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.
