North Carolina · Swain Co.

Hazel Creek

🏞 National Park🌿 Wilderness
Swain Co. · 20 mi · Class Riffles
Optimal: 40–250 CFS · USGS #03514000
—CFS
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⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
Avg flow: 110 cfsHist. median: 99 cfsUSGS #03514000
Great Smoky Mountains National Park · Backcountry Wilderness Trout Stream

Hazel Creek is the legendary backcountry trout stream of Great Smoky Mountains National Park — 20 miles of wild rainbow and Southern Appalachian brook trout water draining the Smokies’ highest ridges into Fontana Lake. Accessible only by boat shuttle across Fontana or a 30-mile backpack, Hazel Creek is the most remote brook trout fishery in the eastern United States. The creek runs through the abandoned community of Proctor and over a dozen historic Appalachian homesites, with backcountry campsites along the entire length.

Outfitters
Fontana Marina
Boat shuttles to Hazel Creek backcountry, Fontana NC
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.

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