With more than 2,000 miles of rivers and the most whitewater rivers in the southeastern U.S., North Carolina is a paddler’s paradise. From mellow riffles and Class I rapids to more challenging runs, North Carolina’s whitewater scene has something for all experience levels. But one river has earned a reputation among experienced paddlers as a bucket list whitewater experience.

Known for its steep and technical rapids, the Cheoah River offers tantalizing Class III to V rapids that give even the most experienced paddlers a thrill. There’s just one catch …

Cheoah River History

Like many rivers across the country, the Cheoah River is controlled by a dam. For more than 70 years, the 9-mile section of the Cheoah River between the Santeelah Dam and Lake Calderwood at the convergence of the Little Tennessee River was dewatered, which means the once-powerful river was reduced to an average flow of 250 CFS.

Thankfully, after years of lobbying, American Whitewater and its local partners were able to negotiate for scheduled releases. Since 2005, the river has returned to its former glory at least 18 times annually for recreation and ecological purposes. That means you can have a chance to experience the iconic rapids on the Cheoah River — if you time it right.

Paddling a Scheduled Release on the Cheoah River

During scheduled water releases, approximately 1,000 CFS of water flow through the Santeelah Dam. The result is 14 Class III+ to Class V rapids in a 9-mile stretch, with additional smaller rapids mixed in. Most releases are planned for weekends in the spring through fall. To plan a trip to paddle the Cheoah River, check the Graham County Travel website for details on the annual release schedule.

Of course, release schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors, so double-check closer to your target release date to confirm everything is happening as planned. Advance permits aren’t required, but the U.S. Forest Service requires each individual to purchase a day pass — available from local vendors at the put-in — to access the river during high-flow events.

Guided Experiences on the Cheoah River

Think you’re up for the challenge, but apprehensive about setting out on your own? Opt for a guided paddle with a local outfitter. These expert guides bring a deep understanding of whitewater paddling and knowledge specific to the Cheoah River to all their trips so they can help intermediate and advanced paddlers take on challenging rapids safely.

Check out trips with outfitters like Nantahala Outdoor Center or Endless River Adventures to see if a guided paddle is the right move for you.

Beginner-Friendly Alternatives

While the Cheoah River is suitable for experienced paddlers, there are still plenty of ways for beginners to enjoy the area. Camp on the shores of Lake Santeelah, just upriver from the whitewater put-in, at Cheoah Point Campground. This beachfront recreation area offers first-come, first-served campsites for tents and RVs.

Enjoy easy access to the 2,800-acre lake, which is open for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. Or use the lake as a launchpad for exploring hiking trails in the area. Don’t miss a chance to grab a bite at the Historic Tapoco Lodge. Situated on the bank of the Cheoah River, the lodge offers prime views of the whitewater action.

If you’re keen on whitewater but aren’t ready to tackle the Cheoah, head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. Home to the world’s largest manmade whitewater river, the center is well-equipped to help novice paddlers explore the sport and allow more experienced paddlers to take their skills to the next level — all in a controlled environment.

Explore North Carolina Responsibly

Let’s work together to keep North Carolina a paradise for paddling and other on-the-water activities for future generations. Learn how with Leave No Trace tips from Outdoor NC. Then, join the movement to protect North Carolina’s cherished outdoor spaces.

This post was sponsored by Visit North Carolina.

As North Carolina legislative leaders begin to negotiate a spending plan for the next two years, they’ll have a little less money to work with than expected.

Economic forecasters who work in state government have revised their budget projections downward for the next two years.

Forecasters at the legislature and the Office of State Budget and Management come to what’s known as a consensus revenue forecast every year. Then they revise it after the April 15 tax deadline.

The forecasters tend to take a conservative approach, so revised budget projections often provide good news for the state in the form of more revenue coming in than initially anticipated.

But that wasn’t the case this year.

The budget forecast released in February projected the state would collect $544 million more in taxes than expected this fiscal year, but after tax season. Now they expect collections total to be about $364 million. The state’s budget is about $32.6 billion. Forecasters say business tax collections are down slightly because rising costs are cutting into taxable revenues.

The forecast for surplus tax collection in the 2025-26 fiscal year has also been revised downward slightly by $217.6 million or 0.6%. And the forecast for 2026-27 is down a bit more, by $222.4 million or 0.7%

The Office of State Budget and Management ascribed the revision in part to “a weakening outlook for wage and profit growth.”

