Blue Ridge Outdoors June 2013

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Whats your big summer adventure?

w i l l h a r l a nWading and climbing up my favorite wild creeks to their headwaters.

a l i s h a l i t t l eSpending as much time in the Linville Gorge as possible.

j e n n i f e rd a v i sA 16-state book/hiking tour with my seven-month-old baby.

d a v e s t a l l a rdKayaking the Adirondacks Finger Lakes.

n i c k n o eIm going to the Canadian Rockies to race a mountain goat.

c h r i s g r a g t m a n sRacing the class V+ North Fork of the Payette in Idaho, and then doing a series of flatwater SUP

races in Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe.

c h a r l e s l e o n a rdMoving to Austin, Texas. Cheers everyone!

j o h n n y m o l l o yHeading north to paddle Maines Allagash Waterway.

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS MAGAZINE116 West Jefferson StreetCharlottesville, Virginia 22902p. 434-817-2755 f. 434-817-2760

56 College Street, Suite 303Asheville, North Carolina 28801p. 828-225-0868 f. 828-225-0878

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19 HEAD OF THE CLASSFrom class-I floats to class-V whitewater, weve selected the regions top 53 favorite rivers for paddling adventure. Did your favorite river make the list?

35 PARADISE FOUND Cannonball into the cold, clear natural pools of Southern Appalachias sweetest swimming holes.

47 BEYOND THE EDGEExtreme paddler Adam Herzog reflects on the friends he has madeand loston the river.

48 GLORY HOUNDSReaders selected their favorite paddling pups, hiking hounds, and climbing canines in our Dog Photo Contest. Which mutt is tops in the mountains?

features

J U N E 2 0 1 3

departments9 SWITCHBACkDams: thumbs up or thumbs down?

10 THE DIRTHiker falls into public toilet pit / Eating roadkill legalized / Urinal gaming / Drug testing for trail runners

12 TRAILHEADCell tower climber / Kayak fishing / Cold water queen / Synchronous fireflies

17 THE GOODSMake a splash with our favorite field-tested paddling gear

53 CALENDARPedal power: Long-distance rides on road and trail

54 TRAIL MIXComeback Kids: Bombadil gets a second chancee

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The NotchBy Jess Daddio

F R O M T H E F I E L D

Our new travel editor, Jess Daddio, is a top-notch whitewater paddler, but she wasn't always a bomber boater. Here she describes one of her first class-IV runs.

Its my first time creeking. The crystal blue waters of Whitetop Laurel near Damascus, Va., are swollen from weeks of winter rains and snowmelt. Along with my kayaking guru, Brandon, I am perched on a rock below a six-foot drop called The Notch, reading the water as it surges and bubbles.

Whatever you do, Brandon tells me, do not take a left stroke.The Notch is situated to the left of a solid rock wall. To be caught in

that wall-side eddy means certain carnage.The strokes come much slower than you think, continues Brandon.

You dont need a lot of speed. Just keep your boat angled to the left and pop off it.

I nod. Brandon slaps me on the back and turns to retrieve his boat upstream. I swallow hard and follow suit. Wedging myself into my kayak, I cinch the back band tight. Despite the cold, my palms begin to sweat as I wrap them around the paddle shaft.

I habitually replay every swim Ive ever had just before entering a rapid. Today proves to be no exception. The film reel starts. I shut my eyes.

Stop it, I mutter. You will not swim.Brandon looks back at me and nods. Ready? I nod back, peeling out

into the current. Brandon comes to the lip of the drop and glides off the left side into the eddy below.

Im only a boat length behind. Within seconds, Im at the edge of the drop. I lily dip my right blade into the current, not wanting to gain too much speed. Then, for reasons unknown, I throw a powerful left stroke as I soar off the drop.

The bottom of my boat smacks the surface. The pour-over from The Notch pounds my upstream side and catches an edge. I brace, managing to keep my head above the crashing. The current pushes me into the right eddy. I feel the side of the boat thump the rock wall. I go under.

Beneath the surface, thundering water sounds much quieter. Trees and sky turn impressionistic. I set up and roll. Another thump. Still against the wall. Try pushing off. Roll again. Not enough hip snap. Back under the water. Forgot to breathe. Lungs are straining. Do not swim. Roll again. This time, Im right side up but on a rock.

Brandon is out of his boat on the other side of the river, yelling something. I scout the line for The Slot, an even bigger drop below The Notch. I know where I need to be. I back off the rock and peel out. A wave grabs my edge and I brace, praying that I ride this one out. It lets go, and I straighten up in time to pencil over the edge.

