North Carolina whitewater - Raven Fork, Great Smoky Mountains, Swain County
Swain
county,
Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.
CLASS II-III+(IV) 8 miles
Whitewater rafting and kayaking in North Carolina is often easier than elsewhere, so better not forget that many of the rivers here are not very demanding. The nature scenery of Swain County and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream have people coming here. The Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. The river winds through the Great Smoky Mountains and you get great scenery. If you'll be staying in a hotel you're in luck, lodging is available very near the
river, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. Getting your paddling muscles activated and spending some quality time in nature are sure to keep you coming back for more. This is a pretty decent length section, it's perfect for a one day trip.
The put-in location is a reasonable drive from Newport, as you can see on the road map further down. The Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee stretch of Raven Fork in North Carolina is 8 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class II-III+(IV) section of whitewater. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way this area has a large number of paddling spots. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground.
Briefly about the general area: For the duration of the summer at Raven Fork
highs are generally in the 80's with night lows in the 60's. Throughout the winter highs are in the 40's, and winter nights come with lows in the 20's to Raven Fork. The high level of rainfall makes Raven Fork a rather wet place; through March this area sees the most rain; the driest of the months is October. Mingo Falls is a wonderful local attraction.
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All North Carolina Whitewater Complete list of all the whitewater paddling spots in North Carolina.Books about whitewater paddling on Raven Fork, North Carolina List of books from Amazon.com that cover whitewater paddling on Raven Fork, 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 Newport, Tennessee Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Newport, Tennessee, the metro area neareast to Raven Fork. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.
These outdoors activities are available near Raven Fork.
Raven Fork, Swain
County
, 3 miles away, Class V+ - 4 miles long (Gorges to Confluence with Straight Fork)
Straight Fork, Swain
County
, 4 miles away, Class III-IV - 4.6 miles long (Round Bottom to Raven Fork)
Oconaluftee River, Swain
County
, 4 miles away, Class II-III - 11.5 miles long (Smokemont Campground to Birdtown)
Oconaluftee River, Swain
County
, 5 miles away, Class III - 4 miles long (Quiet Walkway to Smokemont)
Tuckasegee River, Jackson
County
, 9 miles away, Class II(III) - 5 miles long (Dillsboro to Route 1392)
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)
Tuckasegee River, Jackson/Swain
County
, 11 miles away, Class I-III - 8 miles long (Whittier to Bryson City)
Scotts Creek, Jackson
County
, 11 miles away, Class III-IV(V) - 2 miles long (Willets-Ochre Hill to Addie)
Deep Creek, Swain
County
, 12 miles away, Class II - 3 miles long (Bryson City)
Little Pigeon River - Middle Prong, Sevier
County
, 12 miles away, Class IV+ - 1.5 miles long (Ramsey's Cascade trailhead to Porters Creek confluence)