Watauga, North Carolina, US

4. US Route 321 Bridge to Guy's Ford (Section Three)

Usual Difficulty	II(IV) (for normal flows)
Length	3.75 Miles
Avg. Gradient	35 fpm

Gauge Information

Name	Range	Difficulty	Updated	Level
WATAUGA RIVER NEAR SUGAR GROVE, NC
usgs-03479000	200 - unknown cfs	II(IV)	01h08m	157 cfs (rc= -0.0 )

River Description

This is a reliable class two run within about 20 minutes of Boone. It can be run pretty low, but most don't bother below 2'. The section has good variety - ledges, a slot move, a few surfing waves, shoals, etc. Be aware of a "manditory" portage 1/4 mile into the run called the Clog. After the first set of shoals and rapids, the river pools up above the Clog. The rapid itself is about 1/8 mile of good III+ that terminates in a narrow slot divided in two by a rock in the middle. Both sides are stuffed with rock and (often) debris such as plywood, logs, etc. It is run, but the fun/risk ratio is low. I have seen some pretty experienced boaters pass on this one. It is also possible to run this most of the way down, then portage left, but the portage is difficult and the take out is sketchy.

Portage the whole thing on the right. Take out as far down as you can go before the rapid begins to minimize walking on private property. There is an old road at the top of the bank. We need to be EXTRA LOW-PROFILE as there are rumors of property owners not being happy about boaters in or near their yards.

Everything else is boat-scoutable.

To reach the put-in, take HWY 321 out of Boone. There is parking before you cross the bridge. The take out is a few miles further down 321. Turn right on Guy's Ford Rd. This is the same as the put-in for the gorge.

Note: There is a good surfing wave just below Guy's Ford Bridge where you can get in a little more river at the end of the run.