Nolichucky River
Unicoi / Greene Co. · 115 mi · Class III–IV
1,270CFS/ 7.65 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 600–3000 CFS · USGS #03467609
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Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Nolichucky Gorge Special Management Area · Pisgah National Forest
The Nolichucky gorge is the deepest river gorge in the eastern United States — deeper even than the New River Gorge. Plunges through the Unaka Mountains in a 3,000-foot-deep canyon in the Pisgah National Forest. Class III–IV rapids in a remote corridor with no road access for 26 miles. One of Appalachia's great wilderness paddling experiences.
Trip sections
Poplar NC to Erwin TN — Class III–IV, the 26-mile gorge run
Erwin to Embreeville — Class I–II, post-gorge recovery
Lower Nolichucky — Class I, farm country
Notable Rapids
Quarter MileClass IV
The signature rapid of the Nolichucky Gorge — a quarter mile of continuous Class IV through the deepest gorge in the East.
RoostertailClass III+
A boulder creates a rooster-tail spray visible from upstream. Fun, fast run.
On the RocksClass III
Rocky Class III in the heart of the gorge. Technical at lower flows.
Outfitters
USA Raft
Nolichucky guided trips from Erwin TN
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Nolichucky and regional Appalachian rivers
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.