Nolichucky
River Information Sheet
Listed below you
will find the names and descriptions of the different trips
that USA Raft runs on the Nolichucky River located in Ewrin,
Tennessee. You will meet at our outpost which has showers,
changing rooms and ample parking. Trips start on time: Please
check in 30 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. If
you arrive after your scheduled trip time, you will be accommodated
on the next trip with available space. A Word of Warning:
Space on our trips is usually totally reserved in advance.
Do not expect to arrive late and be able to go down the river
the same day.
Nolichucky Day Trip - Adventure Class.
No experience required. Minimum age 12 years. This trip combines
breathtaking scenery with over twenty-five Class II to IV
rapids that cut through the heart of the deepest river gorge
in the East. There is a guide in every raft.
If you want a more challenging trip, you may opt for an individual
Duck (water level permitting.) The run down the Nolichucky
River covers about 8 1/2 miles and you will generally spend
5 to 8 hours with us (including trip, transportation, gearing
up, and pre trip speech). This trip includes a riverside lunch.
Trips run March through October. |
For
reservations:
1-866-USA-Raft
(423)743-7111
(423)743-1357 fax
raft@usaraft.com
For
local address:
Box 2, Jones Branch Road
Erwin, TN 37650
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Nolichucky Express Trip - Adventure
Class. No experience required. Minimum age 10 years. The same
river section as the Full Day Trip but without the lunch stop. There
is a guide in every raft. The Ducks are not an option on this trip.
Our Express Trip is designed for paddlers looking for all the fun
at a quicker pace. It is a number one choice for those on a tight schedule
or budget. The run down the Nolichucky River covers about 8 1/2
miles and you will generally spend 3 to 5 hours with us (including
trip, transportation, gearing up, and pre trip speech). Trips run
March through October. Note: In low water situations, if in our
judgement, the trip cannot be run in 5 hours total time, the trip will
be run on the lower section of the Nolichucky
Lower Nolichucky Trip - Family
Class. No experience required. Minimum age 4 years. Relaxed
family paddling on the unforgettable Nolichucky River. Enjoy the
leisurely pace of the river as it winds its way in and out of the
Cherokee National Forest. Perfect for a lighthearted day of fun
on the water. Rafts and ducks available, depending on water level.
Guides are in some but not all rafts. The run down the Nolichucky
River covers between 3 to 6 miles, depending on water levels, and
you will generally spend 3 to 5 hours with us (including trip, transportation,
gearing up, and pre trip speech). Trips run March through October.
Lodging with
USA Raft:
We offer lodging at our Nolichucky base camp, call 1-866-USA-Raft
for reservations.
Preset tents on platforms with
foam sleeping mattress: $11.00 per person/per night plus
tax. Available to rent from the Campground next door.
Historic Crockett Cabin bunk style lodging:
$15.00 per person/per night plus tax.
Additional Camping:
Nolichucky Retreat: A privately owned campground
adjacent to our basecamp. Bathroom with hot showers and limited
electrical hookups (on a first come-first served basis.) (423)-743-8876.
Tennessee State Park Info Line: 1-800-421-6683
Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park: Swimming
pool and camping (423)257-2167. |
Hotels/Motels:
Johnson City and Unicoi, Tennessee:
Sheraton Inn - 1-800-325-3535
Holiday Inn - 1-800-HOLIDAY
Garden Plaza Hotel - 1-800-3GARDEN
Family Inn- (423)743-9181
or call Johnson City Chamber of Commerce - (423)926-2141
or call Unicoi Chamber of Commerce - (423)743-3000
Area Attractions:
Appalachian Trail - Passing right beside our outpost, the A.T.
offers excellent opportunities for hiking and viewing magnificent
panoramas. Appalachian Trail Conference. (304)535-6331.
Bristol Caverns - (423)878-2011
National Fish Hatchery - (423)743-4712
Unicoi Country Heritage Museum (Erwin) - (423)743-9449
Bays Mountain Park - (423)229-9447 |
Directions: USA's
Nolichucky Outpost is on Jones Branch Road in Ewrin, Tennessee
From the North: On Highway 23,
take Exit 15, turn left off ramp.
From the South: On Highway 23, take Exit 15,
turn right off ramp.
After exiting as directed above:
Turn right onto Temple Hill Road, the first right after exiting
the highway. Go of a mile (you will pass a Holiday Inn) and turn
left at the Chestoa Recreation Area sign onto River Road. Go 1/4
mile and turn left crossing the bridge. Turn right immediately after
crossing the bridge onto Jones Branch Road. You'll see a USA Raft
sign. Continue for approximately 1 miles to USA Raft at the end
of Jones Branch Road.
What to Wear:
No Cotton! (No sweatshirts, no sweatpants, no jeans)
Spring
and Fall
- Wet suits are necessary in March, April and October and
recommended in May and September. (If you rent from us,
make your reservations in advance and arrive 45 minutes
prior to your scheduled trip time.)
- Swimsuit for underneath your wetsuit
- Waterproof windbreaker or rainjacket
- Wool or polypropylene sweater
- Feet: Wetsuit booties or wool socks and tennis shoes (Wetsuit
booties are available to rent from us. Advance reservations
are necessary.)
- Hands: Wetsuit mittens or wool or polypropylene gloves
covered with dishwashing gloves
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Summer
- Swimsuit
- Shorts
- T-Shirt (for protection from sun)
- Baseball cap or visor
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof windbreaker or rainjacket (paddling jackets
are available at the headquarters on the day of your trip.
No reservations accepted)
- Wool or polypropylene sweater
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Also
bring for after your trip:
- Towel
- Dry clothes
- Dry shoes
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Terms and Conditions
Equipment: You will be provided with
U.S. Coast Guard approved Type V Personal Flotation Devices(Life
Jackets), paddles and helmets.
Terms: Within ten days of your phone call, you
must confirm your reservation with a non-refundable deposit. Half
day and Express trips require a $5 per person, per day deposit with
the balance due 30 days prior to the trip. Day trips require a $10
per person, per day deposit with the balance due 45 days prior to
the trip. No personal checks
accepted within 30 days of scheduled trip; MasterCard, Visa, Discover
and American Express welcome.
Cancellations: If a cancellation must be made and
is given with more than 30 days notice, a refund will be granted,
less the per person, non-refundable deposit. Otherwise the following
schedule applies: Cancellation with 20-30 days notice - 50% refund;
10-19 days notice - 25% refund; less than 10 days notice - no refund.
Liability: Outfitter and reservations services
assume no liability for personal injury or loss of equipment. You
will be required to sign a personal injury and photo waiver before
your trip. A copy of the waiver is available on request.
Minors: All participants under the age of 18 must
have a completed release form signed by parent or legal guardian.
Contact USA Raft for forms.
Consumption of alcohol or drugs is not permitted on raft
trip: Intoxicated persons will be refused, without refund.
Rates: All rates are stated per person. Prices
include regulatory agency fees but do not include applicable sales
taxes. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Weather: Trips go rain or shine. (You are going to get
wet anyway!)
Outfitters reserve the right to move to a different
section of the river or to another river for reason of safety or
low water, in which case price difference will be refunded. No refund
or rainchecks will be issued unless outfitter completely cancels
the day's events. No cash refund.
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