North Carolina whitewater, Catawba River McDowell Burke county, Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS I-II     8.5 miles   The sections for whitewater rafting and kayaking here in North Carolina are often more forgiving than in other states, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that rivers in this state are less demanding. The wonderful North Carolina scenery and the beautiful way the water current moves down the stream have people coming here. The Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge section of Catawba River in North Carolina is 8.5 miles long and it is     classified as a class I-II section by American Whitewater. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. If you're coming from Forest City it's not a long drive at all to the put-in location, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. The Blue Ridge Mountains scenery is wonderful. The Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge section is one of many paddling sections in this river system. Whether you're whitewater rafting or kayaking this is an area with plenty   of spots for that. A good workout and spending some quality time in nature will make you glad you came. On this section you do get some distance, you can easily run it on an afternoon. Briefly about the general area: South Mountain State Park is a wonderful location any time of year; there are plenty of people from Morganton here at Catawba River. Having a pleasant time in the Blue Ridge Mountains is painless. Lake James State Park is a good place to stretch your legs a bit. At Catawba River during the summertime highs are in the 80's. When the night sets in temperatures plunge down into the 60's. Catawba River, Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge road map Printable road map with the put-in and take-out locations clearly marked.     Map Detailed Map Stats Stats for this river stretch Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Catawba River.   Whitewater Near Catawba River: Catawba River, McDowell/Burke County, 1 miles away       Class I-II - 8.5 miles long (Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge) Catawba River - Henry Fork, Burke County, 5 miles away       Class I-III - 18 miles long (Rich Mtn Road to Warlick Chapel Road) Johns River, Burke/Caldwell County, 10 miles away       Class I-II - 6.5 miles long (Route 1328 to Route 1438) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 11 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 4 miles long (Below Brown Mountain Beach to Johns River) Steels Creek, Burke County, 11 miles away       Class II-III - 6.6 miles long (to Confluence with Upper Creek) First Broad, Cleveland/ Rutherford County, 11 miles away       Class I-III - 15 miles long (Route 1726 Bridge to Route 1529 Bridge) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 12 miles away       Class III-IV+(V) - 1.9 miles long (National Forest sign to parking area above Brown MtNorth Beach) Upper Creek, Burke County, 14 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 17 miles long (Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 15 miles away       Class II-III - 5 miles long (Route 1328 Bridge to National Forest sign) Catawba River - North Fork, Burke County, 15 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2.5 miles long (Linville)   Ski Areas Near Catawba River: Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 23 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 23 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 26 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 26 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 51 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 90 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs   Marinas Near Catawba River: Mimosa Boat Landing, Morganton , 7 miles away   Hotels Near Catawba River: Comfort Inn & Suites, Morganton , 7 miles away Days Inn & Suites Morganton, Morganton , 7 miles away Quality Inn Morganton, Morganton , 10 miles away Sleep Inn Morganton, Morganton , 10 miles away Super 8 Marion NC, Marion , 14 miles away   Campgrounds Near Catawba River: Rose Creek Family Campground, Morganton, 6 miles away Optimistic RV Resort, Morganton, 7 miles away Lake James State Park, Nebo, 8 miles away   Trails Near Catawba River: Bald Mountain Trail, McDowell , 16 miles away Yancey Ridge Trail, Avery , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Catawba River: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 54 miles away Lake James State Park, North Carolina , 8 miles away South Mountain State Park, North Carolina , 14 miles away Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina , 33 miles away   Golf Courses Near Catawba River: Silver Creek Plantation, Morganton , 3 miles away Mimosa Hills Golf & Country, Morganton , 5 miles away Quaker Meadows Golf club Room, Morganton , 6 miles away   Lakes Near Catawba River Lake James, Burke , 3 miles away