APEs’ Class III/IV Cruise Director Wesley Bradley (left) explains to Ryan Stephens and Ming Stephens the line to take at the start of the Nolichucky Gorge First Timers paddle. Photo: Karissa Miller.
Join us for APEs’ crown jewel river trips on the Nolichucky Gorge and Lower Noli!
Register by Thursday, September 5, 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!
REGISTRATION:
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT ONLINE AS A “MEMBER” THROUGH THE MEMBERSHIP PORTAL. The picnic is free for members, and the cost of the picnic this year ($20) is the cost of our membership, so you receive a one-year membership to APEs if your membership is not current. SIGN UP FOR THE EVENT AT NO COST INSIDE THE JOINIT ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SYSTEM. Trouble registering or questions about membership? Contact Lisa Cedrone by text 941.952.8188.
From left: Wesley Bradley and Trish Hipgrave pose for a picture on the Nolichucky Gorge First Timers paddle. Photo: Karissa Miller.