When my boat surfaces, I paddle to Brandon. He pulls my boat to shore.

Yanking my helmet back, he whips his off, shoving his red hair in my face.

Do you see how many gray hairs I have now?! he yells.But I didnt swim.I smile.I did it.

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Dams: thumbs up or thumbs down?Compiled by Devan Boyle

THUMBS UPThere are 84,000 dams in the U.S. that provide flood control, drinking water, agricultural irrigation, hydropower, and recreation. Dams are engineered structureslike roads, bridges, and railroadsthat make our high quality of life possible. Most dams that exist in the U.S. were constructed between 1950 and 1990. As with much U.S. infrastructure, many existing dams are aging and in need of repair, rehabilitation, or even removal if they have out-lived their original purposes.

Hydropower is one of the crucial uses for dams, but less than 3 percent of existing dams produce hydroelectricity. Hydropower is the largest source of renewable electricity in the U.S. In addition to providing baseload and peaking power, hydropower projects also keep electrical transmission systems working smoothly.

The potential adverse impacts of dams are well documented, to be sure. These may include altered stream flow, habitat degradation, blockage of the upstream and downstream migrations of fish, mortality of fish passing through turbines, and lower rates of dissolved oxygen downstream of dams.

Over the last several decades, however, an extensive regulatory system has been developed to detect and correct such problems. For example, the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) operates a voluntary certification process that identifies hydropower projects that have reduced their impacts and are investing in improvements in their local rivers. LIHI evaluates projects based on specific criteria: water release patterns below the project, water quality, fish passage, protection of threatened/endangered species, cultural resources, recreation, and requests for dam removal. More than 100 projects in 27 states have satisfied all of the LIHI criteria.

The fact that dams have the potential for adverse effects cannot be denied, but many of these can be reduced or eliminated with good siting and operation, plus modern mitigation practices. When dams are well managed, their net benefits are strongly positive.

Dr. Michael J. Sale is the executive director for the Low Impact Hydro Institute.

THUMBS DOWNWild riversones that run free from headwaters to confluencehave nearly been wiped from the map and from our imagination. Working riversrivers with damshave been replacing them. Modern dams, permanent and concreted, are the most charismatic of the giant water projects: nameable, decorated, architectural, triumphant, wired. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation have practiced other similar techniques of reshaping terrain, including levees, canals, pipelines, jetties. Dams might be the most devastating.

Dams disrupt natural systems and thwart the work of rivers. Dams block fish runs and seasonal flood patternsthus also their redistribution of nutrients, like marine nitrogen delivered by salmon to feed forests far inland. Hydroelectricity and irrigation are far more expensive when we count down-the-line costs of blocking forest regrowth, aquifer recharge, and topsoil renewal. Instead, dams encourage unsustainable growth, such as the mirage-metropolises of Phoenix and Las Vegas. Out-of-place agriculture makes deserts bloom briefly, but then leaves fields salted, palms wilting.

Dams displace people, often indigenous people and powerless people, from their river

lifelines. In Tennessee and Kentucky, I grew up loving TVA lakes, not knowing that those lakes had drowned fertile bottomlands, homes,

graveyards, living creeks, and human memories. The lakes were controlled

and speedboat-clogged, with stinking bathtub-rings of stripped

chert and shale. The same story can be

found across the country and around the world. In

California, the Winnemem Wintu tribe fights a Shasta Dam add-on that will flood vital sacred sites. The Winnemems ongoing displacement is mirrored in language endangerment; only a few fluent speakers remain. In China, Three Gorges dam

has displaced over one million people.

Worldwide, dams also displace democracy.

Dams are built as required elements of World Bank and

IMF deals that rarely benefit the local people. Most of the

generated hydropower is delivered to big cities, not the rural villages

displaced by the dams. Dams are made to fail. Huge reservoir

surfaces mean terrible annual evaporation losses. Even the largest reservoirs silt up; Hoover Dams reservoir has less than 100 years left. Because of dams intense resource concentration, its an expensive failure. And dam collapse is nightmarish: catastrophic release of scouring grit, heavy metals, and tainted mud down-river.

Dams are not the solution to our energy crisis. Solar and wind can provide far more reliable, long-term energy than hydropower with far fewer environmental costs.

Wild, free-flowing rivers also provide the best recreation, whether youre an angler, whitewater paddler, or swimming hole enthusiast. Rather than hordes of pollution- spewing speedboats on artifical lakes, the waters of Appalachia can once again run free and clean. The Blue Ridge is one of the worlds most ideal spots for wild, free-flowing rivers enjoyed by anglers, kayakers, and hikersas well as by healthy, intact, abundant ecosystems.

