Kayaking Archives < Appalachian Voices

Farmer and Activist Completes 2,000-mile Paddle

By Lorelei Goff | November 1, 2024 |

When Ann Rose left her home in Lansing, North Carolina, she had no idea what she was in for on her nearly 2,000-mile kayak trek to the Gulf.

The Whitewater Spirit

By The Appalachian Voice | June 7, 2019 |

These accomplished women paddlers are making a a positive impact on the region’s rivers and those who navigate them.

Keeping the Nolichucky “Wild and Scenic”

By Lorelei Goff | June 7, 2019 |

A grassroots effort to protect the Nolichucky River has the support of lawmakers, outdoor enthusiasts, businesses and more.

Paddling Treasures

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |

A guide to some of the region’s best boating spots.

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…

Tennessee: Tellico River and Norris Lake

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |

kayaker paddles over a ten foot waterfall

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…

Virginia: Clinch and Maury rivers

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |

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:…

South Carolina: Pacolet River

By AV's Intern Team | June 7, 2019 |

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,…

Georgia: Toccoa River

By Molly Moore | June 7, 2019 |

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…