8 minute read
Waterways
Family rafting trips on the Nolichucky River make for a day of adventure with High Mountain Expeditions.
From rapids to floating
BY DAVID ROGERS
Big smiles abound on the High Country’s waterways, where whitewater sports and quieter rafting trips bring thrills and adventure. The New River, the Watauga River, Wilson’s Creek and the Nolichucky River, among others, all have features to quench that thirst for a memorable outdoor experience.
Not surprisingly, the High Country also has a number of dependable and experienced outfitters and waterway specialists, whether the interest is in traversing rapids in a canoe, kayak or raft, or floating lazily down a quieter stream. While the outfitters are busiest during the summer months, warm September temperatures also bring a high volume of individuals and groups seeking the thrill of paddling or riding the river currents.
High Mountain Expeditions in Banner Elk is located at 3149 Tynecastle Hwy. and offers a range of whitewater rafting, canoes, tubing and paddlecraft. Other High Mountain Expeditions locations are in Boone and Asheville in North Carolina and in Erwin and Elizabethton in Tennessee.
River and Earth Adventures is located in Boone at 1655 Hwy. 105, offering canoeing, kayaking, rafting and
SEE WATERWAYS ON PAGE 77 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 waterway adventure hosts.
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spelunking (caving). Also available: four-day summer day camps for boys and girls.
Zaloo’s Canoes on Hwy. 16 South in Jefferson, offers tubing that includes tubes with full bottoms, adult tubes, child tubes and cooler tubes for those who want to bring their own cooler with them, and can tie it to their tube as they float. Zaloo’s also has canoes and kayaks, including single, sit-on-top kayaks and tandem kayaks as well.
Wahoo’s Adventures has locations in Todd and Blowing Rock and is the oldest outdoor water adventure operation in the High Country. An important aspect of the overall experience with their customers is about providing a family atmosphere and making customers feel welcome and appreciated.
Edge of the World on 394 Shawneehaw Ave. S in Banner Elk offers a unique, quality and unforgettable experience for those who visit their location, including a comedy show on the bus ride to the river.
PHOTO COURTESY HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPEDITIONS Riders can expect to get wet when riding the rapids.
During the summer and early fall, it is not uncommon for hundreds of customers to frequent area waterways each week. Weather often plays a major role in the amount of traffic that visit the companies offering waterway tours, and with rainfall, the water levels rise and feature even faster currents.
Although many of the area outdoor adventure companies accept walk-ins, making reservations in advance is suggested. Outdoor excursion company offerings, rates and dates of operation vary by company, so it’s best to call in advance to book the water adventure of a lifetime.
SAFETY TIPS
It’s always a good bet to know how to remain safe, even while paddling on some gnarly rapids down a rushing river. Whether you’re going it alone on the whitewater or traveling with a party, the following tips compiled by experienced outdoors enthusiasts will help guide the weekend adventurer to make the most out of a productive trip down the river. 1. Be smart and think ahead. Seek qualified instructors who teach proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid before setting out. 2. Look the part. Wearing comfortable clothing on the water is important, but a properly fitted live jacket is also crucial in the event that you end up out of the boat and into the water. It’s also a wise plan (and in many cases required by outdoor guides and adventure companies) to wear a helmet when out paddling on the rivers and streams. 3. Don’t be a lone wolf. With a group, it will be difficult to become lost, but if rafting or kayaking alone or in a small group, always let someone know several pieces of information in the event of an emergency, including where you will be launching into the water, where you plan to go, how many people are with your group and how long you intend to be away. Make sure you don’t deviate from what you’ve informed others, should trouble arise. 4. Keep an eye to the sky. Always be aware of surroundings and weather conditions. In the High Country, weather can change in short order, so it’s a good idea to have proper equipment for both the meteorological conditions and water temperature. 5. Don’t overpack. Nothing spoils a great adventure like losing a valuable item on your person somewhere in the river along the way. Only take what is absolutely necessary inside the kayak, tube, raft or canoe, and never exceed the weight capacity of your vessel. It’s also a good idea to check out your equipment for any signs of wear or tears prior to putting out into the water.
