Tuckasegee
Section 3. Dillsboro to Rt. 1392 (Barkers Creek)(Tuck Gorge)
| Difficulty | II-III |
| Length | 5.2 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Tuckasegee River at Barker's Creek, Nc |
| Flow Rate as of 56 minutes | 193 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | January 11, 2020 |
Projects
The Tuckasegee relicensing has radically improved recreational opportunities along 35 miles of the Class II main Tuck, as well as createda new whitewater resource on the Class IV+ West Fork Tuck. From 2001 through 2003 American Whitewater participated in an innovative negotiation process to decide the future operations of [...]Read More
River Description
The Tuck is a fun river that runs regularly and is an excellent place to learn to paddle or work on skills. There are many places to practice eddy turns, ferries and peel outs without serious consequences. The minimum 'fun' level is about 450-500 cfs with 800-1500 cfs being a nice level that covers up most of the shallow sections, without being too pushy. The rapids are wave trains/holes with good pools below to recover boats and swimmers.
American Whitewater worked with Duke Energy, paddling clubs, and others to negotiate a significant series of dam releases and access areas on the Tuckasegee River starting in 2001. Together we created a vision of a fully accessible Tuckasegee River, from the headwaters to Fontana Reservoir. Controversy around the removal Dillsboro Dam caused delays, but as of 2016 that vision has become a reality with 13 public access areas having been built at strategic intervals along the river. Thanks to the flows and access, the Tuck supports rafting companies, summer camps, float fishing, and significant private boating visits.
ALERT: Didymosphenia geminate, a slimey invasive algae known as rock snot, was found in the Tuck in 2016. Please rinse all mud and sand off your boat and gear before leaving the Tuck, and clean, drain, and dry your stuff before heading to the next river. It is our responsibility to avoid transporting this damaging algae to other rivers to protect the native aquatic species. Watch this video to learn more.
Flow Releases: The Tuck release schedule is robust! Check out the 3-day flow forecast (select 'Nantahala Area' from the dropdown menu). Since the releases come from two forks (East Fork @ 700cfs and West Fork @ 500cfs) and because it takes a while for the water to travel the 35 mile length of River, Duke Energy has made a convenient onl
...River Features
Duke Put In
Dillsboro Put-In
A small public put-in that allows you to skip the Dillsboro Drop.
Railroad Bridge
Starts below the railroad bridge. Usually run starting left and keeping left over the first small ledge. Then, working back right to the middle of the river. 1st hole is right below.
1st Hole
Good play hole at some lower levels. Good eddy hopping practice, too. The hole can be skirted to the left or right.
2nd Hole
A lot like 1st hole, but there is an undercut rock on the right side. Nothing major, just be aware.Prudential Rock is at the top of the rapid and can be run on the left or right.
Moonshot
Pretty long rapid. Best run against the left bank. There are several side stream eddies on river left for eddy hopping practice as well as some in the center for ferrying practice.
Double Drop
This one has some of the biggest waves on the river. Fun play waves at low levels. Theres a good boof at the second drop. The wave train below the second drop is a good place to practice your roll in whitewater. The is a small eddy at top center of the first drop for trying your eddy catching skills. It gets smaller and more challenging as flows increase.
Sling Shot
As the name implies...slings boats from left to right. Pretty straight foward though. Swirly eddy line on bottom left.
Suprise Hole
Small hole in the middle of a long set of shoals.
Surfing Rapid
Fun surf at higher levels. Occurs in a set of shoals also.
Shark Tooth
Last rapid on the Tuck. Nothing major though. Usually run on right side.
Barkers Creek Bridge
Take out on river right about a quarter mile past the bridge at the new Duke takeout.
Barkers Creek Take-Out
Public Take-out provided by Duke Energy. Ample parking, plus bathrooms. This access area was negotiated by American Whitewater and other paddling advocated through the hydropower dam relicensing process in the early 2000's.
Trip Reports
Log in to add a reportTaken April 16, 2016
The far right line at Dillsboro Drop, the first rapid on the 'Tuck gorge' section.
July 4th: Tuckasegee Section 3. ~700 cfs. Great run for G to canoe. Its a length we like. about 10 class 2+ to 3- rapids. G rode in the raft for the dam rapid and canoed a majority of the rest of them. Models swam out of canoes, J swam out of duckie near the end. Rope swing on river right about 3/4 of the way through the trip. Decent scenery, lots of houses in the first half.
2014 release schedule can be found at http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/Tuckasegee\_Recreation\_Flow\_Calendar\_2014.pdf
For 2013 the release schedule is at
http://www.duke-energy.com/pdfs/Tuckasegee\_Recreation\_Flow\_Calendar\_2013.pdf
Looking down at the entrance to Sharkstooth Rapid
First Hole rapid, just after Railroad.
Circa 1910
The site of the former Dillsboro Dam.
Be careful of the right side line on the new Dillsboro Drop rapid. There are some rocks that will eat you if you flip and don't roll up fast. Got some scrapes on my body and helmet for my troubles on 6/25 at 800 cfs. Most people seem to be running the center line instead of the right line.