North Carolina whitewater, Upper Creek Burke county, Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982 section whitewater kayaking, rafting, and paddling information.   CLASS III+(IV)     17 miles   The rivers for whitewater rafting and kayaking in this state are often easier than in other states, so if you're not from around here don't forget that quite a few of the sections in this state are pretty easy. The put-in is not too far from Boone, there's a road map further down the page with more info on that. The Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982 stretch of Upper Creek in Burke County is 17 miles long and has been determined by American Whitewater     to be a class III+(IV) section. You might have to settle for a hotel a bit away from the river if you want to stay the night, but you'd better reserve in advance because these hotels fill up quick. The scenic beauty of North Carolina and the cool fresh water make the trip here worthwhile. You can enjoy this section more if you take your time, so pack your camping stuff. The Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982 stretch is one of a few paddling stretches in this river system. And of course, there are campgrounds nearby. The river winds through the Blue Ridge Mountains and you get great scenery. Great exercise and a chance to spend some time outdoors are great attractions   for lots of people. You might be into whitewater rafting or kayaking or both, doesn't matter, around here you'll find a large number of good places. Briefly about the general area: Hiking is a popular thing to do around Upper Creek; Daniel Boone Scout Trail is a glorious local trail. Head up to Sugar Mountain and strap some skis to your feet, and at Upper Creek you always meet someone from Collettsville. This is a great river. There's great hiking along the Yancey Ridge Trail; Lake James State Park is a magnificent place to stop at. Upper Creek sees pretty high levels of rainfall. Upper Creek, Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982 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 Upper Creek.   Whitewater Near Upper Creek: Steels Creek, Burke County, 3 miles away       Class II-III - 6.6 miles long (to Confluence with Upper Creek) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 5 miles away       Class III-IV+(V) - 1.9 miles long (National Forest sign to parking area above Brown MtNorth Beach) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 6 miles away       Class I-II(III) - 4 miles long (Below Brown Mountain Beach to Johns River) Upper Creek, Burke County, 6 miles away       Class III+(IV) - 17 miles long (Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982) Wilson Creek, Caldwell County, 6 miles away       Class II-III - 5 miles long (Route 1328 Bridge to National Forest sign) Johns River, Burke/Caldwell County, 7 miles away       Class I-II - 6.5 miles long (Route 1328 to Route 1438) North Harper Creek, Avery/Caldwell County, 7 miles away       Class IV-V(V+) - 9 miles long (Wilson Creek Tributary) Lost Cove Creek, Avery County, 8 miles away       Class -blank- - 8 miles long (Main) Gragg Prong River, Avery County, 9 miles away       Class IV-V - 1.6 miles long (Roseboro to Lost Cove Creek) Linville River, Burke County, 9 miles away       Class IV-V+ - 16.4 miles long (Linville Falls to Lake James)   Ski Areas Near Upper Creek: Sugar Mountain, North Carolina , 14 miles away, 1200 foot drop, 8 lifts, 20 runs Hawksnest, North Carolina , 14 miles away, 619 foot drop, 4 lifts, 12 runs Ski Beech, North Carolina , 18 miles away, 830 foot drop, 10 lifts, 15 runs Appalachian Mountain, North Carolina , 19 miles away, 365 foot drop, 5 lifts, 9 runs Wolf Ridge, North Carolina , 49 miles away, 700 foot drop, 5 lifts, 20 runs Cataloochee, North Carolina , 91 miles away, 740 foot drop, 4 lifts, 10 runs   Marinas Near Upper Creek: Mimosa Boat Landing, Morganton , 12 miles away   Hotels Near Upper Creek: Days Inn & Suites Morganton, Morganton , 12 miles away Comfort Inn & Suites, Morganton , 12 miles away Blue Ridge Village, Banner Elk , 13 miles away Springmaid Mountain, Spruce Pine , 14 miles away Quality Inn Morganton, Morganton , 14 miles away   Campgrounds Near Upper Creek: Daniel Boone Family Campground, Morganton, 1 miles away Optimistic RV Resort, Morganton, 2 miles away Rose Creek Family Campground, Morganton, 3 miles away   Trails Near Upper Creek: Yancey Ridge Trail, Avery , 8 miles away Daniel Boone Scout Trail, Caldwell , 12 miles away Bald Mountain Trail, McDowell , 17 miles away   Public Lands Near Upper Creek: Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville - NC , 54 miles away Lake James State Park, North Carolina , 11 miles away South Mountain State Park, North Carolina , 21 miles away Roan Mountain State Park, Tennessee , 26 miles away   Golf Courses Near Upper Creek: Quaker Meadows Golf club Room, Morganton , 11 miles away Quaker Meadows Golf Club, Morganton , 11 miles away Mountain Glen Golf Club, Newland , 11 miles away   Lakes Near Upper Creek Lake James, Burke , 8 miles away Wildcat Lake, Avery , 15 miles away