A–B
NC 28 BRIDGE AT IOTLA TO LOST BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: There are no difficulties. The first several miles are flat with an occasional riffle. There are a few shallow ledges in the latter part of the section.
SHUTTLE: Drive north on NC 28 to the bridge at Iotla, about 4 miles north of Franklin. To get to the takeout, continue on NC 28 to Lost Bridge.
GAUGE: The USGS gauge is on the left bank 0.8 miles north of Needmore and approximately 6.8 miles below the Lost Bridge Road bridge. Only following the very rare extreme dry periods would the “Little T” be too low to run.
class: II–III
length: 13 mi.
time: 4.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: 350– 2,000 cfs
permits: No
gradient: 14
scenery: A
LOST BRIDGE, OFF NC 28, TO US 19 BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: There are several ledges that should be approached cautiously at higher levels. When Fontana is quite low, there is a series of ledges that runs for close to 250 yards. At the end of this rapid, the river, which has previously been up to 300 feet wide, narrows down to rush through an area no wider than 20 feet. Before Fontana Dam flooded the river, this part was known as The Narrows.
The Narrows should definitely be scouted before you attempt to run, especially in higher waters when the entire rapid can be quite formidable. The standing wave created at the bottom of The Narrows can reach 5 feet at higher levels. At lower levels, scout on the left; at higher levels, scout on the right.
The water level of Lake Fontana is generally lowered during the winter in preparation for the spring rains. Paddle beyond the US 19/NC 28 bridge to the right bank, to a small “goat path” that cuts back up under the bridge. This steep path isn’t recommended for potential coronary victims, but even paddlers with healthy hearts may second-guess their decision to work this section.
SHUTTLE: From Lost Bridge, continue north on NC 28 to US 19/NC 28; turn left and park at the bridge over the Little Tennessee.
GAUGE: See Section A. The lower section can have dangerously high water levels when Lake Fontana is low. To check on the stream flow, call the TVA at (800) 238-2264. The minimum reading is about 350 cfs, whereas the maximum will be approximately 2,000 cfs.
ALARKA CREEK
Alarka Creek heads up into Nantahala National Forest on the slopes of the Alarka Mountains. It is a small, fast stream flowing over ledges under low-hanging branches. It might carry through a backyard and seconds later through impenetrable laurel thickets that completely enclose the paddler.
On one trip a copperhead dropped into the bow of a canoe passing downstream, so the heavy foliage also bears watching. This is the only hitchhiking snake the authors have observed or heard of, so don’t let it discourage what can be a most delightful trip.
MAPS: Alarka, Bryson City (USGS); Swain (County)
class: II–III
length: 4.5 mi.
time: 2 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: 2.5 ft.
permits: No
gradient: 44
scenery: A–C
CR 1140 BRIDGE TO OLD CR 1309 BRIDGE
DESCRIPTION: The narrow passages and low overhanging branches can present problems. There are two ledges that should be scouted. They are easily recognized. As with all small streams of this nature, watch for strainers. For those into running waterfalls, there are two located in the 3 or so miles before you reach the backwaters of Lake Fontana. The first, a 12-footer, is about 200 yards below the recommended takeout. The banks are extremely steep, making it very difficult to carry. At a level approaching 3 feet, one may well be committed to run it without the option of scouting. If so, enter left of center, moving to the right immediately, then stay right. The fall is located at the rear of a private home, so do not trespass to scout. J. Johnson Falls, an 8-footer, is 1.5 miles below the CR 1307 bridge. It can be scouted on river left.
SHUTTLE: From Bryson City, drive south on US 19 to CR 1140 and turn left (southeast) onto the first bridge crossing the creek west of the community of Alarka. Return to US 19 and turn left; then drive 0.1 miles and turn right (northwest) on CR 1309 to the old CR 1309 bridge and take out.
GAUGE: The USGS gauge is below the CR 1307 bridge (0.8 miles below the takeout). The minimum for a solo run is a reading of 2.5. The creek can be run in later winter, spring, and early summer except after an unusually dry spring.
WHITEOAK CREEK
Whiteoak Creek is born high in the Nantahala National Forest between Split Whiteoak Ridge and Rocky Bald Ridge, a few miles west of Nantahala Lake. From its origin it tumbles steeply for a few miles, slows (somewhat) through a short valley, then picks up steam once more before joining the Nantahala. This last section is described below. Because of its small watershed, this run is available only after a long, heavy rainfall.
MAPS: Topton, Hewitt (USGS); Macon (County)
class: IV–V (VI)
length: 2.4 mi.
time: 1.5 hrs.
gauge: Visual
level: n/a
permits: No
gradient: 216
scenery: A
WHITEOAK DAM ON CR 1310 TO JUST ABOVE CONFLUENCE WITH NANTAHALA RIVER
DESCRIPTION: You’d better be strapped in tightly and extremely focused before slipping out of the put-in eddy, because you’re about to dance a 2.4-mile waltz with Captain Gravity. With vital statistics including a 216-foot-per-mile drop, a stream width of 30 feet, deadfalls and/or overhanging branches every 50 feet, small to nonexistent eddies, and two huge, kidney-reducing drops, Whiteoak Creek has everything the jaded hair-head could want. Actually, the gradient is very steady and generally unblocked and boat-scoutable, with a few exceptions.
You’ll often find yourself going a little faster than your comfort level would allow as you paddle into a semi-blind turn, with little hope of catching an eddy. About two-thirds of the way into the run, watch for a 10-foot drop that is best run in the center. Just downstream is a 25-foot, Class 5.2 drop consisting of four ledges practically piled on top of each other. None have particularly clean landings, though a route down the right center is barely feasible. This is serious full-contact boating. Hospital air. Scout or carry on the right. Below here the river resumes its
