Carolina Whitewater: A Paddler's Guide to the Western Carolinas

by David Benner, Bob Benner

Overview

The ultimate guide to paddling whitewater in the western Carolinas, Carolina Whitewater has guided paddlers to the best creeks and rivers in the Tar Heel and Palmetto states for over 30 years.

Detailed creek and river profiles include:

• Topographic-based maps
• Shuttle directions
• Gauge locations

Kayakers and canoeists will find expanded and updated information for the classic rivers, like the Nolichucky, Nantahala, and French Broad, as well as for several new steep runs, such as Rockhouse Creek, Hurricane Creek, the Gragg Prong, and Big Hungry River. You’ll also get vital information on clubs and organizations, state water trails, and national and scenic rivers.

Waterway data for each run includes:

• Class of difficulty
• Length of the run
• Time to paddle
• Water level needed to paddle
• Permits required (if any)
• Gradient of each run
• Ratings for scenery

David and Bob Benner have been paddling the Carolinas for decades. David resides in Morganton, NC. Bob Benner is retired and also lives in Morganton.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780897326179
Publisher:	Menasha Ridge Press
Publication date:	07/01/2005
Series:	Canoe and Kayak Series
Edition description:	Ninth Edition
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David and Bob Benner have been paddling the Carolinas for decades. David resides in Morganton, NC. Bob Benner is retired and also lives in Morganton.

Read an Excerpt

COVE CREEK
Holbert Cave Road to Green River

Cove Creek begins in the Saluda Mountains and is a tributary of the Green River. It has a very small watershed and will need heavy rains to bring it to a runnable level. Part of this run includes the spectacular Bradley Falls.

Maps: Cliffield Mountain (USGS); Polk (County)
Class: IV–V
Length: 2.2 mi.
Time: 4 hrs.
Gauge: Visual
Level: n/a
Permits: No
Gradient: 454
Scenery: A+

DESCRIPTION: This run takes some time and effort. But, if one is able to ever catch it with adequate water, it will be well worth it. Cove Creek is born in Saluda and crosses back under I-26 before starting its descent between Round and Brushy Mountains. From the put-in at Holbert Cove Road, you will paddle about 1.25 miles before reaching Bradley Falls. Make sure that you take out well above the falls. It is absolutely unrunnable yet beautiful to look at. The entrance to the falls is indicated by an S-turn ledge rapid and the narrowing river. Take out on river right and follow the trail people have made to view the falls for about 30 yards. At this point boats will have to be lowered with a rope to the base of the falls. The portage is not the easiest but pretty safe and straight forward. Once at the base of the falls, start scouting the boulder garden below the falls. It is severely clogged and leads into three very serious drops followed by a short pool, which feeds into a deathly sieve. All top three drops are runnable, but make sure someone sets safety at the base of the last drop. The pool above the sieve is very short. From here the river has several slides and boulder gardens before reaching “Ecstasy.” Ecstasy is a 25-foot drop/waterfall, which is run middle left due to a fallen tree; the tree blocks the right side of the drop. Below this, there are several slides, boulder gardens, and nice boogie water to the confluence of the Lower Green. Note: As always with steep, tight, technical runs, watch out for wood.

SHUTTLE: From I-26, take the Saluda exit and go northeast on Holbert Cove Road to the bridge across Cove Creek and put in. For the takeout, head back toward I-26 and go right on Green Cove Road (just before I-26). Follow Green Cove Road to the second bridge and park on the right in the designated area.

GAUGE: Heavy rains are required before this is runnable.

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgments
• Map Legend
• Introduction
• Carolina Overview
• Clubs and Organizations
• North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers
• State Water Trails
• Paddler Information
• Winter Canoeing
• Legal Rights of the Canoeist
• Safety
• Explanation of Terms
• Hiawassee and Little Tennessee Watershed
• Broad and French Broad River System and Watershed
• Watauga, New River, and Catawba Watershed
• Yadkin River Basin
• Nearby Rivers
• Flatwater Suitable for Canoe Camping
• Index