0.5- Hwy 64 to Nantahala Lake

Guardrails have been put in place at Hwy 64 bridge to prohibit river access and parking. From Hwy 64 the river meanders through a flat valley for a bit before gorging up. From there the river goes thru a series of pretty gorges. At one point there is a very large no trespassing sign hanging over the river, and innumerable no trespassing signs.  Keep in mind the water in the resource of the state but the land on both shorelines as well as the riverbed is PRIVATE PROPERTY. There are two possibilites for runs here. The first is from the Hwy 64 bridge where there is no longer any access due to guardrails and no parking area to the gauging station which is between two gates with no parking area. You can get locked in or out. This makes for a 5.2 mile run with a fairly easy shuttle that follows the river along Rainbow Springs Rd unless you are locked between the gates. At the gauge, the road goes away from the river. There is no cell phone in this section. The river is bordered on both sides by private property. If you are out of your boat you will be charged with trespassing. The next 7 miles are predominately flat and again is completely private property except for the water. From the river to Rock Branch boat ramp it is over four miles. To Choga Cove boat ramp over five miles. If the wind is not on your back you may wish you never started the trip.