The Watauga Gorge offers an intense whitewater experience that challenges paddlers with a blend of technical rapids and dynamic river features spread over a compact 4.8-mile stretch. Originating at Guy's Ford Bridge and flowing through a sharp rocky corridor, this section has a reputation built on precise boat control and rapid-reading skills, where every bend presents a new test. The river’s current pushes decisively against obstacles—broach rocks, sieves, and undercuts—that demand full attention and smooth maneuvering to avoid pins or strainers. From the first warm-up rapid, Cabin, paddlers encounter a pour-over hole that sets the tone, requiring calculated power through narrow channels and around submerged hazards.

Bump & Grind raises the stakes, presenting two main lines with options for boofs and powerful ferries that separate skilled boaters from the reckless. As you progress, Sh#t-kicker, known for its pin slots and boulder gardens, forces quick decisions to avoid getting trapped by powerful sieves, while Hydro, a complex V-class rapid, tests persistence with sticky stoppers and a hefty final hole that needs scouting or cautious portaging. The flow continuously tests adaptability — Split Decision and Vernon's Folly invite a dance of eddy hops and quick lines with frequent holes challenging your focus.

Edge of the World, a multi-act rapid, throws narrow slots, big boofs, and several serious holes into play. It’s a playground for those who appreciate varied lines and risky maneuvers, with the threat of a significant ledge hole that can turn unforgiving at higher flows. Blow Job, a subtle but tricky class III+ drop, warns paddlers of hidden hazards like underwater trees and sticky holes, encouraging thorough scouting and precision at moderate water levels.

Then comes Heavy Water, the longest stretch of continuous whitewater on this run, weaving through powerful currents and guarded eddies, demanding stamina and attention to detail to avoid rocks and to correctly read complicated waves. Knuckles, with its pronounced pin potential, rewards exact boat placement but punishes missteps swiftly. The final section is marked by Stateline Falls, a formidable 16-foot drop that commands respect with its technical lead-in and multiple route options, followed by the more forgiving Boof Falls, Last Hair, and Rewind, which wind down the experience but still require skill to navigate efficiently.

Public access has been preserved thoughtfully, with the put-in at Guy's Ford Bridge secured through local partnership and the take-out managed by American Whitewater at Sherwood Horine Access. This stretch is not just a river run; it’s a technical course that demands preparation—hydration, good footwear for portages, helmet, and a drysuit or wetsuit depending on the season—to match the river’s intensity and ever-changing character. Current flows around 500 cfs are ideal for balanced lines with exhilarating but manageable challenges, while lower flows increase pin risks and higher flows amplify holes and currents.

Hurricane Helene’s impact has altered some rapids, shifting rocks and changing channels, so scouting remains critical. Drivers accessing the put-in and take-out should stay vigilant, moving slowly as the access roads weave through quiet rural neighborhoods with children and animals nearby. This run carries the enduring spirit of the Appalachian paddling community, inviting well-prepared boaters to explore one of the Southeast’s most demanding and rewarding whitewater stretches—with every rapid daring you to sharpen your skills and stay alert to the river's relentless energy.