Access Site
NC
Hiwassee - Mickens Br
City: Murphy, NC
County: Cherokee County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 35.11916390, -84.16808513
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Hiwassee River
4 runsDifficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
III-IV
Downstream from here (14.1 mi to put-in)
1. Dries: Turtletown Creek to Apalachia Powerhouse
5.7 mi
32 ft/mi
II
Downstream from here (19.5 mi to put-in)
2. Apalachia Powerhouse to Reliance
5.6 mi
I-II
Downstream from here (23.2 mi to put-in)
3. Reliance to U.S. 411 Bridge
4.9 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (9.8 mi from take-out)
US Route 64 at Hayesville to US Route 64 west of Peachridge
22.3 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
Mickens Bridge boat ramp provides access to the Hiwassee River in Murphy, North Carolina, a significant waterway classified as a large river with a substantial drainage area of 2,693 square miles. The Hiwassee River at this location features an average flow of approximately 4,890 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of 5.02 feet per second, indicating moderate to strong current conditions. The river in this section maintains a gradient of 16.7 feet per mile, typical of a river in its upper reaches as this access point is located near the river's headwaters.
Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for the dynamic water conditions characteristic of this section of the Hiwassee River. The strong current and significant gradient make this a suitable location for intermediate to advanced paddlers who are comfortable with faster-moving water. The river's substantial flow volume means that water conditions can change seasonably, and boaters should check current flow conditions before launching. This location provides a direct launch point onto a major river system that extends for over 146 miles and ultimately drains a large regional watershed.
Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for the dynamic water conditions characteristic of this section of the Hiwassee River. The strong current and significant gradient make this a suitable location for intermediate to advanced paddlers who are comfortable with faster-moving water. The river's substantial flow volume means that water conditions can change seasonably, and boaters should check current flow conditions before launching. This location provides a direct launch point onto a major river system that extends for over 146 miles and ultimately drains a large regional watershed.