Whitewater Run TN Class IV-V

5. Guys Ford Bridge to AW Sherwood Horine Access

Watauga

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Gauge Conditions
Watauga River near Sugar Grove, NC Upstream Primary
Runnable: 150.0 – 650.0 CFS

Low-boatable.

Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Run Map
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Description
Once upon a time regarded as some of the hairiest whitewater in the Southeast, the Watauga has a long standing and well regarded reputation for high quality whitewater.  Though today much more difficult runs have been established and tamed, the Watauga remains no slouch and demands respect regardless of water level.  There are a variety of pin spots, broach rocks, sieves, strainers, holes, and undercuts that require a boater to have precise boat control and excellent read and run river skills.  Such a qualified boater will find a technical playground of boofs, ferrys, holes, mazes and drops arranged in such a way as to quickly make the Watauga a favorite run. American Whitewater purchased and manages the AW Sherwood Horine Take-out with the help of outstanding local volunteers and thanks to donations and membership of Watauga paddlers. In 2015-2016 AW assisted local paddlers and partners in purchasing a new put-in at Guy's Ford, guaranteeing public access to the Watauga! The County also purchased a river access area several miles upstream, and together we are encouraging enjoyment of this incredible river. See Leland Davis' _North Carolina Rivers and Creeks_ guidebook and Chris Bell's Asheville Boating Beta page for more information about the river. Note: Please drive slowly when using the AW take-out on Tester Rd. Our good hearted neighbors are requesting that boaters use additional caution when driving in and out of the take-out area due to children and animals on the road. Thank you.

Hazards & Portages (3)

Caution: The following locations may require scouting or portaging. Always check current conditions.
Sh%t -kicker Hazard
Sh%t -kicker
0.8 mi
Knuckles Hazard
Knuckles
3.6 mi
Stateline Falls Hazard
Stateline Falls
4.0 mi
Difficulty
Class IV-V
Length
4.8 mi
Gradient
103 ft/mi
max 140
Rapids
13
3 Hazards
Access Points
Put-in
36.2694, -81.8842
Take-out
36.2907, -81.9402
Shuttle Info
**Sherwood Horine Watauga River Access** The take-out is dedicated to the memory of Sherwood Horine. Sherwood was a long-time AW member who was instrumental in acquiring this river site for the public. Sherwood passed away in an unfortunate mountain biking accident shortly before the site was opened for the public in 1998. He remains in our hearts, and we honor his memory by naming this site after him on the river he loved so dearly. **Directions to the Watauga River Gorge Put-in** The put-in is 15 miles West of Boone, NC on Highway 321 at the junction with Guy Ford Road (SR 1200). There is parking on the upstream side of the bridge on Guy Ford Road. This parking is provided by the Will Trivette, the gas station market owner at the top of the hill. Please be sure to stop in and thank the family with your business when you're in the neighborhood. **Directions to American Whitewater's Watauga River Take-Out** Drive 5 miles North on Highway 321 from the put-in. Take a right on Tester Road. The road sign is missing. Turn right on the first “true” gravel road 2 miles after you cross the state line into Tennessee from the Put In. Wind SLOWLY downhill on the dirt road past some houses/trailers. Please be respectful of the residents. When in doubt bear right. The gravel and grass parking area along the tall wooden fence is marked with an American Whitewater Sign. When changing clothes, use the changing screen and BE DISCRETE. Be courteous to others and help maintain good relations with the neighbors. **Please:** No dogs. No nudity No camping **Finding the Take-out From the River** When you get near the end of the whitewater, you will get to Watson Island. Take the smaller RIVER LEFT channel. Look for the staircase. Pull to shore near the end of the island, walk up the steps, then straight up the hill to the American Whitewater parking area. **Sherwood Horine Memorial Access Fund** American Whitewater purchased this site with donations from boaters like yourself. The property cost almost $30,000 to purchase and develop; and continues to cost us about $500 a year to maintain. Please consider making a [tax-deductible donation](https://americanwhitewater.org/donate) to the Sherwood Horine Memorial Access Fund to help us defray expenses.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater