Running the third section of the Tuckasegee River offers an inviting blend of manageable whitewater and engaging paddling challenges through a landscape shaped by dynamic energy and purposeful flow. From the put-in near Dillsboro to the Barker’s Creek take-out, this 5.2-mile stretch balances accessible rapids with the opportunity to refine your technique on wave trains, holes, and streaks of current that seem to push and pull you downstream.

This river segment is an ideal playground for those developing their skills, consistently runnable with sustained flows typically between 800 and 1500 cubic feet per second (CFS). At these levels, the water sweeps over the riverbed, masking shallow spots while remaining comfortably navigable. The rapids here, classified between Class II and III, offer rhythmic sequences of waves rather than isolated drops, allowing paddlers to practice eddy turns, peel-outs, and ferries without steep consequences.

The Dillsboro Drop, a prominent ledge uncovered after the removal of the Dillsboro Dam, commands attention right out of the gate. It challenges paddlers with options—run slightly left over a clear drop or take a more cautious line along the rocky right. Scouting from shore is straightforward and recommended for newcomers, especially given the rapid's shallow stretches that could leave you scraping if flipped. There’s a visible invitation on river left for a portage if you prefer to bypass it.

Progressing downstream under the railroad bridge, the river eases into a series of well-defined, playful rapids. The first and second holes offer steady water to hone precise moves, while the presence of undercut rocks demands alert navigation. Moonshot presents a longer rapid where the left bank offers the cleanest line, peppered with side-stream eddies inviting you to practice rolls and catches.

Around 2 miles in, the Double Drop emerges with its expressive waves offering small boof drops and ample play spots. As flows rise, this rapid reveals increasing demands on balance and timing, rewarding paddlers who make the most of its wave trains for power surfing and roll recovery.

A series of smaller rapids follows—Sling Shot tosses boats river-wide, while Surprise Hole and Surfing Rapid provide fun spots for surfing and maneuvering through shoals. The final named rapid, Shark Tooth, presents a mild conclusion to the run with a clear right-side line.

Access for this reach is well managed and reflects a successful collaboration between paddling groups and Duke Energy. The new put-in along North River Road, equipped with restroom facilities and ample parking, ensures a welcoming start. At the journey’s end, a new take-out near Barker’s Creek Bridge offers paved parking, a concrete ramp, and restroom amenities including a permanent pit toilet. This modern infrastructure reflects the ongoing commitment to maintain the river’s health and accessibility.

Be mindful of Didymosphenia geminata, an invasive algae discovered here in recent years. Keeping boats and gear clean by rinsing off soil and drying equipment thoroughly before visiting other waterways helps protect native ecosystems.

For planning your trip, flows between 800 and 1500 CFS present the sweet spot where the rapids come to life without becoming overly technical or hazardous. While the river is suitable for paddlers progressing beyond the beginner stage, its forgiving nature makes it a favorite for skill-building and day trips. Shuttle services are readily available from local outfitters like Smoky Mountain River Adventures and Dillsboro River Company, simplifying logistics.

This section of the Tuck invites paddlers to engage with a river that feels alive — currents pushing, waves rising and subsiding, demanding attentiveness and rewarding with thrills. Practical planning combined with a readiness to read the water will make for an experience that is both invigorating and dependable, a gateway to whitewater enjoyment within the scenic embrace of North Carolina’s protected wildlands.