Round Bottom to Raven Fork

This is a great intro to creeking run. Its fast, semi blind in places, and non stop for 4 miles. The run can be thought of as one long non-stop rapid, with the occasional small eddy. The whole run is roadside which makes for easy scouting and portaging. Taken individually, none of the drops are any harder than class 4-, but due to the non-stop nature and occassional strainer the creek feels like its Class IV. Lots of back to back boulder drops. There are also two good sized ledge drops. This may be a restricted run after it enters the reservation, as it's takeout is in the Cherokee Qualla Boundary. The majority of the run is in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, and taking out at the gated park boundary is a good option. Be aware that the park service does lock the gate from time to time - including much or all of the winter. Check the NPS website for closure information. A run from the large metal bridge & horse park to the confluence is about 5 good miles of water.   The roadside stretch above the bridge appeared to flatten out.  If you have more info on the upper stretch, please add it in the comments section. There is good parking at the confluence and above the confluence at the Park service gate if you would like to cut out some of the flatter water. At higher flows, continuing down the Oconaluftee River would make for a fun longer run. You'll want at least 1200 on the Oconaluftee River near Birdtown \[ NC \] gauge and likely 1500. 8 inches on the bridge gauge at the confluence of Raven Fork and Straight Fork should be about minimum.  With no trees this little run would be a blast with a lot of water. On the other hand high water would send you into hidden trees faster than you could probably react.