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Carolina Whitewater. David Benner
Читать онлайн.Название Carolina Whitewater
Год выпуска 0
isbn 9780897328289
Автор произведения David Benner
Жанр Книги о Путешествиях
Серия Canoe and Kayak Series
Издательство Ingram
SHUTTLE: Take out alongside US 64, about 0.5 miles west of CR 1550, west of Peachtree.
GAUGE: See Section A.
CULLASAJA RIVER
The Cullasaja rises in the Nantahala National Forest and drops over many falls and cascades before slowing down and entering the Little Tennessee. Three of the better-known falls are Bridal Veil, Dry Falls, and Cullasaja. The latter drops some 400 spectacular feet to a point about 0.5 miles above the put-in. US 64 follows alongside the river throughout most of this area. It is well worth a drive up through the gorge toward the resort village of Highlands.
MAPS: Scaley Mountain, Corbin Knob (USGS); Macon (County)
class: II–III
length: 5.3 mi.
time: 2.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: 2.3 ft.
permits: No
gradient: 23
scenery: B–C
CR 1678 BRIDGE TO CR 1668
DESCRIPTION: Watch for a fairly steep cut through a rock garden, about 150 yards down from the put-in, followed by a series of ledges. At higher water levels it would be best to scout this stretch.
SHUTTLE: From Franklin, drive east on US 64 to CR 1678 (Peeks Creek Road) and go south to the bridge. To reach the takeout, travel on CR 1668 west off US 64 (just south of the US 64 bridge) 0.4 miles to CR 1698.
GAUGE: The USGS gauge is on CR 1524 (Sugar Fork Road) about 40 yards above US 64 on the east bank. The minimum for a solo run is a reading of 2.3.
LITTLE TENNESSEE RIVER
The Little Tennessee first appears to the traveler on US 23/441 south of Franklin as a small creek. One will wonder how such a small stream can grow to a full-size river between here and Iotla. It flows generally north between the Nantahala Mountain Range to the west and the Cowee Range to the east before reaching the impoundment at Fontana.
The riverside alternates between farmlands and woodlands in Section A, while below Lost Bridge it becomes heavily forested, except where CR 1114 occasionally hits it. The area near Franklin and around much of Macon County is widely known for its great mineral deposits and is certainly a rock hound’s heaven.
The “Little T” is one of the few rivers in North Carolina that lends itself to overnight canoe camping. Generally speaking, there is enough water to carry gear, while the rapids aren’t so formidable that the paddler is likely to finish the day with wet provisions. Unfortunately, there aren’t many streams remaining that can claim both these qualities. The good ones have either been dammed, leaving nothing but flat water, are too shallow to carry the necessary equipment, or are too rough to maneuver through rapids with the extra weight in the boat.
Be aware that much of the land along the Little Tennessee is in private ownership, so paddlers should seek permission before camping. The Needmore tract is managed by the Wildlife Resources Commission.
MAPS: Franklin, Alarka, Wesser (USGS); Macon, Swain (County)
class: I–II
length: 10 mi.
time: 4.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual/ phone
level: n/a
permits: No
gradient: 5
scenery: A–B
NC 28 BRIDGE AT IOTLA TO LOST BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: There are no difficulties. The first several miles are flat with an occasional riffle. There are a few shallow ledges in the latter part of the section.
SHUTTLE: Drive north on NC 28 to the bridge at Iotla, about 4 miles north of Franklin. To get to the takeout, continue on NC 28 to Lost Bridge.
GAUGE: The USGS gauge is on the left bank 0.8 miles north of Needmore and approximately 6.8 miles below the Lost Bridge Road bridge. Only following the very rare extreme dry periods would the “Little T” be too low to run.
class: II–III
length: 13 mi.
time: 4.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: 350– 2,000 cfs
permits: No
gradient: 14
scenery: A
LOST BRIDGE, OFF NC 28, TO US 19 BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: There are several ledges that should be approached cautiously at higher levels. When Fontana is quite low, there is a series of ledges that runs for close to 250 yards. At the end of this rapid, the river, which has previously been up to 300 feet wide, narrows down to rush through an area no wider than 20 feet. Before Fontana Dam flooded the river, this part was known as The Narrows.
The Narrows should definitely be scouted before you attempt to run, especially in higher waters when the entire rapid can be quite formidable. The standing wave created at the bottom of The Narrows can reach 5 feet at higher levels. At lower levels, scout on the left; at higher levels, scout on the right.
The water level of Lake Fontana is generally lowered during the winter in preparation for the spring rains. Paddle beyond the US 19/NC 28 bridge to the right bank, to a small “goat path” that cuts back up under the bridge. This steep path isn’t recommended for potential coronary victims, but even paddlers with healthy hearts may second-guess their decision to work this section.
SHUTTLE: From Lost Bridge, continue north on NC 28 to US 19/NC 28; turn left and park at the bridge over the Little Tennessee.
GAUGE: See Section A. The lower section can have dangerously high water levels when Lake Fontana is low. To check on the stream flow, call the TVA at (800) 238-2264. The minimum reading is about 350 cfs, whereas the maximum will be approximately 2,000 cfs.
ALARKA CREEK
Alarka Creek heads up into Nantahala National Forest on the slopes of the Alarka Mountains. It is a small, fast stream flowing over ledges under low-hanging branches. It might carry through a backyard and seconds later through impenetrable laurel thickets that completely enclose the paddler.
On one trip a copperhead dropped into the bow of a canoe passing downstream, so the heavy foliage also bears watching. This is the only hitchhiking snake the authors have observed or heard of, so don’t let it discourage what can be a most delightful trip.
MAPS: Alarka, Bryson City (USGS); Swain (County)
class: II–III
length: 4.5 mi.
time: 2 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: 2.5 ft.
permits: No
gradient: 44
scenery: A–C
CR 1140 BRIDGE TO OLD CR 1309 BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: The narrow passages and low overhanging branches can present problems. There are two ledges that should be scouted. They are easily recognized. As