Читать книгу Carolina Whitewater. A Paddler's Guide to the Western Carolinas онлайн

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GAUGE: See Section A.

class: I–II (III)

length: 8 mi.

time: 2.5 hrs.

gauge: Phone

level: n/a

permits: Yes

gradient: 33

scenery: A–B

POWER PLANT TO WESSER

DESCRIPTION: Below the put-in at the forks, Patton’s Run begins. The rapid is named after Charlie Patton of Brevard, North Carolina. He was an avid paddler of the Nantahala despite the fact that he had practically no use of one arm. He died after a trip down this, his most beloved river.

Patton’s Run is a long Class III, requiring the paddler to stay to the inside of the bend. This is heavy, fast water. It, as well as most of the river, can be scouted from US 19, which follows the river very closely throughout the run. Scout this one from the pulloff on the highway before launching.

The river continues along its fast course with little letup for the next 7.5 miles.

Nantahala Falls, which is about 400 yards above Nantahala Outdoor Center, is a Class III, which at higher levels easily becomes a Class IV. There is a short quiet pool above it where one can pull over easily—either to scout the falls or to pull out. Look for the concrete apron on the right with a well-marked path. The entrance and approach to the falls is rather difficult and can put a lot of water in the boat before one hits the falls. Be sure to empty the boat before attempting to run. The entrance is generally where the novice or low-intermediate-skilled paddler gets in trouble, only to be finished off in the falls.