Upper Nantahala
🏔 Scenic River
Macon Co. · 18 mi · Class III–IV
144CFS/ 1.23 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 400–1500 CFS · USGS #03504000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Nantahala National Forest · NC Scenic River
Above the famous Nantahala Gorge lies the Upper Nantahala — a less-paddled Class III–IV reach below Nantahala Lake that delivers intimate mountain whitewater through a tight hardwood canyon. Unlike the dam-release gorge section, the Upper Nantahala is rain-dependent and runs only after significant precipitation, making it a treasured backcountry run for advanced paddlers.
Trip sections
Upper Nantahala — below Nantahala Lake, Class III–IV, 5 mi rain-dependent
White Oak Creek tributary — technical creek run
Connection to Nantahala Gorge — short transition reach
Outfitters
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nantahala River trips and whitewater instruction
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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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.