Its hard to see our way past dams to rivers that will really work again. But dam removal projects are gaining popularity. Once dams go, well rediscover the wonders of wild, clear rivers teeming with fish.

July Cole is co-editor of Dam Nation: Dispatches from the Water Underground.

Join the debate at blueridgeoutdoors.com

what do you think?

R E a D E R F O R U M

WADE MICKLEY


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A CrAPPy SituAtionOAkMAN, GA. An elderly man gave new meaning to the phrase Up Sh-t Creek without a Paddle when he fell into a toilet pit near Carters Lake in north Georgia. The man was apparently standing on the seat of the pit, which looks like a regular toilet, when he slipped and fell into the hole where human refuse is left to decompose. He was in the deep pit for over an hour before family members realized something was wrong and called staff from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to come to the rescue.

A Sweet reunionNEWMAN, GA.A Georgia woman was recently reunited with a camera she lost while scuba diving during a trip to Hawaii in 2007. Earlier this year the camera washed ashore in Taiwan, where a China Airlines employee found it. Camera owner Lindsey Scallan received a Facebook message from an old high school friend, referring her to an article about a lost camera on the website of a Hawaiian television station. Amazingly, all of the images were retrieved from the memory card. Apparently, social media has a purpose beyond gossip and sharing funny pictures of your cat.

Hit it And Cook itHELENA, MONTANA In late March, Montanas state senate voted 33-15 in favor of a bill to let people eat roadkill. If the bill passes the house, Montana residents will soon be able to salvage carcasses for food. Individuals interested in scraping their dinner off the asphalt would first be required to obtain a permit. Opponents fear that harvesting roadkill will skirt tough regulations imposed on the cattle industry.

L.A. SAyS no to CoALLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently announced that his city will be done using coal as a source of power in 2025. The plan involves no longer sourcing energy from a coal-fired power plant in Arizona and converting another in Utah to natural gas. Its a bold move for a smog-ridden city that will become the largest in the country to no longer use coal. Eliminating L.A.s coal consumption equates to taking two million cars off the road.

trAiL runnerS to Be druG teStedMANITOu SPRINGS, COLORADO Select runners at Colorados Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent will be tested for banned substances by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. This marks the first time that a trail race in the U.S. will test competitors. Several runners who finish in the top 10 of the epic slog, which gains 8,000 feet in the first 13 miles, will be randomly tested. Ron Ilgen, president of the Pikes Peak Marathon, told Trail Runner, It is important that mountain running joins the ranks with road races in ensuring that our competitors are drug free.

Jedd Ferris

BEYOND THE BLUE RIDGE

Aim GAmeALLENTOWN, PA. Gentlemen, do you ever find yourself bored at public urinals while youre relieving yourself? Well, next time youre catching a Lehigh Valley IronPigs game at Coca-Cola Park, youre in for a treat when you have to drain the main vein. Urinals at the minor league ballpark have recently been equipped with new urinal gaming systems, which consist of a screen mounted above the usual depository. When a man steps up to take a leak, the screen goes into game mode, and then its time to test stream accuracy by following a target. Coca-Cola Park is the worlds first sports venue to feature the gaming systems. not everytHinG GoeS At wAL-mArtBLAIRSVILLE, PA. Customers rarely leave Wal-Mart unhappy. Its a place where you can find plenty of discounts and return almost anything after months of use. But hunter Arcangelo Bianco Jr. took it a little too far when he fired shots across a highway to kill a 10-point buck in a Wal-Mart parking lot. The Pennsylvania Game Commission wasnt happy with Biancos urban safari, and as a result, hes been charged with reckless endangerment and hunting law violations.

SHArP SHooterS ControLLinG d.C. deer PoPuLAtion WASHINGTON, D.C.The Districts idyllic escape, 2,800-acre Rock Creek Park, was the focus of national press coverage in early spring when the National Park Service dispatched sharp shooters in an effort to control white-tailed deer populations. Its part of the Park Services management plan to restore park vegetation, which has been ravaged by exploding deer populations. According to a story in The New York Times, the strategy has plenty of detractors, who view it as cruel and unnecessary. But officials say that too many grazing deer have thinned the parks forest to a point where its not able to regenerateas young trees now have limited canopy and are often browsed before they have a chance to grow.

