Lower Noli Run (Trestle to Sawmill)
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Who: This event is for Veterans and family members that have completed the Newcomers: Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking. New Boaters: Please verify with the trip leader that you have demonstrated the skills required for this section. We may have some alternate options for those who want to see the river but aren’t quite ready to do it in a kayak. Reach out to us if you’re interested!
Trip Leader: Jess Christian
Event: Lower Noli Run (Trestle to Sawmill)
River Class: I - II(III)
When: July 18th
Length/Average Time of Run: 5.5 miles/3-4 hrs on water
Where: Meet at Chestoa Recreation Area 4 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650 at 1pm
Equipment:
Each participant will need to bring: Non-cotton clothing appropriate for cold water + forecast temperatures, closed toed water shoes that will stay on in the river, hydration source (water bottle, Gatorade, etc), and snacks as needed.
Items provided by TRR: Helmet, Boat, Paddle, Skirt, PFD, Dry Bag, some water shoes are available as needed.
Safety boaters will carry throw ropes, a first aid kit, and other appropriate safety gear.
Questions: Can be posted in the event or by using the Team Reach app, code TRRJC423. An email address is all that is required for sign-up, which will remain confidential within the app. You can track all events and communicate with all members directly within the app.
River Information:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1767/main - *The description at this link was written pre-Helene. Some details are similar, but the river has changed. TRR’s trip leaders and safety boaters have paddled this many times since Helene and are familiar with the changes.*
If you’ve joined us for park and play sessions at either Chestoa or Pyranha, you’re already familiar with the lower Nolichucky River. With this river run, we will be connecting the dots. We will start just upstream of Chestoa at the railroad trestle, paddle through Chestoa and London, then continue downstream just past our Pyranha location to an area known as “Sawmill”, a public access area on Hwy 81.
This section is approximately 5-6 hours long. We expect the trip to take 3-4 hours depending on water level, and how fast our group chooses to travel. Please bring appropriate amounts of water and food/snacks. The water in the summer is generally warm, but the temperature often drops just after rain brings the water level up. Dress appropriately for the forecast on trip day. We recommend dressing a little warm as it’s much easier to cool off than to warm up when cold.
We will experience mostly class II rapids, with one rapid that can be considered class III. Radio Tower/Radio Wave was named for the large radio tower just upstream that was an unmissable landmark, until Helene took it out in 2024. As of now, the rapid retains its name. It begins with a very shallow rock garden which narrows until it pours over a ledge into a wave train that barrels into a sharp turn against a rock wall on river right. Afterward, the river calms into a brief flat pool which makes for a great resting spot in case of any swims.
There are 3 more class II rapids after Radio Tower before we’ll reach a slow-moving wide area of the river for a mile or two. This is great for floating and relaxing or practicing strokes. Then the speed picks back up again with a splashy fun class II+ rapid just above Pyranha. Below Pyranha is a long series of ledges with lots of possible paths to explore before we come to our takeout at Sawmill.
Trip Leader: Jess Christian
Event: Lower Noli Run (Trestle to Sawmill)
River Class: I - II(III)
When: July 18th
Length/Average Time of Run: 5.5 miles/3-4 hrs on water
Where: Meet at Chestoa Recreation Area 4 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650 at 1pm
Equipment:
Each participant will need to bring: Non-cotton clothing appropriate for cold water + forecast temperatures, closed toed water shoes that will stay on in the river, hydration source (water bottle, Gatorade, etc), and snacks as needed.
Items provided by TRR: Helmet, Boat, Paddle, Skirt, PFD, Dry Bag, some water shoes are available as needed.
Safety boaters will carry throw ropes, a first aid kit, and other appropriate safety gear.
Questions: Can be posted in the event or by using the Team Reach app, code TRRJC423. An email address is all that is required for sign-up, which will remain confidential within the app. You can track all events and communicate with all members directly within the app.
River Information:
https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/view/river-detail/1767/main - *The description at this link was written pre-Helene. Some details are similar, but the river has changed. TRR’s trip leaders and safety boaters have paddled this many times since Helene and are familiar with the changes.*
If you’ve joined us for park and play sessions at either Chestoa or Pyranha, you’re already familiar with the lower Nolichucky River. With this river run, we will be connecting the dots. We will start just upstream of Chestoa at the railroad trestle, paddle through Chestoa and London, then continue downstream just past our Pyranha location to an area known as “Sawmill”, a public access area on Hwy 81.
This section is approximately 5-6 hours long. We expect the trip to take 3-4 hours depending on water level, and how fast our group chooses to travel. Please bring appropriate amounts of water and food/snacks. The water in the summer is generally warm, but the temperature often drops just after rain brings the water level up. Dress appropriately for the forecast on trip day. We recommend dressing a little warm as it’s much easier to cool off than to warm up when cold.
We will experience mostly class II rapids, with one rapid that can be considered class III. Radio Tower/Radio Wave was named for the large radio tower just upstream that was an unmissable landmark, until Helene took it out in 2024. As of now, the rapid retains its name. It begins with a very shallow rock garden which narrows until it pours over a ledge into a wave train that barrels into a sharp turn against a rock wall on river right. Afterward, the river calms into a brief flat pool which makes for a great resting spot in case of any swims.
There are 3 more class II rapids after Radio Tower before we’ll reach a slow-moving wide area of the river for a mile or two. This is great for floating and relaxing or practicing strokes. Then the speed picks back up again with a splashy fun class II+ rapid just above Pyranha. Below Pyranha is a long series of ledges with lots of possible paths to explore before we come to our takeout at Sawmill.
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Where is it happening?
Chestoa Recreational Area, 96 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650-8910, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherTeam River Runner Johnson City
