Powell, South Fork

LOTS OF WOOD!!! December 2009 storm and subsequent heavy rainfall has setback some hard working folks on this gem. The upper reaches from Big Cherry Lake are almost impassable for the entire 2.5 miles. A lot of old growth and dead trees have fallen into this stream making it next to impossible to kayak. A lot worse that when Al G and his crew ran it in 2002.

A first descent of the main gorge was made by several notable paddlers during the 2002 spring flooding that hit Virginia. They ran a lot, they walked a lot and a few have went in after to similar situations. There are several spots to be wary of on this run. Once you get on, you're committed. A hike or evac out of this gorge would not be a pleasant experience. This is a tight and technical steep creek, if you have the skills, you won't need a description.

Here's a link to the article by Al G Vertical Creeking

This run is up to par with some of the best whitewater in the SE. If you aren't up to paddling runs like West Prong, the Narrows, and Ravens Fork this run isn't for you.

The upper section below Big Cherry Lake is remote and contains a portage or two that you might want to consider as well as lots of lumber. This section also contains some of the best whitewater on the trip as well. Too many to list or mention here as each drop or slide has something unique about it.

After the last BIG drop (currently un-runnable) and steep boulder garden that follows, there is a good section of smokies style boogie water with a good eddy or two before the bottom falls out again. Most of this section is on the margin of runnable and along with the lack of well placed eddies and the consequences for not making the move makes it slightly unappealing to attempt, this also leads into the section near the waterplant which is home to a very large un

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