North Carolina whitewater, Elk River Avery county, Route 1326 to Route 1305 section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V     8.4 miles   The starting point is not too far from Boone, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The average North Carolina whitewater rafting or kayaking river tends to be a bit easier to master than those in other states, so keep in mind that lots of rivers in this state are good for beginners. This is a pretty decent length section, it's good length for a morning trip. The beautiful scenery of Avery County and the water     flowing gracefully down Elk River are reasons enough to come here and paddle. Since you're on this site you are probably into whitewater rafting or kayaking, either way there are lots of good spots for that around here. No need to look hard for hotels, but if you don’t have reservations you might end up sleeping in your car. A bit of exercise and spending some quality time in nature have people coming from far and near. The Route 1326 to Route 1305 section of Elk River is 8.4 miles long and has been rated as a class IV-V section by American Whitewater. This is not the only paddling section in this river system, there are others too. And of course, there   are campgrounds nearby. Briefly about the general area: This is a popular spot for people from Elk Park, and the skiing at Ski Beech is magnificent. A journey to Roan Mountain State Park revitalizes the soul, and you can go for a hike on the Laurel Fork Trail. Lots of fun awaits you along this river. Since you're here at Elk River why not explore Bearpen Gap, and don't leave Elk River without first going for a hike along the Laurel Fork Trail. All through the warm months at Elk River highs are commonly in the 80's. Through the moonlight hours it's typically in the 60's. Through the winter highs are in the 40's while the cold winter nights at Elk River are in the 20's. Elk River, Route 1326 to Route 1305 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 Elk River.   Whitewater Near Elk River: Elk River, Avery County, 2 miles away       Class IV-V - 8.4 miles long (Route 1326 to Route 1305) Elk River, Avery (NC)/Carter (TN) County, 3 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 4.8 miles long (Route 130 to bridge above Sone Mtn Church Tennessee) Elk River, Carter and Avery County, 3 miles away       Class IV-V - 5 miles long (Big Falls to Poga Rd) Elk River, Carter County, 5 miles away       Class II-III - 4.3 miles long (Route 2520 to US 321 bridge Close to Elk Mills) Watauga, Watauga / Johnson County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V - 4.9 miles long (Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake) Watauga River, Watauga County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V - 4.9 miles long (Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake) Whitewater Outfitter - High Mountain Expeditions, Avery County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Watauga River, Watauga County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 4 miles long (US Route 321 Bridge to Route 1200) Doe River, Carter County, 9 miles away       Class II-III - 4.6 miles long (Crabtree to Blevins Bridge on Bear Gauge Road) North Toe River, Avery County, 10 miles away       Class II - 10 miles long (Plumtree to Bush Rd/Rt. 19E)   Ski Areas Near Elk River: Ski Beech, North Carolina , 5 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 6 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 8 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 19 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 41 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 86 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Winterplace, West Virginia , 98 miles away, 603 foot drop, 9 lifts, 27 runs   Marinas Near Elk River: Pioneer Landing Campground, Butler , 8 miles away Pappy's Marina and Campground, Butler , 12 miles away Lakeshore Marina, Hampton , 14 miles away Fish Springs Marina, Hampton , 17 miles away   Hotels Near Elk River: Jackalope's Mountain Lodge, Banner Elk , 5 miles away Banner Haven Bed And Breakfast, Banner Elk , 5 miles away Best Western Mountain Lodge At Banner Elk, Banner Elk , 6 miles away Blue Ridge Village, Banner Elk , 7 miles away Springmaid Mountain, Spruce Pine , 15 miles away   Campgrounds Near Elk River: Mountaineer Falls Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Elk Park, 4 miles away Apple House Shelter - Appalachian Trail, Elk Park, 5 miles away Grandfather Campground and Cabins, Banner Elk, 6 miles away   Trails Near Elk River: Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 10 miles away Laurel Fork Trail, Carter , 10 miles away Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Caldwell , 10 miles away Little Pond Mountain Trail, Carter , 10 miles away Pond Mountain Trail, Carter , 12 miles away   Public Lands Near Elk River: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 53 miles away Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee , 10 miles away Sycamore Shoals State Park, Tennessee , 17 miles away Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee , 21 miles away   Golf Courses Near Elk River: Wilderness Trail, Banner Elk , 5 miles away Sugar Mountain Golf Club, Sugar Mountain , 6 miles away Diamond Creek, Banner Elk , 7 miles away   Lakes Near Elk River Wildcat Lake, Avery , 4 miles away Watauga Lake, Carter , 15 miles away