“Recent business surveys show fewer businesses expect to raise workers’ wages, with many expressing renewed focus on cutting costs to support profitability amid higher prices for imports,” OSBM said in a statement.

Forecasters also predicted slower growth in sales taxes due to lagging wage growth, tariffs and heightened economic uncertainty.

Larger-than-expected tax collections in years past have helped North Carolina build a rainy-day fund — which in turn has helped the state quickly react to unexpected events such as Hurricane Helene, the September storm that caused about $60 billion in damage and left more than 100 North Carolinians dead.

Democratic Gov. Josh Stein seized the news of the budget revision to call on Republican state lawmakers to drop their plans for future tax cuts. His budget proposal called for freezing taxes at their current levels.

“This news comes in the midst of an uncertain economy and federal budget pressures that may put funding for critical resources including Medicaid and SNAP in jeopardy,” Stein said. “It also comes as we find ourselves on the hook for even more Hurricane Helene recovery expenses.”

“We need to balance our books, not bury our heads in the sand,” he concluded.

Demi Dowdy, a spokeswoman for Republican North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, provided WRAL News with a statement on Thursday.

“Joe Biden’s legacy of sky high inflation continues, but we’re confident President Trump’s policies will bring economic growth just as they did in his first term,” Dowdy wrote. “Meanwhile, the North Carolina House will continue to pursue fiscally conservative state budgets.”

Republican Senate leaders didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

• Now Playing

  Trump’s FEMA denies North Carolina’s request for Hurricane Helene aid

  02:42

• UP NEXT

  

  4-year-old could ‘die within days’ if deported under Trump order, doctors say

  06:00

• 

  Trump pardons criminals with MAGA ties or deep pockets

  11:03

• 

  ‘Not even remotely normal’: New concern over Trump’s rambling speeches, posts

  06:55

• 

  Hayes: We are more powerful than ‘one petty, addled man’—and Trump knows it

  09:39

• 

  Trump admin escalates fight with Harvard, bars enrollment of international students

  09:02

• 

  ‘Met Gala of pay-for-play’: Trump crypto dinner is brazenly corrupt, says Hayes

  08:08

• 

  ‘I regret voting for you’: Van Hollen clashes with Marco Rubio in heated exchange

  08:06

• 

  ‘We need to do some rewriting’: Trump official caught trying to alter intel report

  07:06

• 

  Former Sen. Jon Tester warns ‘Congress has ceded all power’ to Trump

  08:26

• 

  RFK Jr. grilled over health department cuts

  05:58

• 

  ‘Political retribution’: Newark mayor speaks out on Trump DOJ charging Dem congresswoman

  07:03

• 

  ‘Hand-me-down’: How Trump got his jet from Qatar

  03:15

• 

  Supreme Court hears birthright citizenship challenge

  10:57

• 

  Sen. Sanders presses Secretary Kennedy on cuts to cancer research

  06:03

• 

  Democrats win upset victory in Omaha mayoral race

  02:17

• 

  ‘Death sentence’: Sen. Sanders on GOP Medicaid cuts

  06:39

• 

  RFK Jr. swims with grandchildren in contaminated creek

  08:01

• 

  Sen. Elizabeth Warren on Trump corruption

  10:30

• 

  ‘Dark joke’: MAHA influencer with no medical license tapped as Trump surgeon general

  06:32

Despite Trump’s promises to help victims of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina governor received a letter from FEMA denying the state’s request for full funding to aid the ongoing recovery efforts. May 29, 2025

Read More

Advertisement

• Now Playing

  Trump’s FEMA denies North Carolina’s request for Hurricane Helene aid

  02:42

• UP NEXT

  

  4-year-old could ‘die within days’ if deported under Trump order, doctors say

  06:00

• 

  Trump pardons criminals with MAGA ties or deep pockets

  11:03

• 

  ‘Not even remotely normal’: New concern over Trump’s rambling speeches, posts

  06:55

• 

  Hayes: We are more powerful than ‘one petty, addled man’—and Trump knows it

  09:39

• 

  Trump admin escalates fight with Harvard, bars enrollment of international students

  09:02

MSNBC HIGHLIGHTS (BEST OF MSNBC)

Play All

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Play All