The Upper Whitewater River run between Highway 107 and Highway 281 offers a pulse-raising mix of steep drops, technical challenges, and brief stretches of calm that characterize this short but fierce mountain creek. Clocking in at just under four miles, this section packs a sustained punch with its Class IV to V+ rapids, demanding sharp focus and confident paddling from seasoned boaters ready to meet its challenges.

From the very first paddle stroke, the river sets a brisk tempo. After putting in near Highway 107, expect roughly 1.2 miles of flatwater dotted with frequent logjams that test your maneuvering skills. Most obstacles here invite boofs and ducks at moderate flows, but as volumes rise, short portages become necessary to avoid snags that might otherwise end your trip prematurely.

The adrenaline ramps up quickly with the opening drop—a sheer, bedrock sieving obstacle where the river drops 15 to 20 feet into a tight slot. This rapid demands respect: missing the tiny, elusive eddy on river right above the drop can be unforgiving. Experienced paddlers use this eddy to safely exit the river and portage around the hazard, descending a narrow rocky path to re-launch below. Timing and communication here are critical to avoid dangerous pile-ups at the river's most delicate choke point.

Immediately downstream looms the infamous Mini-Gorge. This severe sequence has earned a reputation as one of the Southeast's most committing whitewater challenges. It features multiple hydraulics leading into a 25-30 foot waterfall that requires a precise line and total commitment. Most paddlers opt to portage left above the entrance slide, following a faint fisherman’s trail to avoid the daunting pockets and wood hazards that complicate any attempt to run it. For those equipped and confident enough to run, a sketchy seal launch from river right offers an entry point, but this move is reserved only for the most skilled.

After this high-stakes stretch, the river relaxes briefly into lush rhododendron groves and manageable Class I-II rapids before building again towards a series of distinct drops:

• Bedrock Betty, a long sliding rapid with a fun sequence of ledges and a rewarding boof near the bottom.
• Merge Lane, notable for its massive hole at the base that commands scouting and strategic line choices.
• The gorge-drop named 55 mph, a compact powerhouse of a rapid with a 15-foot plunge into a chaotic pool sealed by holes and underscored by hidden hazards.
• Big Ledge, which splits into two primary lines offering either a challenging boof or a tight, technical descent.

One of the unique features here is the 'Wheelchair Accessible' rapid, which earns its nickname from a natural ramp on river right that allows safer scouting and portaging on that side.

The final major drop, a solid 20-footer, demands precision boofing off a narrow lip to avoid shoreline rocks. While the drop can be run, many paddlers choose to portage left for safety, particularly at lower flows. Below this, a twisting Class IV bedrock sluice leads into a more relaxed Class III-IV paddle that guides you down to Highway 281, where the takeout awaits.

Beyond the bridge, if your appetite for adrenaline holds, a few final Class III-IV rapids lead right up to the base of the Southeast's largest waterfall, a 400-foot cascade known as Whitewater Falls. Approaching this finale requires caution and an understanding that parking location and egress routes are critical to avoid dangerous terrain.

Planning this run demands attention to water levels, scouting expertise, and a willingness to portage around the most dangerous sections. The shuttle is straightforward and rapid—only 12 to 15 minutes from takeout back to the put-in, with public access points near Highway 107 and Highway 281 serving as practical launch and exit zones.

For those ready to push into this technical corridor, preparation should include solid helmets, throw ropes, and awareness of the river’s aggressive current measures. The whitewater here is less about continuous waves and more about precise moves, timing, and respect for the river's natural challenges. When the flow is medium to medium-high, the river reveals its best lines, offering both thrilling boofs and the chance to test your skills in one of the Southeast’s boldest whitewater experiences.

Whether you’re aiming to tick off a bucket-list run or sharpening your creeking skills in the Appalachians, the Upper Whitewater River delivers a compact but intense day on the water that rewards caution paired with bold paddling.