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Everyone knows that fishing from a boat is superior to wade fishing. You can cover more water, get out farther, land more fish, and when your spouse calls to berate you for spending all your time fishing, there is no easy exit back to the car. Unfortunately, johnboats are cumbersome, canoes tend to tip over, and drift boats are impossibly expensive and require a trailer. The good news is that theres another option thats underutilized, accessible, affordable, and gaining popularity

around the country: fishing from a kayak. Photographer Chris Funk began kayak

fishing as a means to limit the fishing costs mentioned above and is now a member of the Jackson Kayak fishing team. He spends 99 percent of his days on the Chattahoochee River, but he has fished all over the South, including the Gulf Coast and Mobile Bay Delta. For him, catching fish is just one advantage of fishing from a kayak.

The older I get, the more therapeutic it is, Funk said. Just the drip of the water off the paddle is soothing. I can get to places no other vessel can get to. Its just a true joy to put that little plastic boat on the water, paddle it wherever I want to go, and have a good day to myself or with friends.

Kayak on the Fly Fly fishing from a kayak is a smarter, steathier approach. By Jack Murray

With major kayak companies like Jackson, Hobie, and Native manufacturing models specifically designed for fishing, accessibility is at an all-time high, and getting better. Funk breaks down the advantages of the fly fishing kayak into three simple categories: simplicity, shallows, and stealth.

Lightweight and streamlined, the kayak can get you where you want to go without any extra bells or whistles. Funk loves being able to grab a couple rods, a box of flies, and his paddle and hit the water without having to worry about trailers or gas. Because of the light weight, it is also easy to put into a river where another type of craft would have trouble. The places that I launch in are my favorite spots. They have no launch so the boat has to be carried, said Funk.

A kayak also rides high on the water, allowing a paddler to maneuver over rocks and access spots that others cannot. Kayaks also make minimal noise on the water and have virtually no wake, allowing you to sneak around without spooking fish.

The kayak is so stealthy that I find I can get closer to my target, Funk explains. Youre not going to spook as many fish. Ive had large bass get underneath my boat almost like I was a log instead of a vessel.

If you want to break into kayak fly fishing, borrow a friends boat and head to a lake to get acquainted with the technique. Careful, you may get hooked.

enonation.com


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Twenty-five years ago, Lynne Cox swam ten miles across Siberias Lake Baikal, the worlds deepest lake. When Cox dove in wearing

only a bathing suit, cap, and goggles the water temps were in the low 50s. She battled strong winds and waves, and four hours later, Cox was greeted as a hero by a group of Russians who threw pink roses into the water. I felt like a cosmonaut, Cox said.

The year before, in 1987, Cox swam in the Bering Strait the frigid water between Cold War countries. Since her late teens, Cox had dreamed of making the historic crossing. The closed border demanded persistence from Cox eleven years of writing to officials from the U.S. and the Soviet Union to gain permission to attempt the swim. This tenacity and focus, along with other psychological strengths and thinking habits, are central to Coxs success.

I dont think theres a separation between the mental and the physical, Cox says. If I dont prepare mentally, I cant be prepared physically. Prior to her record-breaking English Channel swim, Cox (age 15 at the time) talked with a Channel veteran. He described what Dover would look like and how the water would feel. Cox visualized the crossing but knew from her training that everything changes when youre in the middle of the ocean. Unexpected things happen. You have to be prepared to adapt.

Later, when Cox was in her 40s, she aspired to complete the first mile in Antarcticas waters. She realized she would need to swim as fast as possible to keep her core temperature from dropping precipitously. In 2002, Cox successfully swam 25 minutes

and 1.06 miles in the 32-degree waters. All I could feel was cold, Cox wrote. All I could do was turn over my arms as fast they would go and breathe. All I could think about was moving forward.

Because of her record swims, scientists have examined Coxs responses to cold water. Much has been made of how Coxs physiology and distribution of body fat enable her to make these swims. And yet, it is a study conducted by researchers in London that shows how her toughness goes beyond physiology. Cox was asked to immerse her hand in 32-degree water for more than twenty minutes. While others were shouting and banging their dry fist on the table, Cox focused on a large clock in the room and engaged in positive self-talk: I watched the seconds go by and I dont know why I told myself this, but I thought, After nine minutes its not going to hurt as much. It wasnt true; it didnt hurt any less. But I just kept thinking, Its gonna get better.

Many who swim open water have experienced anxiety about an upcoming race or training session. Focusing on fear only escalates it. Instead, stay in the moment and solve the problem at hand. Cox banged her arm on a few icebergs, but she also was fascinated by their shapes and the color of the polar water. In the midst of pain and difficulty, Cox took a moment to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings and the enormity of what she was doing.

