Holston, North Fork
2. Clinch Mt. Landing to Hayters Gap (Rt. 80)
| Difficulty | II(III) |
| Length | 11 mi |
| Avg Gradient | 12 fpm |
| Gauge | N F Holston River Near Saltville, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 18 minutes | 99 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | May 21, 2024 |
River Description
This is a pleasant, peaceful float with intermittent whitewater to keep things interesting. The view from the road is a little deceptive since many of the rapids are in the bends away from the road. Rapids of note are the series in the bend after Tumbling Creek (II+) about 2 miles downstream of the put-in, and Falls Hill Rapid (III), easily portaged, about 3 miles above Rt. 80. Also don't miss the tributary waterfall about 6 miles in on the left. Despite the road, which is usually out of sight and very lightly trafficked, and occasional houses, this stretch has a remote, quiet feel to it.
See Also:
Classic Virginia Rivers, Ed Grove (1992 ed), p. 337.
Virginia Whitewater, Roger Corbett (2000 ed.), p. 413.
Exploring Virginia's Waterways, Ed Gertler (2022 ed.), p. 378.
River Features
Clinch Mt. Landing Put-in
From Saltville, travel north on Allison Gap Rd, crossing the NF Holston. Turn left on Perryville Rd, which becomes North Fork River Road, and go about 2.5 miles to the put-in on your left.
Tumbling Creek rapids
Just before the Tumbling Creek confluence on the right, the river bends left to make a big loop away from the road. There are 4 class II rapids in the bend. The first is a dogleg to the right, with the Tumbling Creek confluence at the end of the rapid. The second rapid has a linear breaking wave/hole near the end of the rapid from the center to the right, which could get strong at high flows. There is a green chute on the left if in doubt. The third rapid can have some large standing waves which can be avoided on the right. The fourth rapid has three channels with most of the flow in the middle, becoming increasingly shallow as the water moves left. Photo taken at 700 cfs.
Waterfall view
Impressive waterfall on a river left tributary. Eddy out at the mouth and walk up the creek a short distance. Coming down the river, after the second footbridge, look for two houses on the right bank, then look for the creek confluence on the left. You'll probably hear the falls. The river current is fairly swift here.
Hayters Gap Road (Rt. 80) Bridge Take-out
Take out on river right just upstream of the bridge. Nearby, it's worth seeing the Falls of Logan Creek just a short distance south of the bridge along Rt. 80.