The Nolichucky River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southeast and is famous for its dramatic unaltered scenery of steep cliffs, rocky outcrops, and lush forest areas. The Nolichucky Gorge is a paradise for rafters, kayakers, fisherman, tubers, and hikers.
The Nolichucky River offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance, making it a noteworthy destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Johnson City, TN: 25 minutes
Asheville, NC: 45 minutes
Knoxville, TN: 2 hours
Tri Cities Regional Airport (TRI): 30 minutes
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): 50 hour
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS): 90 minutes
The river served as a crucial route for trade and travel among Native American tribes, connecting various communities in the region and serving as a settlement for the Chickamauga. Its name is derived from a Cherokee word thought to mean “Rushing Water.”
In 1772, Jacob Brown settled on its banks, and it became an important part of early American frontier life. The fertile lands along the river were ideal for farming, and the river itself was used for transportation and as a power source for mills and other industries. David Crockett was born on its banks in 1786.
By the 20th century, a railroad was constructed along the riverbanks, making it an important commerce route connecting the coalfields of Virginia and Kentucky to the textile mills and markets in the Carolinas and beyond. It served as a major transportation route for nearly 80 years.
Today, it has evolved into a hub for recreation and conservation.
The Nolichucky freely flows 115 miles through Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Its headwaters are at the highest point east of the Rockies at Mount Mitchell on the North Toe River. The Nolichucky River begins near Poplar, NC and ends in Douglas Lake, TN. It eventually ends up in the Gulf of Mexico.