Cold Water Queen Lynne Cox has swum in the coldest, most remote places on earth. What is her secret? (Hint: Its not just her physiology.)By Bob Swoap

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Lauren James is a 24-year-old trad climber from North Carolina (her outgoing voicemail message says, hey yall) who has turned her passion for sending rock into a career as a cell tower technician. Imagine climbing 500-feet of vertical steel carrying 30-pounds of gear. Now imagine doing that every day for a month straight while traveling the country. Technicians call themselves tower dogs, an apt nickname for such a demanding job.

What exactly does a cell tower technician do? James: We climb cell towers looking for any bent steel, loose bolts, or irregularities in the structure or carriers equipment. We are basically the eyes of the tower owners.

Are there many women in the industry? James: No. Out of 9,000 cell tower technicians, less than 15 of them are females. Theres really no reason for that. Yes, its physically demanding, but it is such a rewarding job with excellent benefits and compensation. It gets a bad rap, too: it is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America, but like anything, its as safe as you make it.

How did you get into it? James: Since I was a kid, Ive always been intrigued by welding. When I got into rock climbing and after taking an intro to welding class in college, I decided I wanted to combine the two loves. My stepdad and uncle were ex-tower climbers, so I looked up tower technician jobs in North Carolina.

Does being a climber give you an advantage? James: Both mentally and physically. The more you understand and feel comfortable with the equipment youre using, the more comfortable you are with the heights. I already had the stamina and endurance needed for climbing cell towers. I enjoy pushing myself on towers just like I do on rocks. But rock is definitely more diverse and more appealing.

Tower Dog Lauren James is one of the few cell tower climbers in the country By Graham Averill

How physically demanding is the job? James: Some towers feel like you are doing pull-ups the entire height of the tower. On a 500-foot tower, thats a heck of a lot of pull-upsnot to mention our tower climbing harnesses weigh 30 poundsexcellent training weight. A trad rack feels light now.

How much do you travel for your work? James: I travel three to four weeks a month and then Im home on break for a week. That equals almost 252 days a year spent on the road working. Thats a lot of hotels, a lot of gas station coffee. We work seven days a week, so I rarely get time to do anything besides work, but Ive experienced some beautiful scenery and done some cool things. So far Ive climbed in 35 states, seen the Adirondacks from a tower, had my first bowl of clam chowder in Massachusetts, took my first ferry in New York, and saw Las Vegas from a tower.

When youre home, where do you climb? James: Im a trad climber so my favorite crag in North Carolina is Linville Gorge. I love the remoteness there. New River Gorge will always be close to my heart too. Its where I climbed for the first time. I love the community involved in rock climbing. Theres an abundance of positive vibes, passion, and like-minded individuals. For me its a very spiritual thing as well. Theres no other place I feel closer to God than when I am enveloped in his beautiful creation.


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Every June, more than 10,000 people descend upon Great Smoky Mountains National Parks Elkmont Campground to see a miracle of nature: a rare species of synchronous fireflies that flash in unison. Visitors stand in line for hours to be shuttled in and out of the campground, which sits in a river valley on the western edge of the park. The Elkmont fireflies are the most well documented and stunning example of synchronic bioluminescence in the U.S., but the Smokies doesnt have a monopoly on in-sync bugs. Another population of synchronous fireflies

was recently discovered in Pennsylvanias Allegheny National Forest.

The fireflies found in both the Smokies and Allegheny flash several times in unison, go dark for several seconds, then flash again in harmony. They look the same, act the same, have the same DNA, says Lynn Faust, leader of the team that studied the Pennsylvania lightning bugs in 2012.

Faust, a Tennessee native, was responsible for bringing the Smokies population of fireflies to the attention of the scientific community in the 1990s. She has spent the last 22 years traveling the world to study fireflies of all kinds. Its a hobby that went nuts, she says. Faust wasnt surprised to see the fireflies in Pennsylvania and says, historically, the lightning bugs have been seen throughout the Southern Appalachians.

Seeing LightsRare synchronous fireflies are spotted in Pennsylvania By Graham Averill

I have scientific papers that date back to the 1850s that mention reports of the synchronicity. Im surprised we dont have more reports from other parts of Appalachia.

Shes personally seen them in several locations outside of the Smokies. Just dont expect any other show to be quite as spectacular as whats found in Elkmont.

The show in Allegheny is impressive, but the fireflies are more spread out, Faust says. In Elkmont, thousands of them can be found in a condensed area. Ive seen fireflies all over the world, but you cant beat the show at Elkmont on a peak night.

