Cresting the rapids down High Country waterways BY JAMIE SHELL
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he North Carolina High Country has long been regarded as an outdoors playground, where myriad activities await adventurers wanting to get out into nature and enjoy all the excitement available within a brief drive or hike. Although hiking, climbing and fishing are among the most popular outings, true adventure awaits in the water. Multiple rivers and streams provide thrill seekers and serenity savorers alike a variety of experiences, from the opportunity to kayak or raft through top-class rapids to the chance to enjoy a cool swim on a warm day or simply a lazy float while tubing downstream enjoying the cool water rushing over bare feet. For decades, excursions have been made possible by a number of dependable and experienced area adventure companies, outfitters and waterway specialists. Each of the businesses provide quality experiences by way of raft, canoe or tube, as 74
OUTDOOR WATER ADVENTURES CHECKLIST There are several items that qualify as essential equipment needed for recreational kayaking and rafting along High Country waterways. Proper planning ahead will ensure that you have all necessary gear ready when you are on the water, ensuring that your kayaking experience will be more enjoyable. The following is a brief checklist of suggested items to bring along (some listed items may be provided as part of excursions with adventure groups, so it doesn’t hurt to call ahead to check):
PHOTO COURTESY WAHOO’S ADVENTURES There’s nothing like taking a ride down the Nolichucky River on an excursion with Wahoo’s Adventures, one of the premier waterways adventure hosts in the High Country.
PHOTO COURTESY EDGE OF THE WORLD Edge of the World is one of the area businesses that offer varying opportunities to canoe or raft on rivers that include the Watauga and the Nolichucky.
well as offer additional amenities sure to entice customers to make return trips down the
river. High Mountain Expeditions, located at 3149 Tynecastle Hwy.
in Banner Elk, offers a range of whitewater rafting, canoes, tubing and paddlecraft which each provide unique experiences for customers to enjoy. According to manager Matt Leonard, High Mountain offers several options for everyone from novice water travelers to seasoned professionals. “For rafting we run the Wilson’s Creek early spring into early summer, and we raft the Nolichucky March through September. The
Paddle Life Jacket Whistle Paddle float Portable light for paddling after dark Clean drinking water Cell phone in a dry bag GPS and/or compass in a dry bag Proper footwear and clothing Extra clothing in a dry bag UV eye protection Nolichucky River has Class III and IV whitewater, and it’s really an awesome trip in to a deep wilderness gorge. We use only one place to put on and take off the river, so it really scenic as well,” Leonard said. “We also have our half-day intermediate family rafting trip on the Watauga River, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s more about going out and having a good time. There’s a jump rock where people can jump and have a good time,
and we have water guns to have water fights, so it’s all about going out there and having a blast.” Joann Ashley, manager with Zaloo’s Canoes on Highway 16 South in Jefferson, explains that their business prides itself it the flexibility and affordability it offers to adventurers. “We offer tubing that includes tubes with full bottoms, and we offer adult tubes, child tubes SEE WATERWAYS ON PAGE 75
AUTUMN TIMES 2021
