Hazard Warning: Hazard information may be user-submitted and unverified. Conditions change frequently. Always scout rapids and obstacles yourself.
Hazard NC Class V+

Headless Horseman

Raven Fork - 2. Enloe Creek Trail to Big Cove Road · NC

American Whitewater 35.6009, -83.2652

Save this feature with the run it belongs to.

Gauge Conditions

Oconaluftee River at Birdtown, NC Downstream Primary
Runnable: 800.0 – 3,000.0 CFS

Upper limit for best boatability uncertain. Please help your fellow boaters with a comment or report.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

Headless Horseman
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

The Headless Horseman is a brutal Class V+ rapid featuring a massive, recirculating hole at the center that can easily trap and flip boats, demanding precise boat control and an aggressive line. Paddlers must navigate a narrow, technical entrance with sharp rocks and then commit to a hard right or left move to avoid the central hydraulic, which becomes increasingly dangerous at higher water levels.

Location

Interactive river map Loads as you approach this section.
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class V+
Mile Marker
1.2 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
2. Enloe Creek Trail to Big Cove Road
Raven Fork
V+ 4.4 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater