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HIAWASSEE RIVER
The Hiawassee heads up in the vicinity of Unicoi Gap in the Chattahoochee National Forest in north Georgia and runs north until the impoundment at Lake Chatuge, where it enters North Carolina. It flows generally west to the backwaters of Hiawassee Lake west of Murphy.
MAPS: Hayesville, Peachtree (USGS); Clay, Cherokee (County)
class: I–II
length: 11.5 mi.
time: 2.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: n/a
permits: No
gradient: 11
scenery: A–B
RECREATION AREA ON CLAY CR 1140 (MEYERS CHAPEL ROAD) TO CLAY CR 1302 BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: There is some fairly heavy water at the shoals about 0.5 miles below the mouth of Fires Creek. This spot can swamp the unwary paddler quite easily. At lower levels there are many rock and boulder gardens throughout the stretch. The trip can be extended 1.5 miles by continuing on CR 1140 south to CR 1146, putting in at Barnard Bridge below the dam.
SHUTTLE: Take US 64 east from Hayesville and turn right into the recreation area on CR 1140. The takeout is reached by going west on US 64 from Hayesville and turning right on CR 1302 to the bridge.
GAUGE: None. The TVA plant at Lake Chatuge is generally in operation throughout the week, and under certain conditions runs on weekends. It is easy to see if there are no mud flats along the river. The operation schedule is not known until after 8 p.m. the night before. Call (800) 238-2264 after that time. The paddling times given on both sections are estimates and apply when power is being generated. When it is not, add at least 2.5 hours to section A and 1.5 hours to section B.
class: I–II
length: 9.5 mi.
time: 3 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: n/a
permits: No
gradient: 14
scenery: A–B
CLAY CR 1302 (SHALLOWFORD) BRIDGE TO US 64 WEST OF PEACHTREE
DESCRIPTION: Mission Dam, located about 1.5 miles below the put-in, should be approached cautiously. There is a log boom below sand flats on the right, which can be crossed to a fairly easy takeout. Portage about 75 yards down the old road to a well-worn path and then another 50 yards below the fence to a short path to the dam race. The dam, operated by Duke Power, only runs when power is being generated at Lake Chatuge. The shoals below the dam are best scouted at this time. The trip can be extended 2.8 miles by taking out at the access area above the Frank Forsyth Bridge on Hiawassee Street in Hayesville.
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:
