North Carolina whitewater, Catawba River - North Fork Burke county, Linville section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V+     2.5 miles   This section of Catawba River - North Fork in Burke County is 2.5 miles long and is rated by American Whitewater as a class IV-V+ section. If you've been out of state whitewater rafting and kayaking you might find the rivers here more forgiving, so better not forget that a lot of the rivers in this state are suitable for beginners. The wonderful Burke County scenery and the cool fresh water make the trip here worthwhile. The beautiful Blue     Ridge Mountains scenery is an added bonus. This river system is full of great paddling sections, the Linville section is just one of them. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way around here you'll find a large number of good spots. If you're a camper you can camp at one of the great campgrounds nearby. The nearby hotels are a bit away from the river, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. The starting point is not too far from Boone, if you're not familiar with the area there's a road map further down the page. Getting a good workout and just being out on the river for a while have people coming   from far and near. This is a somewhat short section so you'll have to walk back to the start over and over. Briefly about the general area: Going for a hike on the Yancey Ridge Trail is always a good adventure, and Lake James State Park is worth taking a look at. Not enough hours in a day to enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is a pleasant hiking trail right next door to Catawba River - North Fork called the Bald Mountain Trail; beautiful scenery and perfect skiing is what you obtain at Sugar Mountain. The surroundings of this river have so much to offer. You'll meet a lot of people from Newland here, and a journey to Catawba River - North Fork wouldn't be complete without taking a look at Linville Falls. Catawba River - North Fork, Linville 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, Burke County, 0 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 2.5 miles long (Linville) Linville River, Burke County, 2 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 16.4 miles long (Linville Falls to Lake James) Upper Creek, Burke County, 5 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 17 miles long (Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982) Lost Cove Creek, Avery County, 7 miles away       Class -blank- - 8 miles long (Main) Steels Creek, Burke County, 7 miles away       Class II-III - 6.6 miles long (to Confluence with Upper Creek) North Harper Creek, Avery/Caldwell County, 8 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 9 miles long (Wilson Creek Tributary) North Toe River, Avery County, 8 miles away       Class II - 10 miles long (Plumtree to Bush Rd/Rt. 19E) Catawba River - North Fork, McDowell County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 5.6 miles long (Route 1559 to Route 1552 Bridge) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 11 miles away       Class II-III - 5 miles long (Route 1328 Bridge to National Forest sign) Gragg Prong River, Avery County, 13 miles away       Class IV-V - 1.6 miles long (Roseboro to Lost Cove Creek)   Ski Areas Near Catawba River - North Fork: Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 13 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 15 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 16 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 24 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 39 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 82 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs   Hotels Near Catawba River - North Fork: Springmaid Mountain, Spruce Pine , 5 miles away Blue Ridge Village, Banner Elk , 13 miles away Best Western Mountain Lodge At Banner Elk, Banner Elk , 14 miles away Comfort Inn Marion, Marion , 14 miles away Banner Haven Bed And Breakfast, Banner Elk , 14 miles away   Campgrounds Near Catawba River - North Fork: Linville Falls Trailer Lodge, Linville Falls, 2 miles away Blue Ridge Pkwy - Linville Falls, Linville Falls, 3 miles away Bear Den Campground, McDowell County, 3 miles away   Trails Near Catawba River - North Fork: Bald Mountain Trail, McDowell , 11 miles away Yancey Ridge Trail, Avery , 13 miles away Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Caldwell , 14 miles away Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 19 miles away Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 20 miles away   Public Lands Near Catawba River - North Fork: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 46 miles away Lake James State Park, North Carolina , 11 miles away Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee , 19 miles away Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina , 24 miles away   Golf Courses Near Catawba River - North Fork: Grassy Creek Golf Course, Spruce Pine , 9 miles away Mountain Glen Golf Club, Newland , 9 miles away Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club, Spruce Pine , 10 miles away   Lakes Near Catawba River - North Fork Lake James, Burke , 12 miles away Wildcat Lake, Avery , 13 miles away