Raven Fork
3. Confluence of Raven Fork and Straight Fork Raven Fork to Cherokee Park-n-Ride(Lower Raven Fork)
| Difficulty | II-III+(IV) |
| Length | 8.1 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 70 fpm |
| Gauge | Oconaluftee River at Birdtown, Nc |
| Flow Rate as of 49 minutes | 208 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 21, 2024 |
River Description
This beautiful stream originates in the Smokey Mt. National Park and flows into the Cherokee Indian Reservation where it confluences with the Oconaluftee.
Note: By order of the Cherokee Tribal Council, that portion of the Raven Fork crossing the Qualla Boundary (the official name of their reservation) is closed to boating. This entire run is located on the reservation -- it is illegal to boat it.
The whitewater consists of mostly class II-III (IV) rapids and there are two >distinct sections as described by Bob Benner in Carolina Whitewater. The >most significant rapid, 'Crack In The Rock,' is within the lower section a mile or so below Sherril's Ford bridge near the campground off Big Cove Rd. This rapid has three slots and should be scouted from the right bank.
Generally the far left slot (check for strainers here first) is most often run as the center and right slots are unclean, chaotic and undercut.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportI talked with Council 2 weeks ago and it is now legal to boat! Woo! Aways scout crack in the rock. UPDATE
I just checked with all of the resources in Cherokee and they say no boats still. UPDATE
The drowning was at Crack in The Rock. I don't know details - boater took the middle slot and pinned.
First week of December, 2003, the folks at the Cherokee visitor center told us that the Tribal Council recently passed a law banning boating on the Raven Fork. This apparently was in response to a drowning. Anyone else have confirmation of this?
The actual put-in for this run is at the confluence, where the 2 govt roads split. Or one of the pull-offs nearby.
Dan just below Crack In Rock rapid.
This photo shows the main 'crack'
that sometimes is jammed with
wood. This video still capture was
taken when the Raven Fork was
running at a minimum level. We ran
the Crack via the river left chute -
which is not visible in this image.