SEE FOR YOURSELF The synchronous fireflies typically peak in mid-to-late June, depending on the weather patterns leading up to their mating season. In Elkmont, youll have to register for a shuttle to see the lightning bugs. In Allegheny National Forest, the Allegheny Defense Project is organizing a Firefly Festival this year to celebrate the bugs on June 21-23. Find out more at alleghenydefense.org

Or head into the woods to discover a colony of synchronous fireflies of your own. Synchronous fireflies only live above 1,600 feet in elevation and prefer elevations between 2,200 and 2,400 feet. They are typically found near rivers in older forests without a lot of understory, so they can see each other.

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This summer, Ben Friberg will attempt to transport a few grains of Cuban soil to America.

From the town of Port Hemingway, close to Havana, Friberg will set off on his 14 Riviera Missile SUP board across 90 miles of open water to Key West. If successful, he will be the first paddleboarder to make this crossing.

He will have a support boat with a 15-person team nearby, with medical, media, navigation, and logistical experts onboard, but those are peripheral and backup measures only. Ben will be rolling solo and on his board for the entire time.

Cuba to Key West SUP pioneer will attempt 90-mile open-ocean paddle By Chris Gragtmans

17 hours is the goal, but Ill be prepared for anything up to 30.

Ben is no stranger to this kind of toil. Last year, he successfully set the 24-hour SUP Distance World Record on the Yukon River in Northern Canada. He paddled 238 miles in that amount of time through the perpetual Arctic summer sunlight, and straight into the Guinness Book of World Records.

This crossing will certainly not be without its challenges. Every day in the Gulf of Mexico during that season is blazing hot, and the sun will force him to stay protected and hydrated. The Gulf Stream at that time will also be moving in the opposite direction to the trade winds, meaning that there will be more tension, turbulence, and chop in the water.

Ultimately, these challenges are only supplemental to the sheer grit and resilience that it will take to slug it out on a board for 90 miles.

The window for this trip has been identified as May 28 to June 6. It will be necessary to find one perfect day during that time, a day where health, tides, currents, wind, weather, and the Gulf Stream converge to enable the most likely possible attempt.

Friberg will wear a Spot device so that followers can track his progress, but this trip is a minimalist endeavor without other fancy electronics or equipment. Paddle stroke by paddle stroke, wave by wave, he will make his way home.

BEN FRIBERG TRAINS FOR HIS CUBA TO kEY WEST PADDLE.


Make a SplashEssential Paddling Gear for On and Off the WaterBy Will Harlan

1. Adventure Technology Oracle Carbon PaddleThe Oracle is both a touring and downriver paddle featuring lightweight carbon construction and a high angle blade that improves boat control and maximizes stroke efficiency, especially when bracing or rolling in choppy conditions. $300. atpaddle.com

2. Bomber Gear Bomb Dry Top The Bomb Dry Top includes several upgrades and a little extra armor for those who consistently push limits. Highlights include the double-stitched, taped and patched seams, four-way stretch neoprene, and cone-shaped cuffs with fused (not glued) gaskets. Looking for bells and whistles? How about a hidden emergency whistle stitched into the top? Bomber Gear has also beefed up the design by adding abrasion-resistant nylon to the elbows and polyurethane reinforcement to the shoulder panels for additional durability in the areas where you need it most. $299. bombergear.com

3. Chaco Mighty SandalChacos lightest sandal is also its most comfortable and durable. The strapping system allows custom adjustment to keep your feet secure and to personalize your fit. The super-grippy outsole keeps you grounded on wet or dry terrain. Our tester wore them on downriver paddling expeditions, swimming hole cliff jumps, and fords across waist-deep water. They dried quickly and provided

Thermarest Altair Sleeping BagI sleep outside year-round. Often Im drenched in rain and covered in windblown snow. So I need a bag that can handle the toughest Appalachian weather. The Therm-a-Rest Altair is the best zero-degree bag Ive slept in. The 750+ fill goose down bag kept my toes toasty even in sub-zero wind chills. Yet it is surprisingly light, weighing in at 2 pounds 7 ounces, and packs down easily into a backpack. The Altair eliminates unneeded bulk and weight with thermal mapped, zoned insulation. Unlike conventional bags, Therm-a-Rest placed additional loft in the top of its sleeping bags and reduced loft beneath the bag for the greatest ratio of warmth, comfort, and efficiency. The Altair is also equipped with two flexible mattress connectorscompatible with up to 25-inch-wide sleeping padsto provide a comfydownright cushynight of sleep under the stars. $459. thermarest.com

excellent traction and performance. They were equally impressive at the pub afterward. $90. chacos.com

