Cheoah River Release Schedule Announced!

The time has finally come to enjoy the Cheoah River!

American Whitewater is proud to announce the dates of the 2005 and 2006 Cheoah River Release Schedule.  The specific 2006 dates are still somewhat tentative, and will be confirmed at a meeting in October.  The release dates are as follows, and the releases last all day, roughly 9-5:

BUT FIRST WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are looking for volunteers to help clear vegetation from the Cheoah River in advance of recreational releases.  The Cheoah River has been dewatered for over 70 years and in that time vegetation (trees and shrubs) have invaded the river channel.  Much of the work has already been done - but more is needed.  We need about 30 paddlers to spend a couple days with pruners and saws - in advance of the releases - so that the river is ready for recreational use.  Removing the vegetation will also restore ecological and scenic values to the river.  We will provide meals, equipment and transportation logistics. You will provide strong hands, protective clothing, (closed toe shoes etc.). Tentative dates are August 27^th and September 10^th. E-mail Bob Hathcock at HATBO@NOC.COM for details. This project is a collaborative effort of many relicensing stakeholders.  A strong showing from the paddling community will send a message that we are ready to actively participate in the management of this great river!   If you are willing and able - PLEASE HELP OUT!

WHAT THE CHEOAH IS ALL ABOUT:

The Cheoah is a wonderful river that American Whitewater, Western Carolina Paddlers, Carolina Canoe Club, and many outfitters and other clubs fought tirelessly to bring back to life.  Now the time has come to celebrate!  The Cheoah River is Class IV/IV+, 9-miles long, continuous, roadside, crystal clear, cool/warm water, and absolutely gorgeous.  Get out there and enjoy it!

SPECIAL FALL RELEASE ISSUES:

There are a lot of recreational enhancements in the works on the Cheoah: put-ins, take-outs, pull-offs, trails, vegetation removal, etc.  That being said - none of this is done yet.  We are working with the US - Forest Service and local outfitters to set up a shuttle service in case parking gets tight this fall.  We are also asking that paddlers be extra careful this fall since the vegetation may still create an unusually hazardous situation compared to a free flowing river.  AW will keep you updated in advance of the first release on our website, but for now we are just asking that the paddling community be flexible this fall. 

NEW PLACES TO PLAY:

Graham County is not used to lots of paddling use, so it is critical that we introduce ourselves to the community in a positive way.  Use common sense: drive and park responsibly, change clothes discretely, and if you can - spend some cash in the area!  There are actually some really good restaurants in Robbinsville (magnolia's is great), and lodging is available at the Microtel, the Tapoco Lodge, and elsewhere in town.  There is also gas and groceries in Robbinsville.  Graham County is a dry county - but you can have a beer at Tapoco Lodge near the takeout.  There is lots of camping in the area. 

There is SO MUCH TO DO in the Cheaoh area.  Bring the family and all your multi-sport gear.  For example:

• The Cheoah take-out is also the primary access for paddling Calderwood Reservoir which is some of the most beautiful reservoir paddling around.
• Tsali is only a few miles away (perhaps 20) which offers some of the most famous singletrack mountain biking opportunities in the Southeast.
• Santeetlah Reservoir is clean and warm and just above the dam on the Cheaoh - and features some excellent swimming, camping, and boating opportunities.  
• Hiking opportunities are some of the best in the southeast.  Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is a stones throw from the put in, and offers hikers the rare opportunity to hike through massive old growth eastern forest.  Wilderness backpacking can be found in the Joyce Kilmer, Slickrock, and Citico wilderness complex which is adjacent to the Cheoah.  You can also hike up Snowbird Creek and many other Santeetlah tribs. 
• For whitewater boating you have the Ocoee and Nantahala dam releases not too far away, and creeking opportunities on the Nantahala Cascades, Yellow Creek, Slickrock Creek, Santeetlah Creek, Snowbird Creek, and the list goes on.  The Tellico is just over the ridge as is the Citico.
• Take a driving tour up the Cherohala Skyway for some sightseeing.    

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  http://www.americanwhitewater.org/archive/article/1272/ 

We have been waiting to say this for five years.....

        "SEE YOU ON THE RIVER!"  (for the next 40 years) (thanks to AW and out partners) (you are an AW member right?)