Noland Creek's final stretch from Mill Creek to Lakeview Road offers an engaging challenge for whitewater paddlers ready to navigate a dynamic, twisting waterway. This upper section unfolds as a narrow Class III/IV creek, revealing its character through varied widths and shifting channels. The water, clear and cool, carries a vivid invitation for adventure, propelled by steady currents and punctuated by a scattering of woody debris that demands attentive maneuvering.

This run suits those eager to embrace a packraft experience that blends flowing rhythm with technical involvement. Despite its moderate length of just over four miles, the creek compresses intensity into a compact journey. Paddlers can expect an energetic ride with minimal eddy options, reflecting the creek's swift nature and tight confines. The river’s gradient mirrors the spirited upper slopes of Forney Creek, making it a fresh expedition that rewards focus and respect for the water's power.

Access to the run involves a bit of deliberate effort. A favored approach is to hike upstream from the Road to Nowhere until the creek narrows and your desire to launch takes hold. Once on the water, the route slides quickly downstream toward either a bridge crossing or the reservoir, where hikers regroup. For those targeting a longer stretch, a gated road off the Clingman’s Dome route offers a higher put-in, where the creek swells enough for boating and delivers a more extended paddle back down.

Flow levels on Noland Creek are crucial to the quality and safety of the trip. Optimal conditions align with flows around 1000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on the nearby Oconaluftee River, with packrafting still viable down to approximately 850 cfs. Higher elevations and greater flows between 2000 and 2500 cfs open up extended opportunities for those seeking the creek’s full potential.

While this section is compact, the creek’s rapid pace and natural features demand preparedness. Paddlers should gear up with sturdy footwear, helmet, and paddle suitable for swift, technical water. Hydration and timing are your allies—morning launches can mean clearer water and less heat on the trail.

The challenging nature of this upper Noland Creek stretch pairs well with the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s raw beauty and quiet presence. Navigating this creek means interpreting the water’s moods and weaving through its flowing narrative, where every bend and rapid dares you to engage fully.