A History Of Whitewater Paddling In Western North Carolina

From The Chattooga to the Nantahala, the thrilling rapids and unparalleled scenery of Western North Carolina's rivers attract thousands of whitewater paddlers each year. Author and paddling instructor Will Leverette grew up in and around canoes. His grandfather, Frank "Chief " Bell, helped to popularize the sport through Camp Mondamin, the country's premier summer camp for paddling. Ride along with Leverette as he recounts the exhilarating adventures of paddling's pioneers from 1923 to 1980, both those who started the craze and those who guided it farther downstream.

The ultimate guide to paddling whitewater in the western Carolinas, Carolina Whitewater has guided boaters to the best water in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states for almost 30 years. This latest edition includes expanded and updated information for the classic rivers, like the Chattooga, French Broad, and Nantahala, in addition to many new steep creeks including Cove, Rockhouse, and Hurricane. New to this edition is a section on flatwater that is suitable for canoe camping and can be handled by beginner and novice paddlers. Profiled runs are from the Broad River and two of its tributaries, the Enoree and the Tyger. The convenient at-a-glance format for each river section makes it easy to find critical details such as difficulty, length, paddling time, gradient, and more. River descriptions, shuttle and gauge information, and topographic-based maps complete the useful information needed to help boaters pick rivers to match their ability. With over 80 detailed profiles and more than 60 maps of the best canoeing and kayaking waterways in the Carolinas, this guide is indispensable. From quiet float trips on the French Broad to exciting runs on the fast-flowing Nolichucky, Carolina Whitewater details the best paddling experiences in both states.

Most everyone who comes to western North Carolina has heard of the Nantahala, but few know its history. Long before it was a mecca for rafters and thrill seekers, it was traveled by naturalists and explorers from William Bartram to John C. Frémont. After the Cherokees were driven out, settlers arrived and began exporting the wealth of the mountains in the form of timber, talc and minerals. Tourists arrived on the Western Turnpike soon after, and the railroad brought more around 1890. The federal government began purchasing land for the new Nantahala National Forest, and the need for aluminum to fight World War II precipitated the construction of Fontana Lake and Nantahala Lake. Local author Lance Holland has crafted an enlightening and entertaining narrative history of this unique region.

True Stories of Outdoor Adventure and Inspiration All fans of whitewater sports have been impacted by the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in one way or another. In 1972, the NOC was the outgrowth of an idea that friends working together to pursue their outdoor passions could change lives for the better. Today, the center is a seminal Southeastern paddling hub. Compiled by Payson Kennedy and edited by Greg Hlavaty, NOC Stories is a collection of 62 entertaining stories by NOC staff veterans—memories that describe the center’s first 25 years. It approaches the story of the NOC’s inception, a time of exponential growth in whitewater sports and instruction, a time when the NOC’s contribution to paddling technique and instruction reverberated around the world. It is both a history of NOC’s leading role in the evolution of commercial river running and an overview of when kayaking, as a sport, exploded in the United States. The remembrances presented here blend history with adventure as they document the NOC’s singular vision.

Chuck Hines enjoyed a 40-year career with the YMCA, during which he developed the YMCA's national whitewater kayaking program and received the Distinguished Director of Physical Education award. He paddled rivers from the Carolinas to Canada and from West Virginia to Wyoming. In the process, he won the Southeastern Masters whitewater slalom championship, coached numerous national titlists and international competitors, and earned Hall of Fame honors. He served as president of the Nantahala Racing Club, guiding the Rhinos to four U.S. championships. For his volunteer efforts at the Atlanta Olympic Games, he was given a gold medallion, and the Chuck Hines Cup is presented annually to the winning whitewater team at the Junior Olympics. In this book, he shares his kayaking adventures and memories with those interested in reading about the excitement of riding the rapids and the wacky, wonderful world of Whitewater Wanderings.

The nation’s rivers connect mountains to sea, communities to natural places, and people to wildlife. America’s Wild & Scenic River system recognizes these values. Paddling America provides descriptions for paddling and exploring 50 Wild and Scenic Rivers across the country. Woven throughout the river descriptions will be small anecdotal sidebars touching on the history of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, the adventurers themselves, and tips for paddling. Each chapter will contain one map, specifications in accordance with paddling guidelines including GPS coordinates, put-in/takeout information, an overview of the paddle, miles and directions, full-color photos, and sidebars.

Author and naturalist Marci Spencer reveals the history and splendor of the Nantahala National Forest. The 500,000-acre Nantahala National Forest dominates the rugged southwestern corner of North Carolina. Rivers such as the Cheoah, Cullasaja, and Tuckasegee carve deep gorges, making the region one of the wettest in the nation. The Whitewater River tumbles over the highest waterfall in the eastern United States. Power companies dammed local rivers, creating some of North Carolina's most scenic recreational mountain lakes. The high peaks, secluded coves and forested woodlands of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Panthertown Valley and Buck Creek Serpentine Pine Barrens and other areas hold cultural and natural history secrets.