North Carolina whitewater - Oconaluftee River, Great Smoky Mountains, Swain County
Swain
county,
Quiet Walkway to Smokemont section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS III 4 miles
The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so better not forget that many runs in this state are very easy. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Sevierville, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. This stretch of Oconaluftee River in Swain County is 4 miles long and it is classified as a class III section by American Whitewater. This is a pretty decent length section, it's perfect for a one day trip. This is one of a small number of paddling stretches
in this river system, there are a few others too. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking in this general area you'll find lots of paddling spots. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. The river winds through the Great Smoky Mountains
and you get great scenery. The scenic beauty of North Carolina and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream have people coming here. Lodging is available near the river, and if you make reservations in advance you're all set. Getting a good workout and just being out on the river for a while are great reasons to come.
Briefly about the general area: Summer brings highs in the 80's to Oconaluftee River. When the night sets in temperatures sink down into the 60's. All through the wintertime highs are typically in the 40's; all
through the dark hours in the wintertime at Oconaluftee River temperatures dip to the 20's. The high level of rain makes Oconaluftee River a quite wet location; the wettest month of the year is frequently March, that's the one that rains the most, and October is the month with the least moisture.
3 miles away
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All North Carolina Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in North Carolina.Books about whitewater paddling on Oconaluftee River, North Carolina List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Oconaluftee River, North Carolina.Find a whitewater outfitter in North CarolinaWhitewater Basics If you're new to whitewater paddling please take a look at this basic whitewater info.Outdoors Recreation Near Sevierville, Tennessee Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Sevierville, Tennessee, the metro area neareast to Oconaluftee River. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Oconaluftee River.
Oconaluftee River, Swain
County
, 3 miles away, Class II-III - 11.5 miles long (Smokemont Campground to Birdtown)
Raven Fork, Swain
County
, 5 miles away, Class II-III+(IV) - 8 miles long (Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee)
Raven Fork, Swain
County
, 6 miles away, Class V+ - 4 miles long (Gorges to Confluence with Straight Fork)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 7 miles away, Class V - 1.4 miles long (Ramsey Prong/ Eagle Rocks Prong confluence to Bridge at Trailhead)
Straight Fork, Swain
County
, 8 miles away, Class III-IV - 4.6 miles long (Round Bottom to Raven Fork)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 8 miles away, Class IV+ - 1.5 miles long (Ramsey's Cascade trailhead to Porters Creek confluence)
Deep Creek, Swain
County
, 9 miles away, Class II - 3 miles long (Bryson City)
Upper Road Prong, Sevier
County
, 9 miles away, Class V+ - 1.09 miles long (Green Light Falls to Third Bridge)
Tuckasegee River, Jackson/Swain
County
, 9 miles away, Class I-III - 8 miles long (Whittier to Bryson City)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 10 miles away, Class III-IV - 2.7 miles long (Picnic Grounds at Greenbrier Ranger Station to Highway 73)