(Pre-2024) Upper Nantahala Guide, 350 cfs - Ira's River Guide Series

**This was filmed prior to Hurricane Helene which reshaped the waterways of the southeast, in time we hope to bring you an updated video reflecting the most up to date information**
The Upper Nantahala is a great river for those looking to step up from the beginner friendly Nantahala River for whitewater kayaking. The upper section doesn’t have the characteristic cold water temperature as the river downstream. The upper section instead is characterized by its longer, continuous rapids & has a “choose your own adventure” vibe to it with multiple lines available on many rapids. What makes the Upper Nantahala so special is that it typically only runs a few days a year when the dam is scheduled for a release (for example during the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Guest Appreciation Festival). Also of note, if you start seeing large Class V drops you’ve gone too far upstream past the put in to the much more difficult Nantahala Cascades section of river.
Put in: Wayah Rd Topton, NC 28781
35.246910, -83.653760
Take out: Nantahala River Launch Site Wayah Rd Topton, NC 28781
35.273888, -83.681366
Gauge: Dam Release
The following "guide" is intended to be used only as a reference for the river, providing paddlers with an idea of what to expect. It should not take the place of proper training, scouting, safety & an honest assessment of ones skills. There are often multiple lines on each rapid. Proper scouting & paddler skill should determine the desired line. Each boater assumes all risk when paddling on a river.
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