North Carolina whitewater, Norton Creek Jackson county, Above Thorpe Lake section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS IV-V(V+)     2.5 miles   Norton Creek does not have any public land for stream access.  The boat put-in and take-out shown are on private property. I know, as I am the land owner of the take-out property identified. If you run Norton Creek, plan on going over the falls and paddling to the dam to take-out. Trespassers will be prosecuted and maybe dog bitten! Says Tom Massie The Above Thorpe Lake stretch of Norton Creek in North Carolina is 2.5 miles long     and has been rated as a class IV-V(V+) section by American Whitewater. Whitewater rafting and kayaking spots in North Carolina tend to be more forgiving than the national average, so if you're visiting here do keep in mind that a lot of the rivers in this state are suitable for beginners. If you're coming from Brevard it's not a long drive at all to the starting location, please print out a copy of the road map further down the page so you won’t get lost. You can pitch a tent or park your RV at a nearby campground. There aren’t any hotels right nearby but if you're willing to drive a short distance then no problem but do book a room before you come because   it is a very popular destination. Some people prefer whitewater rafting and some kayaking, either way in this general area you'll find lots of paddling rivers. This is a bit of a short stretch so no need to bring snacks. There are a few other stretches in this river system that can be paddled as well. Great exercise and just being out on the river for a while are great attractions for lots of people. The wonderful North Carolina scenery and the playfulness of the water have people coming here. Whitewater paddling here in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great experience. Briefly about the general area: If you like skiing, you're in luck; Scaly Mountain is close to Norton Creek; during your tour here you'll meet some people from Glenville for sure. Norton Creek, Above Thorpe Lake 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 Norton Creek.   Whitewater Near Norton Creek: Norton Creek, Jackson County, 1 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 2.5 miles long (Above Thorpe Lake) Tuckasegee River - West Fork, Jackson County, 3 miles away       Class III-IV+(V) - 9.5 miles long (Thorpe Dam to Tuckasegee River) Cullasaja River, Macon County, 4 miles away       Class I-III+(V+) - 5 miles long (Ravenel Lake to Mirror Lake) Chattooga River, Jackson County, 5 miles away       Class V - 6 miles long (North Carolina 1107 to Bull Pen Bridge) Cullasaja River, Macon County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 4.75 miles long (Lake Sequoyah to below Cosmic Crunch) Tuckasegee River, Jackson County, 7 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 9.4 miles long (Cedar Cliff Reservior to Cullowhee) Chattooga River, Rabun/Oconee County, 7 miles away       Class III-V(V+) - 5 miles long (Bull Pen Bridge to Burrells Ford Bridge) Chattooga River, Jackson/Macon County, 7 miles away       Class III-IV - 5 miles long (Bullpen Bridge to Burrell's Ford) Cullasaja River, Macon County, 8 miles away       Class IV(V+) - 2.5 miles long (Below Cosmic Crunch to Above Cullasaja Falls) Whitewater River, Jackson/Transylvania County, 8 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 4 miles long (Bullpen Road to Highway 281)   Ski Areas Near Norton Creek: Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 13 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Sky Valley, Georgia , 17 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 24 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 42 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 64 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs   Hotels Near Norton Creek: Bluegreen Club Lodges Trillium, Ascend Resort Collection, Cashiers , 1 miles away Innisfree Bed And Breakfast By, Cashiers , 4 miles away Half Mile Farm, Highlands , 5 miles away 200 Main, Highlands , 6 miles away The Park On Main Hotel, Highlands , 6 miles away   Campgrounds Near Norton Creek: Ralph J. Andrews County Park, Tuckasegee, 3 miles away Arrowmont Stables and Cabins, Cullowhee, 4 miles away Singing waters Camping Resort, Tuckasegee, 5 miles away   Trails Near Norton Creek: Shortoff Mountain Trail, Macon , 3 miles away Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail, Jackson , 4 miles away Ellicott Rock Trail, Macon , 8 miles away Three Forks Trail, Rabun , 10 miles away Foothills Trail, Oconee , 10 miles away   Public Lands Near Norton Creek: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 40 miles away Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 48 miles away Oconee State Park, South Carolina , 16 miles away Francis Marion-Sumter National Forests, South Carolina , 17 miles away Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia , 22 miles away   Golf Courses Near Norton Creek: Cullasaja Club, Highlands , 4 miles away High Hampton Inn & Country Club, Cashiers , 4 miles away Landings, Cashiers , 4 miles away   Lakes Near Norton Creek Cliffside Lake, Macon , 7 miles away Bear Creek Lake, Jackson , 8 miles away Wolf Creek Lake, Jackson , 11 miles away