Local Waters

The Nolichucky River
North Fork Holston River
South Holston Lake
South Fork Holston River
Hidden Valley Lake
Clinch River
Watauga River

The Nolichucky River

The Nolichucky River begins in North Carolina and makes its way through Washington county via Unicoi County. A dam was installed in 1912 and operated for electrical generation until the 1970's when the siltation rendered the damn obsolete. It still functions as a means of flood control though it no longer generates power.

Water Activities
The Nolichucky River is well known for its rafting, kayaking, and canoeing, as well as other offerings for boaters of all levels. The river also offers some amazing scenic beauty along its 8.1 miles of water that are well worth a visit regardless of why you originally go to the river.

Class: III-IV
Gradient: 31 fpm (max 53 fpm)

Water Information
• The river is Runnable at 500 CFS.
• 1500 to 2000 CFS is ideal water for most boaters.
• 3000 CFS and up can be scary as the river takes on a whole new appearance.

Hints and Tips
• There is amazing play during the first few miles of river.
• Round trip shuttles will take an hour.
• Take out is river RIGHT.
• The last few miles can be a bit anticlimactic as far as water excitement are concerned. Get comfortable and enjoy the scenery.
• Don't park in the commercial rafting company parking lots. There isn't enough space.
• Do park in the Nolichucky gorge Campground.

Safety
• Always wear appropriate safety gear.

North Fork Holston River

The North Fork of the Holston River is longer than either the South fork or the Middle fork. Since it is longer than even the south for, it will make for good overnight boating practice as well. Unfortunately, though the river is longer, it is very tame.

If you decide to fish on this river while camping, do not eat the fish. Mercury levels have made the fish in the river inedible.

This is an absolutely beautiful river. As such, it is worth the trip just to see its beauty. Plan on relatively calm waters but do not underestimate moving water. It is always powerful.

Difficulty level: Beginner

Hints and Tips
• Don't eat the fish.
• Bring your camera along.
• Be part of the ongoing revitilization of the river.

Safety
• Don't eat the fish.
• As always, wear appropriate safety gear.

South Holston Lake

South Holston Lake is a very large, very deep lake. The 7,580 acre lake supports fishing, boating, and skiing as well as shore based activities like hiking and camping. South Holston Dam was created in 1942 through 1950. Its creation was meant to support the area by offering flood protection, recreation, electricity, and water. The size of the lake and its density make it a veritable treasure trove of outdoor activity. Focus on the water sports of course, but do not shy away from activities that wouldn't normally be considered "water sports".

Difficulty level: This is not really applicable here, but never take safety for granted.

Hints and Tips
• Explore. This lake is huge.
• Read William Hill's "Dawn of the Vampire"

Safety
• Of course, always have a life jacket on when boating and swimming.
• Plan lake trips just as you would hiking trips. Let people know where your going and when you will be back.

South Fork Holston River

The South Fork of the Holston river below the TVA dam could be considered the more tame of the river systems. This does not excuse it from being a river however. All proper consideration and respect should be present.

Kayaking down the South Fork is relatively peaceful but is only possible if the TVA has been generating for a few hours. Hop in right when they begin generating and you will be doing some drag/carry as well as paddling.

Though the river is laid back it can provide good practice for creekers wanting to get involved in overnight kayaking. The ten mile stretch of river, combined with relativly slow moving water, allows paddlers the oportunity to feel their boats out when ladend with gear. Sure this can be done on single day events, but to pack and re-pack helps develope a system that will work when you decide to go on a longer expedition type creek run.

Level of Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

Hints and Tips
• As mentioned above, consider this river a good training ground for expedition type paddling.
• Make sure you give the TVA a few hours of generation before you put in.
• Be considerate of fly-fishermen, they will dot the river. Give them a wide birth, don't scare their fish.
• Talk to the fly-fishing guys to find a good shuttle runner.

Safety
• As always, wear appropriate safety gear.
• If your going to do an overnighter, be sure to let others know where you are going and when to expect you back.

Hidden Valley Lake

Not far from highway 19, near the John Douglas wayside is Washington County's Hidden Valley Lake. The south side of the lake is mostly wooded while the north end contains both wooded sections and open areas. Being a mountain reservoir, the Hidden Valley Lake is found at a lofty 3500 foot elevation. Fishing is allowed at any time as are boats, however, boats may not use gas powered motors.

All non gas powered boat activities are welcomed at the lake. All water sports, in addition to fishing, make this a great and convenient location for practicing up on skills for the river.

Difficulty Level: Begginer (though bodies of water should never be taken lightly).

Hints and Tips
• If you are going here to practice your rolls, plan on wearing something under your life jacket to keep you warm.

Safety
• Always wear appropriate safety gear.

Clinch River

The Clinch River is steeped in the history of the land it has carved for years. The river offers its name to many festivals and events that take place close to its shores in living memory of the areas long standing history with this unique body of water.

Beyond the festivals, there are a myriad of activities for those who want to explore the river and enjoy water sports. The river can be a wonderful area to practice every day canoeing and kayaking skills. The relatively slow-moving water and the abundance of relatively deep pools give a great introduction to rolling for those who need practice.

Hints and Tips
• Improve the river. Pack out more than you pack in.
• Find the pools and slow water for practice on kayaking and canoeing.

Safety
• As with all water sports, wear applicable safety equipment.

The Clinch River Festival

Watauga River

The Watauga River's sixty mile length begins at the base of Grandfather Mountain and flows generally north, then west into Carter County, Tennessee. The TVA has broken the river with the Watauga Dam creating the Watauga lake. Just below the dam is a favorite put in for boaters.

The river is wonderful for all matter of water sports, and also has wonderful fishing. Rainbows, browns, and stripped bass have all been caught regularly.

Water Information
• The Guys Ford bridge to Watauga Lake sections is a Class IV to V.
• Minimum runnable CFS is 150.
• Maximum runnable CFS is 800.
• Gradient average is 100 FPM.
• Steepest Gradient is 140 FPM.

Hints and Tips
• Check out the many summertime commercial rafting guides on the river.

Safety
• As always, wear appropriate safety gear.

Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake
Watauga Reservoir to Boon Lake

Jody's Treats

eNewsletter