Rapids below Bear Creek
Cheoah - Santeetlah Dam to Calderwood Lake Boat Launch (NC)
Gauge Conditions
Data from American Whitewater & USGS
Photo
Photo courtesy of American Whitewater
Description
Below Bear Creek and above Tapoco lodge is one very steep stretch of big water. Lots of routes, but basically a half mile of boogie water. Probably 5 or 6 defined drops at 1000 cfs, but they are stacked on top of each other. The closer you get to the lodge the steeper the gradient gets. On river right when tapoco lodge is in sight there is a pinning spot to be aware of. Of course you'll be on that side of the river avoiding the massive pour over thats on river left. You can see it as you're approaching it, so don't let your guard down.
Location
Other Rapids on This Run (20)
Rapid
Put-In
Rapid
First diversion pipe
Hazard
III+
Craik's Ledge
Hazard
IV
The rapid above the pipe
Rapid
III+
Swinging Bridge Rapid
Hazard
IV+
Wilma's Ledge aka God's Dam
Hazard
IV+
Takeout Rapid (not the takeout)
Hazard
Takeout/Entrance
Hazard
Takeout/First Drop
Rapid
IV
Typical Upper Cheoah Scene
Rapid
IV
Typical Rapid on the Middle Cheoah - Yellow Creek Rapid.
Rapid
IV
Land of Holes
Rapid
I
The deadend pool
Rapid
III
The easy stuff
Rapid
The Forest Service Bridge
Playspot
III
Rod's Hole
Rapid
IV+
Entrance to Bear Creek Rapid
Waterfall
V
The Falls
Hazard
V
Bear Creek Rapid (The Slide)
Rapid
IV+
Bear Creek - The left side of the Island.
View Full Run
Santeetlah Dam to Calderwood Lake Boat Launch
Cheoah
IV-V
9.1 mi
Current Conditions
5-Day Forecast
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
American Whitewater