Are you looking for a thrilling adventure this spring? Look no further than the Wild and Scenic Nolichucky River! Located in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee only 45 minutes from Asheville NC, 30 minutes from Johnson City, 2 hours from Knoxville, and 2 hours from Greenville SC, USA Raft Adventure Resort offers the best experiences on the Nolichucky River for people of all skill levels. Our riverside glamping accommodations offer one of the coolest experiences in the Southeastern US. Here are just a few reasons why spring is an excellent time to experience the Nolichucky River!
Spring Foliage
As the weather warms up, the Nolichucky River transforms into a colorful paradise with vibrant foliage and wildflowers. You can see green emerging on the trees and an array of wildflowers blooming, including violets, trilliums, and other spring ephemerals. The river gorge is also home to rhododendron, which bloom in late May and early June, creating a beautiful display of pink and purple flowers against the lush greenery. In addition to these flowering plants, you can find a variety of trees such as oaks, maples, and hickories, which offer a stunning backdrop for your rafting adventure. Rafting down the river during this season provides a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of nature and experience the great outdoors.
Less Crowded
The Nolichucky River is a cherished place that is very popular during the warmer months! One of the best things about experiencing the Nolichucky River in the spring is that there are fewer people on the river. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and exciting rapids without worrying about overcrowding. This means you can take your time to appreciate the natural beauty around you and enjoy the thrill of the rapids without any distractions. Also if you’re staying overnight in our riverside glamping accommodations, the spring season offers a special experience to recharge and experience nature.
Higher Water Flows
During the spring months, the Nolichucky River experiences higher water flows due to spring rains and some snowmelt from the Mount Mitchell highlands. This creates more challenging rapids and a faster pace, making for an exciting adventure for experienced rafters, kayakers, and paddleboarders. The higher water flows also mean that the river is constantly changing, providing a unique experience each time you visit.
The Nolichucky Gorge
The Nolichucky Gorge is a stunning natural wonder that provides a breathtaking backdrop for your rafting adventure. The towering cliffs and lush greenery create a peaceful and serene environment that is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature. The spring months are the best time to visit the gorge as the trees and flowers are in bloom, making for a truly unforgettable experience.
Beautiful Clear Water
The free-flowing Nolichucky River is known for its crystal-clear water, which provides stunning views of the riverbed below. During the spring months, the water is even clearer due to the absence of summer algae. This means that you can fully appreciate the beauty of the river, the clarity of the water, and the incredible mountain river gorge landscape.
Featured Rapids in Spring
While they’re fabulous all year round, higher water flow during spring makes these some of our favorite rapids during this incredible season! Also be sure to check out our guide to the notable rapids of the Nolichucky.
Last Chance Class III+ Distance: 0.3 miles
Passing under the railroad trestle after the put in and one will see the river takes a hard left. Enter center or just right of center and be aware of two holes toward the bottom left. This rapid begins as more of a Class II and grows. If you flip your kayak or come out of your raft here, tuck tight and roll quickly – you’ll be moving fast and the water is shallow in places!
On the Rocks Class IV+ Distance: 0.6 miles
There is a nice sandbar river left upstream of the first drop to scout this rapid from. After an initial 3-4 foot drop, go left or right to avoid a large rock. Left is usually the easiest choice. Make this move and stay away from the diagonal flow pushing you river left! You’ll find a good recovery pool at the bottom! Sometimes you can ride some nice waves all the way to the next notable rapid, Jaws.
Jaws Class III Distance: 0.7 miles
This single sloping ledge ends with a huge crescent-shaped hole. Left of the hole is usually the best route as the right side can be tricky. This is a great rapid to spend the afternoon surfing. Tuck tight when you flip upstream.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities
The Nolichucky River and surrounding area are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including otters, beavers, bald eagles, and black bears. During your rafting trip, keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating creatures as you float down the river. The spring months are a particularly good time to spot wildlife, as animals are more active after the winter months.
Fishing
Spring is a fantastic time to go fishing on the Nolichucky River. As the temperatures start to warm up, a variety of aquatic insects emerge, providing an abundant food source for the river’s fish species. The hatches of different insects, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies, attract trout, smallmouth bass, and other game fish. Local guides can provide tips and insights on the best spots to fish and the most effective techniques to use. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice looking to try your hand at fishing, the Nolichucky River offers an excellent opportunity to catch some fish and enjoy the beauty of the river.
Other Spring Activities in the Area
While the Nolichucky River is a must-visit destination for whitewater enthusiasts, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the surrounding area during the spring months. Hiking, fishing, caving, rock climbing, and biking are just a few of the many outdoor activities available in the area. Check with USA Raft Adventure Resort for recommendations on other spring activities to enjoy.
Spring is the Perfect Season for River Adventures
Spring is the perfect time to get on a river for many reasons. The cooler temperatures make for a more comfortable experience, trees and flowers are in bloom, wildlife is on the move, you have the river even more to yourself, and the water is clearer, creating a picturesque environment. Additionally, the higher water flow means that the rapids are more exciting, whether you’re enjoying level 1 and 2 rapids of the lower Nolichucky or the thrilling 3 and 4 rapids of the Nolichucky Gorge.
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure this spring, the Nolichucky River and USA Raft Adventure Resort should be at the top of your list. With its convenient location, stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and crystal-clear water, it’s the perfect destination for rafters of all skill levels. Book your trip with USA Raft Adventure Resort today and experience the thrill of the Nolichucky River for yourself!
