Nantahala

09/25/2022: Cascades/upper Nantahala scheduled release, Sunday Release:

Connor (Wave Sport Project56) and I (LL Alpha 90) paddled upper section ABOVE the Cascades, putting in about 1-2 miles above put in for Cascades, about 1/4 mile above large rapid (locals said: 'Champagne'?), probably high Class 4 middle line, LEFT line definite Class 5 and ugly.

Then paddled down to larger rapid near White Oak Creek confluence (the rapid that everyone can see when they park to put onto the Cascades, locals said: 'Teacup'?).  Video posted online (FB), unable to get images to appear here.

Ran that pretty clean in middle. There was a 12ft 2-person raft ran right line, VERY sticky hole. Class 4+ down middle (pin potential) and right line Class 5 (ugly hole, ?undercut). We have cell phone video from bystanders, will attempt to post photos.

Put in was great, just creekside, lots of boogy water, only those 2 big rapids, took about 30-40 mins to paddle to Horns on the Cascades. Not much wood.  Lots of small campsites along the river, lots of poison ivy as well.

Really loved extending out the run, the 2 big rapids nicely engaging, and made the Cascades lap all the better with that sort of warm up. ALSO, the parking was a LOT easier!

Ben Huneycutt