1. Poplar NC to Chestoa TN

The Nolichucky is in an incredibly beautiful, deep, mountain gorge that offers lots of great play, especially within the first half of the run. While the railroad on river left has a large visual presence, the Gorge remains a remote whitewater treasure. Rapids begin just around the first bend, and most of the larger rapids are within the first three miles. After a few good rapids paddlers come to Quartermile Rapid, which boasts a vertical 3-4 foot ledge that is easy to scout on river left. Rowdy rapids continue, including the super fun Roostertail rapid that features an excellent elevator ferry move. The second half of the run, below a challenging rapid called Rollercoaster, is mellower but still fun. Its important to note that Hurricane Helene reshaped all of the Noli's rapids in September of 2024 except perhaps Entrance Rapid. The rapids in the Gorge are not just different - they are completely different and utterly unrecognizeable. Paddlers can expect a more channelzed river than before the storm, with more punch, much better play, and lower good flow ranges. It is perhaps slightly harder than before the storm, and most paddlers feel the rapids are better and the paddle-out goes much more quickly. Parking at the takeout: Free parking is available at the US Forest Service Chestoa day use area. 2025 Put In: There is no formal put in, because the Forest Service is allowing CSX to occupy the public put in and exclude the public. Shuttle Information / Shuttles The one-way shuttle takes about 30 minutes meaning an hour at the end of your day if you don't use a shuttle service. Given the time, gas, and wear & tear on your vehicle, most boaters choose to use a shuttle service rather than make a 2nd trip at the end of the day. You pick up a pre-arranged shuttle driver at the takeout, then you drive to the put-in with the driver. While you are on the river, the driver drops your vehicle off at the takeout. There are other options, described below where you don't use your own vehicle. For all the shuttle services, give them some advance notice--like when you leave you house in the am and on busy weekends the day before. Uncle Johnny's Hostel- has shuttle drivers for the same $25. You can park at the Hostel or at Chestoa (preferred). Phone - 423-735-0548. E-mail Unclejohnnys2000@yahoo.com Private Shuttle Drivers - So far I have Jan & Matt Buzan, who live at the takeout. They have day jobs and are not always available but usually one of them is available.phone 386-801-0331. Hoping to expand the list of private shuttle drivers over time.