North Carolina whitewater - Oconaluftee River, Great Smoky Mountains, Swain County
Swain
county,
Smokemont Campground to Birdtown section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS II-III 11.5 miles
The Smokemont Campground to Birdtown stretch of Oconaluftee River in Swain County is 11.5 miles long and is a class II-III section of whitewater according to American Whitewater. The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Sevierville, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in North Carolina are often easier than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that a lot of the rivers here are suitable for beginners. If you hurry you can run this section in a day
but why not make it an overnighter, so why not pack your camping stuff too. The beautiful scenery of Swain County and the playfulness of the water will make you feel great. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, in this general area you'll find
lots of paddling spots. Whitewater paddling here in the Great Smoky Mountains is a great experience. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. Getting your paddling muscles activated and just hanging out with mother nature have people coming from far and near. There are a few other stretches in this river system that can be paddled as well. There are plenty of hotels here if you want to spend a night, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination.
Briefly about the general area: While
staying at Oconaluftee River you could always discover Whiteoak Flats. At Oconaluftee River during the summer highs are in the 80's with night lows in the 60's. The cold days of the winter come with highs in the 40's; nighttime lows in the 20's for Oconaluftee River. Oconaluftee River is a wet site that gets a large amount of rain; most of the rain falls during March; October on the other hand is the driest.
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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 III - 4 miles long (Quiet Walkway to Smokemont)
Raven Fork, Swain
County
, 4 miles away, Class II-III+(IV) - 8 miles long (Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee)
Tuckasegee River, Jackson/Swain
County
, 7 miles away, Class I-III - 8 miles long (Whittier to Bryson City)
Raven Fork, Swain
County
, 7 miles away, Class V+ - 4 miles long (Gorges to Confluence with Straight Fork)
Deep Creek, Swain
County
, 7 miles away, Class II - 3 miles long (Bryson City)
Tuckasegee River, Jackson
County
, 8 miles away, Class II(III) - 5 miles long (Dillsboro to Route 1392)
Straight Fork, Swain
County
, 8 miles away, Class III-IV - 4.6 miles long (Round Bottom to Raven Fork)
Upper Road Prong, Sevier
County
, 11 miles away, Class V+ - 1.09 miles long (Green Light Falls to Third Bridge)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 11 miles away, Class V - 1.4 miles long (Ramsey Prong/ Eagle Rocks Prong confluence to Bridge at Trailhead)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 12 miles away, Class IV+ - 1.5 miles long (Ramsey's Cascade trailhead to Porters Creek confluence)