Cheoah River Release Dates

The 2009 dates have been set for the release of the Cheoah River and the first are just around the corner.

The river will be open Saturday and Sunday February 21-22. No commercial outfitters are running these dates, but there will be many private boaters and spectators.

The other 2009 release dates are:

• March 14-15

• April 4-5, 18-19, 25-26

• May 9-10, 16-17, 30-31

• June 20-21

• November 7-8

The Class IV-V+ rapids of the Cheoah have been described as the most intense whitewater in the eastern part of the country and compared to the big rivers of Colorado, Montana and even epic rafting destinations in South America.

This river lay dormant for over 50 years after the damming of the Cheoah river in northern Graham county, but has recently seen a rejuvenation thanks to the efforts of American Whitewater and a re-licensing agreement with the Alcoa corporation, who own the dam. The Cheoah is popular for both commercial trips and private boaters, and is also a popular stop for tourists driving across the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) that runs from Robbinsville into Tennessee. The river's awesome rapids were featured in the travel column of the NY Times in the fall of 2006 (link below).

The Cheoah River is located in Graham County, NC. The closest accomodations are at the Tapoco Lodge, which has rooms that overlook the river. There are many other motels and campsites near the river and in the nearby town of Robbinsville.

Related links:

• NY Times article: "What time do they turn the river on?"
• Nantahala Outdoor Center Cheoah Rafting Information
• Wildwater, Ltd. Cheoah Rafting Information
• Tapoco Lodge - Rooms on the Cheoah River
• American Whitewater River Profile