North Carolina whitewater, Oconaluftee River Swain county, Smokemont Campground to Birdtown section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS II-III     11.5 miles   Whitewater rafting and kayaking in North Carolina is often easier than elsewhere, so keep in mind that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The Smokemont Campground to Birdtown stretch of Oconaluftee River is 11.5 miles long and it is classified as a class II-III section by American Whitewater. The beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains is a great plus for this river. No matter if you're whitewater rafting or kayaking around     here you'll find a large number of good rivers. No shortage of good hotels, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. This river system has a few good paddling stretches and the Smokemont Campground to Birdtown section is one of them. The beautiful scenery of North Carolina and the cool fresh water are in themselves reasons enough to come here to paddle. You can enjoy this section more if you take your time, so why not pack your camp stove too. Getting your paddling muscles activated and a chance to spend some time outdoors will make you glad you came. The put-in is not too far from Sevierville, as you can see on the road map further   down. There are campgrounds quite near the river where you can camp. Briefly about the general area: Since you're here at Oconaluftee River why not go to Whiteoak Flats; this is a popular place for folks from Cherokee. All year is a good time in the Great Smoky Mountains if you love the outdoors. During the months of summer here at Oconaluftee River, high temperatures mostly reach the 80's. For the duration of the dark hours of summer temperatures drop down into the 60's. High temperatures through the winter are normally in the 40's with winter lows in the 20's overnight here at Oconaluftee River. Oconaluftee River, Smokemont Campground to Birdtown 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 Oconaluftee River.   Whitewater Near Oconaluftee River: Whitewater Outfitter - Smokey Mountain Tubing, Swain County, 2 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Oconaluftee River, Swain County, 3 miles away       Class II-III - 11.5 miles long (Smokemont Campground to Birdtown) Whitewater Outfitter - Smokey Mountain Tubing, Swain County, 4 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Tuckasegee River, Jackson/Swain County, 5 miles away       Class I-III - 8 miles long (Whittier to Bryson City) Oconaluftee River, Swain County, 5 miles away       Class III - 4 miles long (Quiet Walkway to Smokemont) Raven Fork, Swain County, 7 miles away       Class II-III+(IV) - 8 miles long (Job Corps Bridge to Confluence with Oconalufftee) Deep Creek, Swain County, 7 miles away       Class II - 3 miles long (Bryson City) Whitewater Outfitter - Blue Ridge Outing, Jackson County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Whitewater Outfitter - Carolina Mountains Outdoor, Jackson County, 7 miles away       Whitewater outfitter Raven Fork, Swain County, 7 miles away       Class V+ - 4 miles long (Gorges to Confluence with Straight Fork)   Ski Areas Near Oconaluftee River: Cataloochee, North Carolina , 17 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee , 19 miles away, 600 foot drop, 3 lifts, 8 runs Scaly Mountain, North Carolina , 28 miles away, 225 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs Sky Valley, Georgia , 30 miles away, 210 foot drop, 2 lifts, 5 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 62 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs   Hotels Near Oconaluftee River: Comfort Suites Cherokee, Cherokee , 1 miles away Baymont Inn & Suites Cherokee Smoky Mountains, Cherokee , 2 miles away Cherokee Lodge, Cherokee , 2 miles away Great Smokies Inn Cherokee, Cherokee , 2 miles away Hampton Inn Cherokee, Cherokee , 2 miles away   Campgrounds Near Oconaluftee River: Bradley's Campground, Cherokee, 2 miles away Yogi In The Smokies, Cherokee, 2 miles away Adventure Trail Campground, Cherokee, 2 miles away   Trails Near Oconaluftee River: Messer Trail, Cocke , 16 miles away Palmer Creek Trail, Haywood , 16 miles away Caldwell Fork Trail, Haywood , 17 miles away Sugarland Mountain Trail, Sevier , 17 miles away Lower Whiterock Trail, Cocke , 18 miles away   Public Lands Near Oconaluftee River: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg - TN , 17 miles away Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 53 miles away Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina , 24 miles away Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia , 34 miles away Oconee State Park, South Carolina , 40 miles away   Golf Courses Near Oconaluftee River: Sequoyah National Golf Club, Whittier , 4 miles away Smoky Mountain Golf Course, Whittier , 6 miles away Golf Scapes, Whittier , 8 miles away