Join Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts for a camping weekend at the Nantahala River. Book your campsites directly at Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground: 755 E Alarka Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713. Field camping starts at $10 per night per person and premium creekside sites are $20. Sites with electric/water and cabins also are available.

Run the regular Lower Nanty release on Saturday, September 27 with APEs’ Class II-III Cruise Director Joe Poehlmann. This paddle starts with a rapid at Patton’s run and then has a calmer stretch to settle in before hitting the rapids at the Ferebee launch and picnic area. The Class III falls before NOC have a recovery pool if you are up for the challenge. We will meet at 10:30 am Sunday at the parking lot for the Nantahala River Launch Site, Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781. This is NOT Patton's overlook.

Joe also will lead a Lower Nanty paddle for the BIG WATER release on Sunday, September 28. We will meet at 10:30 am Sunday at the parking lot for the Nantahala River Launch Site, Wayah Rd, Topton, NC 28781. This is NOT Patton's overlook.

This is a cold river year-round, so dress appropriately. You also will need a USFS day pass ($2) or a annual pass ($10), which can be purchased at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and other outfitters in the area.

The Nantahala is one of the most popular whitewater rivers in the Southeast. Starting near the Georgia-North Carolina border close to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the Appalachian Trail, it flows 40 miles north through Nantahala National Forest into the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake. In the Cherokee language, Nantahala means "Land of the Noonday Sun.” Rapids on this section include Patton’s Run, Quarry, Whirlpool, Surfers, Bulls Run, and Upper Nantahala Falls.

HEAD COUNT REQUIRED: To register for this trip, email Joe Poehlmann at jpales19@gmail.com.