Jonathans Creek

Temporary bridge - as of June 2014

As of June 2104 the first bridge after Jonathan Creek Rd / rte 276 is under construction. For most paddlers (who will put on along Cove Cr Rd just downstream of 276) this will be the 1st bridge that you come to. It will be about 0.4 miles below this lower put in. There is a photo in the photo section.

This is a medium+ level. Cataloochee Cr was about 500 cfs.

Level was medium+; Cataloochee Cr gage was slightly over 500 cfs.

The hole was a little testy this day. Level was medium+, Cataloochee Cr. gauge was slightly over 500 cfs.

Reid at Submarine. Level was medium+, Cataloochee Cr was slightly over 500 cfs.

Lead in chute of Wendy's, main drop in background

Main drop on Wendy's

Main drop of Wendy's Wonder

Lead in chute, main drop in background

Karol Gray running Shoulder Bone - rock giving the rapid it's name is out of the photo to the right.

Pete Gutillo running Shoulder Bone

Tony S hitting the hole in the second drop.

Pete G entering the second drop

Entry and Main drop of Submarine. Note how the line on the left necks down.

Put in on Jonathans creek behind the fire station, and ran it to the Pigeon and then followed the Pigeon to near Waterville Lake. Took out at the New Hepco Bridge, Fines Creek Rd. We had 1” of rain in Maggie Valley the day before, and the USGS Gauge on the Pigeon near Hepco was reading 850 CFS. Passed a landowner near where the Jonathans Creek gauge near White Oak used to be, she said at one time they were considering damming Jonathans Creek near the confluence with the Pigeon, (or maybe the Pigeon itself) so the gauge was for a temporary flow study. Not much on Jonathans, one set of drops about 1+ miles below I-40 bridge as mentioned by Dave, otherwise nothing even of new school class II. At the confluence I noticed the water temperature was close to 15° warmer. Several noteworthy drops that were not listed on the AWA section for the Pigeon E & W Confluence to New Hepco Bridge. Of course having a good volume of water on the Pigeon, and getting a back ender in a rather juicy hole affected my rating. I would rate one drop a solid III+ (the surprise hole and ender). Other than a bit of a hike at the bridge it is an under valued section. We had run a section of the Pigeon upstream (from confluence of Richland Creek) and became bored, getting out after a few miles before anything fun started, so I was surprised to find some fun rapids.