The Appalachian Voice
Energy News Bites
The EPA did not update oil & gas waste rules despite protest, and is expected to change air pollution calculations to decrease health damage estimates. South Carolina passed an electric co-op transparency bill; West Virginia issued a pipeline permit without public input; and Murray Energy lost a labor rights appeal.
Read MoreNorth Carolina: Green and South Fork of the New rivers
Green River Gorge Location: The Green is located near Saluda, N.C., in Polk and Henderson counties. How to access: The gorge has three sections — the Lower Green, the Upper Green and the Narrows. There are specific put-in and take-out spots for each section, and visitors should be aware of which section they are entering,…
Read MoreMaryland: Youghiogheny
Youghiogheny River Location: The Youghiogheny is a 132-mile tributary of the Monongahela River. It begins in West Virginia, flowing through Maryland’s Garrett County and the town of Oakland before entering Pennsylvania. How to access: The Youghiogheny has several public access points maintained by volunteers that include places to make donations, which help volunteers run the…
Read MoreKentucky: Rockcastle and Russell Fork rivers
Rockcastle River Location: The Rockcastle River (pictured on the cover of this issue) flows through portions of Jackson, Rockcastle, Laurel and Pulaski counties in Kentucky. How to access: The put-ins and take-outs for different sections are located along roads and bridges, with the access points visible from the roads. Visit tinyurl.com/rockcastle-river. Difficulty: This river is…
Read MoreOhio: Licking River
Licking River Main Branch Location: The Licking River is a part of the Mississippi River watershed and is located in central Ohio near Newark. How to access: The Riverview Reserve, a 110-acre nature preserve, has an accessible boat launch. From here, paddlers can access the easier section that goes through Blackhand Gorge. The whitewater section…
Read MoreTennessee: Tellico River and Norris Lake
Tellico River Location: The Tellico River is approximately 60 miles from Knoxville and 90 miles from Chattanooga. The river primarily runs through Monroe County near Tellico Plains. How to access: The aptly named River Road provides several access points. All the rapids on this river are within view of the road, which makes it easier…
Read MoreVirginia: Clinch and Maury rivers
Clinch River Location: The Clinch River forms in Tazewell County, Va., flowing unfettered through Southwest Virginia on its way to Tennessee, where it encounters two dams before joining the Tennessee River. How to access: The Virginia section of the Clinch hosts numerous launch and take-out sites. Review a map and mileage information at clinchriverva.com. Difficulty:…
Read MoreSouth Carolina: Pacolet River
Pacolet River Location: The Pacolet River runs through northwestern South Carolina near the towns of Spartanburg and Lockhart. How to access: There are several access points to the river, and the river flows close to major roads and highways that make it highly accessible. The first access point is located on River Street in Clifton,…
Read MoreWest Virginia: Cheat River and Summersville Lake
Cheat River Location: The Cheat River flows north through northeastern West Virginia, near the towns of Rowlesburg and Albright. Difficulty: The Upper Cheat north of Parsons is a Class I river with excellent camping and fishing opportunities. The river’s Narrows section is characterized by Class II and III rapids, though it can be more advanced…
Read MoreGeorgia: Toccoa River
Toccoa River Location: The Toccoa River’s primary paddling routes are near the town of Blue Ridge in northwest Georgia. Difficulty: The Toccoa is a Class I and II river —with one II+ rapid — and provides training opportunities for beginning whitewater paddlers. It is best suited for canoes or long kayaks because of its flatwater…
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