Nolichucky River — NC Section
Mitchell / Yancey Co. · 20 mi · Class II–III
928CFS/ 1.23 ft
Optimal→Stable
Water temp: 59°F
Optimal: 400–2000 CFS · USGS #03451500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Pisgah National Forest · Blue Ridge Parkway Corridor
The North Carolina headwaters of the Nolichucky — upstream of the famous Tennessee gorge. The NC section flows through the Black Mountains (home of Mount Mitchell, highest peak east of the Mississippi) delivering Class II–III whitewater in a dramatic Blue Ridge setting. This is the river before it enters the gorge — less intense but equally scenic.
Trip sections
Burnsville to Bald Creek — Class II–III, mountain valley
Bald Creek to Poplar — Class II, transition to gorge
Above the Gorge — Class II–III, approaching the TN line
Outfitters
Blue Ridge Paddling
NC Nolichucky section rentals and shuttles
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.