2025 Nantahala Rafting Trip

 

Two Days on the Nantahala: Trail Names, Rapids, and River Lore

Just wrapped up an unforgettable two-day rafting adventure with NOC on the Nantahala River. It was Helpdesk, Gusto, and Pepe` taking on the gorge—three trail names, one wild ride.

Here are a few cool facts that make the Nantahala more than just a river:

• "Land of the Noonday Sun": The name "Nantahala" comes from the Cherokee word Nun-daye-li, meaning "middle sun." Parts of the gorge are so steep and narrow that sunlight only reaches the riverbed at midday.
• Powered by Nature: The river’s flow is controlled by Duke Energy’s Nantahala Dam. Water is released through a 5.5-mile underground penstock, making the river “turn on” when electricity is being generated.
• Trout Heaven: The Nantahala is one of the top trout streams in the Eastern U.S., with wild rainbow and brown trout thriving in its cold, clear waters.
• Whitewater Legacy: Home to the Nantahala Racing Club and host to national competitions like the Glacier Breaker and U.S. Open, the river is a training ground for elite paddlers.
• Historic Roots: The river valley was once part of the Cherokee homeland and played a role in the Trail of Tears. Today, echoes of that history still ripple through the gorge.

From Patton’s Run to Upper Nantahala Falls, the rapids kept us on our toes—and laughing through every splash. Whether you're chasing adrenaline or just soaking in the misty gorge, the Nantahala delivers.

Next time, we might just add a third day. Gusto’s already lobbying for it.

2025 Green River - Changes after Helene

 Gusto went by to check out the Green River to see the changes post Helene.   From what we see in these photos it was significant.  

Following Hurricane Helene, the Green River experienced significant and widespread changes, particularly in the Green River Gorge area. The river's course shifted, with some areas becoming wider and others narrower, and significant sand deposits and debris were left behind. 

The once iconic rapids of the Green River Narrows were drastically altered due to damage to the powerhouse and a wildfire. The Green River Cove area was heavily impacted, with many structures destroyed and the landscape significantly altered. 

Here is the slides that Gusto put together in video format

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Channel Changes:

The river's channel has widened in some places, with new islands forming and the current favoring the outside of bends, according to a YouTube video. In other areas, the river is narrower and more shallow, with significant sand deposits. 

Debris and Damage:

The river is littered with downed trees, washed-away structures, and other debris. The Green River Gorge, in particular, experienced widespread wreckage and destruction. 

Green River Cove:

The Green River Cove area was heavily impacted, with many structures destroyed and the landscape significantly altered. Some areas that were once full of houses and trailers are now stripped clean. 

Impact on Recreation:

The changes to the river have impacted recreational activities, with some areas becoming more challenging for kayaking and other water sports.

This is a long video, but it shows Green Cove Rd. one week after the storm. You only need to watch the first 7 minutes 45 seconds to see the damage along the river… it’s mind blowing.

 Green River Video