Most reviews of the Nolichucky River as an attraction relate to white water rafting. The Chestoa Recreation Area is a small day use park open all year. It is located on Jones Branch Road 2/10 of a mile upstream from Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitters and 8/10 of a mile down stream from Nolichucky Gorge Campground. This free park has about a dozen picnic tables, grills changing rooms and vault toilets. The small sandy swimming area is shallow and safe. The Nolichucky is a world class small-mouth bass river and is stocked with large rainbow trout. Fishing is permitted in the park.and on the forest land on each side. The park is the " take out point " for three of five rafting companies and private boaters..It is also the " put in " for a more relaxed float down stream and tubing. Great place for lunch, but be cool with your beer . ,
Nolichucky rafting has been our favorite river experience. Jordan and the NOC outfitters are professional, passionate and fun. We highly recommend this adventure.
June 16,2014 .....The first time I swam in this river an also I am a good swimmer I refuse to ever get back in that river I went tubeing with some friends we had our tubes tide together we started at chestoa an went on down we came up to.some rapids the person in front of me flipped then my tube flipped the rapids pulled me streit to the bottom I kicked an kicked to come back up an after bein under for about 15 seconds I was to tired to move I finally started praying askin God to bring.me back up suddenly I felt somethin it me in the head an it was my friends foot I grabbed his foot he.new it was me an pulled me up I was least under water for 20 seconds all I did was thanked God for bringing me back up over an over again ....I advise any one to not swim in that river I'm only 21 years old an that was beyond the worst experience of my life
"The Best Day Ever"!Today I rafted with a great group of folks lead by Trey and his amazing team of experienced paddlers. The Nolichucky was swollen and there were plenty of waves to crash into. The mix of humor, professionalism, and service was fantastically refreshing. If you are traveling near Erwin, TN or are thinking of planning a trip to go river rafting, you can't go wrong picking the NOC's Nolichucky Express Experience.
I have been a professional river guide for years. When my guest ask "where is your most favorite river you have ever paddle?" My response is always, "the nolichucky in east tennessee, and I have paddled up and down the east coast."
Liked the rafting, wish the water was higher, but USA Raft can't help that. The river was at 675 cfs, so sometimes the raft would hang up on a rock, but guide was great at getting us off.
beautiful river, highly knowledgeable and professional staff. we had 18 people in our group and we all had an awesome time. The staff was incredible!!!
Nolichucky River with Wahoo Outfitters. We had a great trip - including one 6 year old who thought it was better than Disney! Challenging & fun rapids and first class guides.
Great guides. Beautiful scenery. And , best of all a GREAT ride!. We did the afternoon trip which was perfect.
The Nolichucky River when running at 5,000 cfs is DANGEROUS! Our trip was late July 2013. Six of us and guide began the adventure down the river. In less than 10 minutes one adult male dropped off because wave hit so hard he injured neck. Five of us decided to continue...big mistake. Three were EJECTED from the raft, two got in quickly, my fit 200 lb. husband was over powered by rapids. Now raft is backwards and stuck between two bolders and a 6 to 7 foot drop waterfall. This happens in seconds. I see my husband standing in the middle calm section if river. Guide tells us we're going to pick him up, but to hold on cause of the drop we are going to encounter. We reach my husband he's pulled in at the speed of lightening and we're trying to stay in raft. The rapids were class four. Folks class four rapids are for ONLY experienced rafters that want an extreme challenge. We saw other rafters getting ejected too. This was a very dangerous trip. I'd compare it to skidding on black ice towards a cliff. There is no way out! Educate yourself before you get on the raft. Goggle cfs of nolichucky river before you commit. Don't raft without a guide or if river is more than 2500 cfs.