Noli First Timers RSVP
Trip Information & Logistics
Join us for APEs’ crown jewel river trips on the Nolichucky Gorge and Lower Noli!
Register by Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Nolichucky Gorge Trip meets at 10:00 a.m.
Lower Noli Trip meets 12:00 p.m
Catered Taco Bar Picnic at 5:00 p.m.
River Trip Logistics
NOLICHUCKY GORGE River Trip (Class III/IV*) led by APEs’ President Brad Eldridge
Additional Cost: $5.00 per person for USA Raft shuttle and parking pass.
*Please be mindful of the water level for the day and your whitewater skill set. Please also ensure you bring a whitewater boat suitable for the river conditions. Low water flow (<600 CFS) will be more technical with a creek-like feel and broaches will occur more often without good boat control. Higher water flow (1,500> CFS) will be more pushy and swims can be long and boat/gear loss can occur. We will have the trip from 250 – 3,000 CFS. However, to ensure the safety of all participants on this trip, we may require first timers to execute a few basic paddling maneuvers and/or practice rolls/self-rescue in flat water to qualify at the put-in before we head on down the river if the flow is not in optimal ranges (600 – 1,200 CFS).
Meet at the USA Raft Outpost (This will be the trip take-out) at 10:00 a.m. When you arrive, go to the USA Raft store to fill out a waiver and pay $5 for shuttle/parking pass. Then help load your boat. USA Raft will be shuttling our group up to the put-in using one of their raft buses/vans and a boat trailer. This will make our logistics easier, and our cars will be waiting for us back at the take-out when we get off the river.
LOWER NOLICHUCKY River Trip from USA Raft Outpost to Sawmill (Class I-II) led by Steve Davis.
Plan to play a lot and maybe even stop and go swimming. A snack break will be included to make it a fun day on the lower!
Meet at the USA Raft Outpost (this will be the trip put-in) at 12:00 p.m. to set shuttle for the Lower Noli Trip.
Picnic Info
Picnic will be a catered taco bar by USA Raft. If you do wish to bring adult beverages for after-river refreshment, USA Raft has asked that you drink them from a cup. (NO glass or cans!) The Take-Out Bar will be open for business at USA Raft, so please support our host if possible.
What to Bring:
$5.00 cash per person for shuttle/parking pass for Noli Gorge run. Note: You also must sign a waiver for the shuttle at the USA Raft Store.
Appropriate whitewater boat, paddle and gear that you own.
Camp chair for seating at picnic.
Lodging/Camping:
If you are coming from out of town for this event and need a place to stay overnight or for the weekend, USA Adventure Resort is offering a 15 percent discount to event participants. Just mention “APEs First Timers Trip” when booking for the discount. Contact USA Raft direct at 800.872.7238.
Event Contacts:
Noli Gorge River Trip & Picnic—Brad Eldridge: 423.737.2704 email: drbraddc@gmail.com.
Lower Noli River Trip—Steve Davis: 423.431.8463 | email: stevietodd8463@gmail.com
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We hope to see you on the Noli!