3. Confluence of Raven Fork and Straight Fork Raven Fork to Cherokee Park-n-Ride

This beautiful stream originates in the Smokey Mt. National Park and flows into the Cherokee Indian Reservation where it confluences with the Oconaluftee. Note:  By order of the Cherokee Tribal Council, that portion of the Raven Fork crossing the Qualla Boundary (the official name of their reservation) is closed to boating.  This entire run is located on the reservation -- it is illegal to boat it. The whitewater consists of mostly class II-III (IV) rapids and there are two >distinct sections as described by Bob Benner in Carolina Whitewater. The >most significant rapid, "Crack In The Rock," is within the lower section a mile or so below Sherril's Ford bridge near the campground off Big Cove Rd. This rapid has three slots and should be scouted from the right bank. Generally the far left slot (check for strainers here first) is most often run as the center and right slots are unclean, chaotic and undercut. AW Raven Fork Safety Report.