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

The rapid above the pipe

Cheoah - Santeetlah Dam to Calderwood Lake Boat Launch · NC

American Whitewater 35.3981, -83.8751

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Gauge Conditions

Cheoah River near Bearpen Gap near Tapoco, NC Downstream Primary
Runnable: 400.0 – 3,000.0 CFS
Data from American Whitewater & USGS

Photo

The rapid above the pipe
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater

Description

A little past the grocery store you'll see that giant diversion pipe crossing over the river again. Things are about to pick up!! The next three miles are Non-stop action!! There are still trees both in the riverbed and clogging most otherwise usable eddies. The pace starts to pick up here, with a long Class 3-4 approaching the water diversion pipe. Between the diversion pipe and the swinging bridge are a good series of back to back drops with some very stiff holes. There are still a lot of trees in this stretch to be avoided. Just below the swinging bridge there are good eddies on the right to scout the dam below.

Location

Interactive river map Loads as you approach this section.
Type
Hazard
Difficulty
Class IV
Mile Marker
2.9 mi
Directions
Navigate
View Full Run
Santeetlah Dam to Calderwood Lake Boat Launch
Cheoah
IV-V 9.1 mi
Hazard — Exercise extreme caution in this area.

Current Conditions

5-Day Forecast

Whitewater data from
American Whitewater