North Carolina whitewater, Catawba River - North Fork McDowell county, Route 1559 to Route 1552 Bridge section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     5.6 miles   WE RUN THIS WHEN ITS ''UP'' WHICH IS NOT THAT OFTEN. WE NEVER SEE ANYONE ELSE WHEN WE GO. GOOD RUN FOR BEGINNERS. Says MARK The scenic beauty of North Carolina and the water flowing gracefully down Catawba River - North Fork are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. The starting location is a reasonable drive from Forest City, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. You     might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, this area has a large number of paddling spots. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. Lodging is available near the river, but do book a room before you come because it is a very popular destination. Great exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors are sure to keep you coming back for more. This stretch has has enough mileage, suitable for an afternoon trip. When you're paddling down a Blue Ridge Mountains river like this one you always get great scenery along the way too. The Route 1559 to Route 1552 Bridge section of Catawba River -   North Fork is 5.6 miles long and is according to American Whitewater a class II-III section of whitewater. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. The average North Carolina whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be easier to run than those in other states, so don't forget that the rivers in this state are less demanding. Briefly about the general area: If you're dropping by Catawba River - North Fork from Marion, you won't be the only one; on a glorious day you can take a hike along the Bald Mountain Trail. But wait, there's more fun stuff to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Catawba River - North Fork, Route 1559 to Route 1552 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 - North Fork.   Whitewater Near Catawba River - North Fork: Catawba River - North Fork, McDowell County, 2 miles away       Class II-III - 5.6 miles long (Route 1559 to Route 1552 Bridge) Catawba River - North Fork, Burke County, 10 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2.5 miles long (Linville) Linville River, Burke County, 12 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 16.4 miles long (Linville Falls to Lake James) Catawba River, McDowell/Burke County, 12 miles away       Class I-II - 12 miles long (Route 1234 Bridge to US Route 221 Bridge) Curtis Creek, McDowell County, 13 miles away       Class IV+ - 7 miles long (Close to Old Fort) Catawba River, McDowell/Burke County, 13 miles away       Class I-II - 8.5 miles long (Route 1223 Bridge Route 1147 Bridge) Upper Creek, Burke County, 14 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 17 miles long (Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982) Steels Creek, Burke County, 14 miles away       Class II-III - 6.6 miles long (to Confluence with Upper Creek) Toe River - South, Avery/ Mitchell/ Yancey County, 14 miles away       Class I-II - 22.5 miles long (Carolina Hemlocks Camp to Route 1131) North Toe River, Avery County, 15 miles away       Class II - 10 miles long (Plumtree to Bush Rd/Rt. 19E)   Ski Areas Near Catawba River - North Fork: Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 23 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 24 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 26 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 33 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 37 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 76 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 100 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs   Hotels Near Catawba River - North Fork: Comfort Inn Marion, Marion , 4 miles away Americas Best Value Inn Marion, Marion , 7 miles away Super 8 Marion NC, Marion , 7 miles away Springmaid Mountain, Spruce Pine , 8 miles away Hampton Inn Marion, Marion , 11 miles away   Campgrounds Near Catawba River - North Fork: Lake James Landing, Marion, 2 miles away Barefoot Landing & Recreational Vehicle PARK, Marion, 3 miles away Armstrong Creek RV Park, Marion, 4 miles away   Trails Near Catawba River - North Fork: Bald Mountain Trail, McDowell , 1 miles away   Public Lands Near Catawba River - North Fork: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 40 miles away Lake James State Park, North Carolina , 7 miles away Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina , 18 miles away Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee , 25 miles away   Golf Courses Near Catawba River - North Fork: Grassy Creek Golf Course, Spruce Pine , 6 miles away Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club, Spruce Pine , 9 miles away Old Fort Golf Course, Old Fort , 12 miles away   Lakes Near Catawba River - North Fork Lake James, Burke , 12 miles away