Winding 115 miles across the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Nolichucky River is one of the most adventurous and scenic rivers in the Southeast. A grassroots effort 25 years in the making is underway to secure a National Wild and Scenic River designation from Congress for a 7-mile section of this beautiful, pristine river that includes the Nolichucky Gorge. Learn everything you need to know about the National Wild and Scenic Designation efforts for the Nolichucky River.
What is The Wild and Scenic Act?
The Wild and Scenic Act, established by Congress in 1968, states that rivers having “remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” Less than one quarter of 1 percent of United States rivers are protected under the act.Why the Nolichucky? Why this 7-Mile Stretch?
The Nolichucky twists and tumbles through the heart of Northeast Tennessee and Western North Carolina’s mountains. It beckons lovers of the most untouched places in the world with its promise to bring the magic of the last major free-flowing river in the Southeast. Most of the river rests at the bottom of a deep gorge, with an epic canyon-like landscape that’s truly unique in this region and is one of the deepest mountain gorges East of the Mississippi. Running primarily through US Forest Service Land, the 7-mile section of the Nolichucky currently up for Wild and Scenic River designation begins in Poplar, North Carolina with Class II and IV rapids, and ends at the home of USA Raft Adventure Resort in Erwin, Tennessee. Here the river mellows to class I and II rapids in what has been described as the “crown jewel of intermediate whitewater paddling.” Rafting enthusiasts all over the USA (and beyond!) look to this river for their outdoor adventures.
The Nolichucky’s Rich Past
The Chickamauga of the Cherokee first called this land home: nana-tu-gluncky, meaning “spruce tree place” or “rushing waters.” In the 1770s, Europeans first began to establish settlements along the river’s shores, which later served as the birthplace of American frontiersman and folk hero Davy Crockett. Along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the logging, railroading, moonshine-making, and farming community of Lost Cove was settled along the river around the time of the Civil War. By 1957, that area was deserted, but is still visited by hikers today. The rich history and biodiversity of the Nolichucky River and its surrounding lands make it a place that is still revered.What Could a Wild and Scenic Designation Mean for the Nolichucky?
Protecting the waters and surrounding land of the Nolichucky will preserve the solitude, beauty, and character of these revered waters for many generations to come. Outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, the ecosystem, and wildlife alike will benefit, and ecologically responsible tourism will thrive. Damming and other development that could impede or disrupt the river’s flow, or the surrounding land, would be prohibited. This will help protect plants and animals that rely on the river ecosystem. The list of species this will benefit includes the Appalachian elktoe freshwater mussel, an endangered species that depends on water quality for its survival, as well as a flowering plant called Virginia spiraea, which is threatened by habitat changes. The list of plants and animals that will benefit is endless as many migratory species rely on these waters too.
What Next?
The National Wild and Scenic designation requires an act of Congress, and current efforts are focused on garnering enough support for a bill to both be introduced and successful. To show your support for the Nolichucky River’s Wild and Scenic Designation write a letter to your federal representatives and visit www.noliwildandscenic.org to sign the petition.About USA Raft Adventure Resort
USA Raft Adventure Resort is the premier adventure destination on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Northeast Tennessee. More than just premier rafting experiences, USA Raft offers riverside lodging, the most beautiful riverside taphouse in Appalachia, caving, fishing, SUP, Onewheel, hiking, tubing, and more! To learn more, visit usaraft.com. 
