ERWIN, Tenn. — After spending 24 years leading rafting adventures on the Nolichucky River Gorge for various companies, Patrick Mannion finally secured a permit last year to launch his own outfitting business, Osprey Whitewater. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has cast doubt on whether he will continue operations into a second year.
The flooding caused by the hurricane in September significantly impacted the fall rafting season, devastating the mountainous area straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Entire homes and miles of railroad tracks were swept into the river, leading to immense losses for local outfitters. Many guides faced loss of homes and even friends, while the river’s landscape transformed dramatically.
As the spring season approaches next month, outfitters are grappling with a lack of communication from the U.S. Forest Service, the agency responsible for managing the river corridor and issuing the essential operational permits. Mannion expressed his frustration, noting the unpredictability of the season’s end. “It’s been an interesting, interesting first season,” he remarked, reflecting on his vast experience navigating the picturesque 8-mile gorge, claiming he’s traversed it more than 3,500 times. “It was certainly not the end of our first season that we were hoping for.”
Rafting on the Nolichucky River plays a vital role in the local outdoor tourism sector, which generated over $18 million in visitor expenditures in Unicoi County, Tennessee, in 2022. Unlike most southeastern rivers that are dam-controlled, the upper Nolichucky flows naturally, resulting in unique adventures for those who seek thrill and excitement. Its remote setting, bordered by national forests and occasionally interrupted by a passing CSX train, enhances its appeal as an outdoor wilderness experience.
“There’s no cellphone service,” Mannion noted, describing the region. “It’s rugged. It’s wild and scenic. It’s the steepest, the deepest, and the most remote river corridor that’s commercially rafted in the southeastern United States.” He affectionately referred to the river as “my therapy.”
Matt Moses, who leads USA Raft, recognized as the largest and oldest outfitter on the river, faced severe losses due to the floods, which devastated facilities including campgrounds and essential equipment. Although he is determined to rebuild, he mentioned the Forest Service is complicating matters.
“This is typically when larger groups start booking trips with us,” Moses explained, adding that while staff are available to answer inquiries, they are unable to accept reservations. He expressed concern over the uncertainty of their future, stating, “I’m not taking anybody’s money. I’ve got enough refunds I’m trying to figure out.”
The Forest Service has temporarily closed the boat ramps located in Poplar, North Carolina, and Erwin, Tennessee, which are crucial for launching and retrieving rafts. Meanwhile, CSX Transportation is utilizing these access points to facilitate the reconstruction of the extensive railroad tracks lost in the floods, an additional worry for the whitewater community.
Mannion, while supportive of the repair efforts for the train tracks, is troubled by the heavy machinery removing materials from the riverbed for the reconstruction of the railbed and embankment. Concern deepened following a lawsuit filed by nonprofit organizations like American Whitewater and American Rivers in November, alleging that federal regulators failed to uphold the Clean Water Act and to monitor ongoing work. In winter conditions, kayakers have been documenting the damages to the river, capturing perspectives not visible from the shore.
In December, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers referenced footage indicating “potentially unauthorized work being conducted in the Nolichucky River.” They subsequently issued a temporary halt to construction. Later permits raised concerns among environmental advocates about the inadequacy of protective measures for the river. An attorney representing the Southern Environmental Law Center suggested that CSX’s approach of using riverbed materials for construction could lead to detrimental impacts on water quality, scenery, and overall river health.
Mannion expressed frustration over the contrasting regulatory hurdles he faced versus the leeway given to CSX. “In the grand scheme of things, we just want to ensure everything is being properly handled, especially in this remote area, to guarantee some oversight,” he said, questioning why the same scrutiny wasn’t applied to CSX as it would be in more populated areas like downtown Erwin.
In defense of their operations, CSX President and CEO Joe Hinrichs conveyed their commitment to cooperating with the Corps to oversee the project, reassuring that they aim to improve the territory.
Despite the turmoil, there remains a silver lining. The floods significantly altered the river, shifting large rocks and reshaping the channel, and outfitters are optimistic about the upcoming season. “The whitewater has gotten better,” said Brannon Schmidt from Blue Ridge Paddling. He even considered modifying the age limit for their trips, citing increased adventure levels. Schmidt and his brother had worked tirelessly for five years to secure their permits before finally launching in the past season.
While they managed to salvage much of their equipment, the flooding caused considerable damage to their facility that includes a taphouse. “We were all set to go big this season,” Brannon admitted. “Yeah, the flood definitely is derailing that for us.”
The timeline for reopening the river for commercial rafting remains unknown. A spokesperson for the Forest Service, Sheila Holifield, stated that the safety of rafters and commercial partners is a top priority while they assess hazards left behind by Hurricane Helene, urging the public to avoid the river for their safety. As uncertainty looms regarding permits and the situation with CSX, outfitters like Schmidt find it challenging to plan for their future.
“It’s hard to talk about financial decisions like where your money’s going to go to rebuild,” he reflected, adding, “Are we even going to rebuild? Will the river be ruined? You know, there are all these questions.”
