Whitewater enthusiasts converge on the Cheoah River to raft and kayak the Class IV rapids when the waters are unleashed from Santeetlah Dam.

The Cheoah River offers nine miles of heart pounding whitewater adventure running along US Hwy 129. Just a few minutes from the famous Tail of the Dragon and the Dragon at Deals Gap, this area is well known to motor enthusiasts for its 318 turns in 11 miles.

Located in Graham County North Carolina, the Cheoah is a limited release river with 19 days scheduled for 2010 as follows:

Cheoah River High Flow 2010 Release Dates

February 20 & 21 (Saturday & Sunday)

March 20, 21 & 22 (Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

April 10, 11 & 12 (Saturday, Sunday, & Monday)

April 24 & 25 (Saturday & Sunday)

May 8 & 9 (Saturday & Sunday)

May 22 & 23 (Saturday & Sunday)

June 26 & 27 (Saturday & Sunday)

September 18 (Saturday)

October 2 (Saturday)

November 6 (Saturday)

The Dam is managed by Tapoca, a division of Alcoa, with official dates published at:

http://www.alcoa.com/tapoco/en/info_page/santeetlah.asp

 A great introduction to river running, this 8-mile stretch on the Nantahala offers mostly Class I and II rapids with a Class III finish at the Nantahala Falls.  First time rafters and families can feel comfortable navigating this river. 

You can rent rafts, kayaks, canoes, or ducks (inflatable kayaks) from a variety of outfitters along the river. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a popular choice with a beautiful outpost offering guided or self-guided trips, a view of the falls, a restaurant, restroom/shower facilities, and access to the Appalachian Trail for a day hike. 

The more adventurous can tackle the Cheoah River, which opens Class IV-V (out of V) rapids on specified dates coordinated with the release of waters from the Cheoah Dam. Located at the end of the famous Tail of the Dragon road, these runs are sure to provide a high adrenaline ride for experienced rafters.  Contact the Cheoah Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service at 828-479-6431 for more details on release dates. 

For a taste of Olympic Gold, just drive a bit further to the Ocoee River, home of the 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Slalom Races.  Winding through the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River rafting is about an hour NE from Chattanooga, TN. 

Other nearby rivers offering seasonal rafting include the French Broad (NW of Asheville, NC), Pigeon River (near Gatlinburg TN), Chattooga (near Clayton, GA) and the Nolichucky (near Erwin, TN). 

Getting There… 

From Robbinsville to Nantahala Outdoor Center

• Option 1 (21 miles) – Head South on US-129
• Turn Left onto US-19/US-74
• Travel another 9.8 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (on left)

• Option 2 – (25 miles) Head East on NC-143
• Turn Right onto NC-28
• Turn Right onto US-19/US-74
• Travel another 4.5 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (on right)