4. Sazzi Digit SandalThe name and design are derived from the woven sandals worn by the Anasazi tribes who used their footwear to navigate the rugged terrain of the American Southwest. Today, the Sazzi translates into a strong, agile and light five-toed sandal. The Digit has a single independent toe, four toe posts, a lateral stability system, and a heel strap to accommodate rugged trail and water environments. Its made from 100 percent recyclable PLUSfoam, a material that also boasts anti-microbial properties and impressive traction in wet and dry conditions. $100. sazzi.com

5. Wave Sport ReconWave Sports all-new Recon is one of the most versatile high-performance boats on the market, ideal for creeking, river trekking, and class IV-V+ boating. The continuous rocker profile makes the Recon very fast and easy to boof, and its upswept shape allows the Recon to resurface and unload water quickly when blasting through holes. The domed stern deck minimizes back-ending in holes and drops, and the location of the full stern chine combined with the generous side wall flare provides superb stability and control when carving, moving across a current, or tracking. $1099. wavesport.com

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Osprey Xenith 105 BackpackOn a long weekend backpacking trip, lightweight comfort is key. The Xeniths LightWire frame suspension creates the featherweight, durable structure for the pack, while the bio-form hipbelt and harness provide a supportive and highly customizable fit. Organization and access are two more elements key to making life on the trail easier. The Xenith offers superb pocketing, multiple zip access points into the main compartment, side pockets, and a convenient new way to carry a reservoir of water. Its my new go-to pack for any overnight excursion. $379. osprey.com


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CLASS ISHENANDOAH RIVER, VA.For a scenic float down a cool river, head to Shenandoah. The beauty here is the perfect antidote for a long week cooped up in a cubicle.

The South Fork of the Shenandoah treats the novice paddler to riffles and waves, with plenty of pools to work on the forward stroke and simply enjoy the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The nine-mile stretch starts at Inskeep Landing and ends at Fosters Landing. The river is wide and, in the summer, can become quite shallow. If it hasnt rained recently, consider floating down the river in a tube instead of a canoe.

The river is chock full of bass, sunfish, and catfish, so bring a fishing pole and remember that Virginia requires a fishing license.

Fun fact: Legend has it that a few miles from the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry, theres a cave once used by Confederate troops to hide from the Union cavalry during the Civil War.

When to go: For higher water, go during spring flows. The summer is perfect for tubing.

Shuttle: Put-in at Inskeep Landing, located off Route 684 on the left bank of the river downstream of the bridge. Ample parking is available. Takeout is approximately nine miles farther down off Route 684 on the left bank of the river.

Beware: If using Inskeep as a takeout from a float originating upstream, there is a mandatory portage around a low-head dam. Also keep in mind that other than the designated access points operated by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishers, the banks of the rivers are private property.

Best Beer Nearby: Jack Browns in nearby Harrisonburg, Virginia has close to 100 different beers. The burger joint also dishes up fried Oreos for dessert. Bras hang from the chandeliers, and a deer head donning scuba gear rounds out the dcor.

BEST OF THE RESTFor those whose kayaks havent seen much action all winter, these stretches provide the perfect opportunity to brush up on paddling skills. For a great wilderness float, head to the Greenbrier River in West Virginia. The Greenbrier is also a great fishing river with ample riverside campsites.

North Carolina offers ample runs perfect for the beginner paddler. The Roanoke River is a three-mile stretch thats mostly flat with one Class II rapid, aptly named The Rapid. For a step up, the Tuckaseegee Rivers pool-drop rapids provide beginners with loads of recovery time between rapids. The South Toe cant be beat for a splashy ride through sparkling emerald water. Originally named the Estatoe River after a beautiful Native American maiden, the rivers name has since been shortened to simply Toe. The Yadkin River boasts a 165-mile long canoe trail with thirty-eight different access sites. After a good rain, the Davidson River is a scenic paddle with Class I and II rapids, but be on the lookout for trees. On the hottest summer days, grab a bikini or board shorts and head to Deep Creek in Bryson City for some of the Souths best tubing. Put-in options abound, and the higher the put-in, the more adventurous the ride.

CLASS IINANTAHALA RIVER, N.C.On any given summer day, a parade of rafts, kayaks, and canoes float down the river. Recently, more stand up paddleboards have been added to the mix. And theres been at least one spotting of an inflatable pool.