6. Familiarize yourself and stay alert.
Much like noting landmarks when driving in an unfamiliar town, it’s also important to know your surroundings when you’re on the river. Take note of the strength and pattern of the currents. When on the water alone, make sure you’re paying attention to the shoreline and be prepared should the need arise to find an alternative location to get off the waterway. 7. Plan ahead. Be sure you are familiar with safety protocols, as well as any rescue or navigational assistance. Also have plenty of food and water, as well as protective and appropriate clothing for weather and protection. 8. Don’t travel impaired. Drinking alcohol and using drugs while also being on the water is a potentially fatal mixture. Never paddle, raft or otherwise venture into the water in a condition where your faculties and reaction time may be impaired or negatively affected. 9. No sudden movements. Kayaks, canoes, tubes and rafts can be a blast on the rapids or on the lazy stream, but the vessels are also small and often lightweight. Professionals recommend not making unnecessary movements once inside the craft. When operating a kayak, start in shallow water and paddle into deeper territory, and don’t stand until ready to depart the vessel at the shore. 10. Can you be seen? Make sure you are able to be seen by other waterway travelers and your own party by wearing colors that are bright and stand out, allowing others to see you in varying conditions of water and weather.
CONNECTIONS TO YOUR WATER VACATION DESTINATION
The following are several locations where water adventure aspirations can become reality in the High Country region. Call ahead for adventure offerings, rates and availability.
Edge of the World
394 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk (800) 789-3343 www.edgeoworld.com
High Mountain Expeditions
3149 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk (828) 898-9786, (828) 266-RAFT www.highmountainexpeditions.com
New River Outfitters
10725 U.S. Hwy 221 N., Crumpler (336) 982-9192 www.canoethenew.com
Pioneer Landing at Cherokee Overlook
105 Cowan Town Road, Butler, Tenn. (423) 768-3164 www.pioneerlanding.com
Price Lake at Julian Price Memorial Park
milepost 297, Blue Ridge Parkway (828) 963-5911, park campground www.blueridgeparkway.org/poi/julianprice-memorial-park
River and Earth Adventures
1655 N.C. 105 S., Boone (828) 355-9797, (866) 411-7238 www.raftcavehike.com
RiverCamp USA
2221 Kings Creek Road, Piney Creek (336) 359-2267 www.rivercampusa.com
Wahoo’s Adventures
3385 U.S. 321, Boone (828) 262-5774, (800) 444-RAFT www.wahoosadventures.com
Watauga Kayak
1409 Broad St., Elizabethton, Tenn. (423) 542-6777 www.wataugakayak.com
Zaloo’s Canoes
3874 N.C. 16 South, Jefferson (336) 246-3066, (800) 535-4027 www.zaloos.com
HONOR HUMILITY
Creative Interiors
Creative Interiors
Interior Desing Service · Furnishings, Lighting, and Art Gifts, Accessories, and More 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 4 828.898.9636
Peak Real Estate
25 Years of Experience in High Country Real Estate “We understand the importance of your investment.” 401 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 6 www.peak-realestate.com 828.898.1880
Hero’s Axe House
For Leasing Information Call 828.898.6246
Highlander’s Grill & Tavern
Great Food, Cold Beer and Awesome Spirits. Join us Fridays for Karaoke and Saturdays for live music. 4527 Tynecastle Hwy 828.898.9513
Avery County
Chamber of Commerce
Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill
valledebravomexicangrill.net 828.898.4949
Bank of America
ATM Location
Salon Suites at Tynecastle Salon M 828.898.3719
Encore Travel
A comfortable luxury travel agency where you taste international wines that inspire travel to your next destination. Wine tastings, pairings & events focused on experiential travel. Located next to the Avery Chamber of Commerce.
828-719-6955 wendy@encoretravelltc.com
Sky Mountain Nail Bar
828-783-9393 Monday-Saturday 9:30am - 6:30pm Gift Certificates Available!
Cothren Construction
Cothren Construction
Coming Soon!
Amy Brown, CPA P.C.
Certified Public Accountant
Amy Brown, CPA
Certified Public Accountant
PO Box 21239 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 16 browncpa@skybest.com 828.898.7601
The Dande Lion
We are a unique fashion boutique catering to women of various shapes and styles. Celebrating 23 years of business in the High Country! 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite 12 828.898.3566
(828) 898-9219 Branch / ATM Hours: Lobby: 9am-5pm ATM: 24 hrs Drive Thru: 9am-5pm www.truist.com/branch/nc/banner-elk/28604/4501tynecastle-hwy-unit-15
Walgreens
Pharmacy and Photo Services 4059 NC Hwy 105 South 828.898.8971
State Employees’ Credit Union
ATMLocation
