Nolichucky River
The Nolichucky River begins where the North Toe and Cane Rivers meet in western North Carolina and flows westward 115 miles until joining with the French Broad River at the Douglas Reservoir in East Tennessee. A vital resource shared by communities in both states, the watershed captures abundant rainfall from high mountain streams. As it travels through the Blue Ridge and Valley and Ridge of southern Appalachia, its water provides economic and environmental benefits – as well as phenomenal rapids for whitewater enthusiasts!
The Nolichucky attracts thousands of tourists from around the region to experience the river’s natural beauty and world-class whitewater rapids, making the river a key part of local economies in the area and generating millions of dollars in visitor spending each year in Unicoi County. A beloved destination for paddling, the Nolichucky River between Poplar and Unaka Springs features technical class III-IV rapids and a scenic path along a 9.2-mile stretch of breathtaking, forested gorge.
Fish and wildlife are abundant in the river to the delight of anglers. Rare species like the Chunky Madtom, an endangered catfish species found only in the Nolichucky River, and the Appalachian elktoe, an endangered freshwater mussel, uplift the importance of the habitat of the Nolichucky River system. The Forest Service describes the Nolichucky as “one of the deepest, most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States.” The scenic beauty and importance to fish and wildlife are reasons why the Forest Service has found the river “eligible,” for Wild and Scenic status and provide administrative protection to the Nolichucky.
Where is the Nolichucky River?
The Nolichucky flows westward from Western North Carolina to East Tennessee through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Did you know?
The Noluchucky River’s name may come from the Cherokee village Na’na-tlu gun’yi, which translates to “Spruce-Tree Place.”
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 has been the preeminent tool to protect free-flowing rivers in the United States since it was passed more than 50 years ago. Learn about other ways American Rivers expands river protections nationally with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
Hurricane Helene
In September 2024, record-breaking floodwaters in the Nolichucky from Hurricane Helene raised the river by an estimated 30 feet. The flood forever changed many of the well-known whitewater features and damaged the rail line running along the river. American Rivers and our partners American Whitewater and the Southern Environmental Law Center are standing up for the river and the communities that depend on it so the impact of rebuilding the railroad does not create another disaster from short-sighted cost-cutting measures. We hope for recovery and revitalization of the communities and economies that rely on the river, and want the unique beauty of the Nolichucky River intact for generations to come.
Let's stay in touch!
We’re hard at work in the Southeast for rivers and clean water. Sign up to get the most important news affecting your water and rivers delivered right to your inbox.
Partners in the Watershed:
American Whitewater works to protect and restore America’s whitewater rivers and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. Check out their resources for paddling the Nolichucky River Gorge.