Carving a path through the Nantahala Gorge, the Upper Nantahala River section from Route 1310 Bridge to Highway 19 invites paddlers into a precise, pulse-quickening whitewater experience. Spanning 3.3 miles with an average gradient of 100 feet per mile, this run commands respect with continuous Class III+ rapids demanding technical paddling skills. Starting at the Route 1310 Bridge, the river greets you with the Magic Carpet Ride rapid—the name holds a promise of fluid movement and choice. Whether you slide smoothly off the mossy rocks or launch a solid boof at higher flows, it’s a stirring opener that leads into PB&J, the route’s centerpiece rapid. PB&J is a multi-drop challenge where flow conditions redefine the line you’ll navigate—well below 400 cfs, punch through the hole on the main drop. Above that, the rapid shifts character, making the middle and river right lines more demanding and dynamic. Scouting is essential here; the rapid comes alive quickly once your boat hits the current.

Beyond PB&J, the river unfolds through a sequence of rapids with distinctive personalities—Camp Branch Falls, Jungle Boogie, and Bridal Veil each carve the water into moving puzzles. You’ll encounter a mix of sliding waves and clean drops with the river’s tempo dictating your approach. At Troll Hole, amidst eddying waters under the third bridge, the rapid’s shifting features offer multiple tactical lines depending on water level, but always keep a cautious eye on the bridge pilings. The fast boogie of S-Turn flows into the technical Mank/Fraggle Rock—a rock garden that grows uglier with rising water and requires sharp line-reading to avoid a notorious hole on river left. From here, the river relaxes into an extended wave train leading into Island Rapid near the endpoint. This final challenge demands precision to bypass submerged rocks and trees, especially at flows over 600 cfs.

Launching at Route 1310 Bridge offers roadside access with a short descent via concrete steps to river right, accompanied by a spacious parking turnaround designed for shuttle logistics. The take-out lies downstream at the Nantahala River Launch Site, a convenient paved area outfitted for easy loading after your run. This entire stretch is road-scoutable, allowing paddlers to assess hazards and scout difficult rapids before committing.

The Upper Nantahala thrives on carefully managed water releases, notably during summer events like the Week of Rivers and the Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Guest Appreciation Festival. Outside these times, flows depend on bypass releases or rainfall, making it crucial to monitor the local gauge at Hewitt, NC, to anticipate river conditions. The river currently sits at 849 cfs, considered below the recommended range for peak enjoyment—but still runnable with technical focus.

This section demands proactive preparation: paddle at flows tuned to your skill level, scout rapids before running, and approach each hole and wave with calculated timing. Footwear should be secure and tough, while hydration strategies should anticipate the full-day commitment often required to shuttle, paddle, and regroup.

In all, the Upper Nantahala River is a focused adventure. It presses paddlers to engage with fast-moving water that communicates its shifts and challenges with clear signals, not hiding its hazards but daring you to respond in kind. For those ready to step into a compelling mix of technical maneuvers and flowing momentum, this run delivers a vivid, rewarding taste of Appalachian whitewater.