just enough challenge to make it interesting, two big rapids and lots of little features to play in, nice new beaches and rocks to hang out on, and the same old pain-in-the-ass 1 km carry-out that guarantees that you will usually have the river to yourself.

The American Whitewater board meeting was held in Brevard. After we finished up our meetings some of the staff and a few friends had a chance to get on the river. It was flowing at 100% and plenty of fun. We did a few laps at Bayless Boof. We did encounter some wood but it was all easily advoidable by those paying attention.

This is a photo of Joe Berry passing by one of the waterfalls on the Upper Green near Saluda, NC on one of the Hemlock Treatment Days, sponsored by PHHAT, Paddleers Hemlock Health Action Team. Alex Harvey was the organizer of this treatment day.

Ryan J doing 360s at 360 Hole in a C-1

Nathan on a smooth line at Bayless Boof

Ryan J doing 360s in a C-1 at 360 hole.

Kevin G on the most common line at No Name Ledge

Curtis C. surfing the wave at the Takeout Rapid.

Normal path is just to the river right of the center rock in top ledge and left of the 'pinball' rock in the bottom ledge

Tom G in the unnamed class 2 above Pinball.

Judy P running the normal line at Wanda's (aka Witch's) Hole

The boater in the distance (red helmet) has made the center to left move and must go back to river right (toward photographer). Brent, the C-1 paddler, is catching an eddy on his way.

Horace M @ No Name Ledge - most common line.

Boat (&boater) being stuffed

Troy at Bayless' boof

Noah Randall on the Upper Green River

awesome run for begginers..as long as there with a strong and smart paddler to be safe.

wood is out of wandas hole
As of last summer there's a new strainer on the left about 30 feet below wanda's

On 12/18/05 there were many (45) riverwide strainers, due to a recent Ice storm. 15 or so required portage. Be careful.

the upper green run has new wood in many locations due to recent flooding,notably Pinball rapid, do not run the left boof line there is a large tree in the middle pool. the conventional line is tight but can be done.the flow was 200% + on 9/22/04 ,at 100% some of the strainers may require portaging

This was a PFD for a couple of these folks.

My first run down Bayless on the Upper Green.

Taken while raining, little over 200%

Bayless Boof

My first run down the Upper Green. Great day. Nailed all the lines. NO SWIMS!!!

Smoothing Bayless' on a perfect day.

if you like paddling the Nantahala but wished for just one more big rapid, here it is...Bayless Boof, on the section above the Narrows, Green River NC.
Rob getting ready for splash-down at Bayless Boof's river left line.