The Nantahala, the classic Southeastern run for beginner paddlers, is within the Nantahala National Forest and near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The stretch of river contains over twenty named rapids. Right after putting in, paddlers are put to the test with a Class II+ rapid, Pattons Run, and the fitting climax is Nantahala Falls, just above the take-out.

The Nantahala is one of the most rafted rivers in the country. The scenery provides reason enough for most to want to enjoy the river. The entire run is roadside, but from the hull of a kayak the road is difficult to discern. Instead, paddlers are treated to views of the tree-covered ridges of the Nantahala Gorge. Tulip poplar, sycamore, and beech trees line the river.

Besides the scenery, the Nantahala is a good training run. Relatively safe, plenty of opportunities to play, and dependable releases make the river a sure bet. The river is so playable that the 2013 Freestyle World Championships were held on the Nantahala.

Fun fact: The word Nantahala comes from a Cherokee word meaning midday sun. The sun doesnt reach deep in the gorge until noon time. The lack of sun, coupled with the forty-five degree dam-released water, means that paddlers need to dress warmly even in the summer.

When to go: The Nantahala usually runs seven days a week.

Shuttle: Park at the Nantahala Outdoor Center and catch a shuttle to the put-in for a small feel. Shuttles run hourly from April through October. For those wanting to add a jog to the day, some paddlers forge a path along the railroad tracks and riverside to the put-in.

Beware: Just downstream of the take-out is Lower Nantahala Falls, a Class V rapid. The sharp blasted rocks make this a rapid in which paddlers dont ever want to be upside down, so unless youre up for the challenge, make sure not to miss the takeout.

Best Beer Nearby: Head to Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City to celebrate a fun day on the river. The local brewerys craft brews include Noon Day IPA, App Trail Extra Pale Ale, Bryson City Brown, Dirty Girl Blonde, and Up River Amber.

BEST OF THE RESTTheres no shortage of quality class II runs. In West Virginia, the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac treats paddlers to fantastic views of the North Fork Mountains and Spruce Mountain. Farther south in the state, the Bluestone River offers paddlers a protected unspoiled river, surrounded by the lush, temperate rain forest. At times the river flows through a rugged gorge and the rapids range from Class II to Class III.

Virginia paddlers dont have to go far to practice their strokes. The Dan River provides paddlers with a creek-like feel. Paddlers looking to challenge themselves can put-in higher for a few Class III rapids. Otherwise, paddlers should put-in at the parking lot below the first bridge. The James River, a 2.5-mile run

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with a few Class III rapids, flows right through Richmond. This means that those who live and work in the city dont have to travel far to paddle. They do, however, have to contend with urban hazards like low-head dams and rebar. Another Virginia favorite is Charlottesvilles Rivanna River, protected as a Virginia State Scenic River. For solid Class II paddlers ready for more whitewater adventure, the Motts-Run-to-Fredericksburg section of the Rappahannock River offers almost five miles of Class II+ rapids.

Tennessee favorites include the Watauga and Obed Rivers. The upper section of the Red Roof Run on the Watauga above the dam is easy Class II with plenty of time in between rapids. Below the dam, the nature of the run drastically changes to technical and continuous Class IV rapids. The Obed River located in the Cumberland Plateau flows some 400 feet deep through a sandstone gorge. No commercial outfitters run the river, so paddlers have the gorgeous scenery to themselves. Class II paddlers will enjoy putting-in at Potters Ford and paddling to Obed Junction where Daddy Creek flows into the river.

Beginner North Carolina paddlers should check out the Little Tennessee, the Oconaluftee, and the French Broad. The free-flowing Little Tennessee River ends with a bang when the Class III rapid is in play (only after a good rain). The Oconaluftee is a short 3.2-mile run with one Class III rapid, Elbow, so named because the cleanest line resembles the zig-zag of a bent elbow. Proficient Class II paddlers should consider the Barnard to Stackhouse section of

the French Broad, where the wide river provides paddlers with easier lines to negotiate some of the Class III rapids.

The Cartecay River in Northern Georgia, provides paddlers and tubers a chance to stay cool in the heat of summer. The river flows through Ellijay, Ga.

CLASS IIILOWER NEW RIVER, W.VA.The New River gorge provides reason enough for West Virginia to claim Wild and Wonderful as the state motto. The rugged nature of this free-flowing river, with its boisterous rapids walled in by tall tree-lined canyons, completely immerses paddlers in the moment. As the river winds way through the wooded canyon nearly 1,000-feet deep, the leisurely pools between rapids provide paddlers a brief respite from the action.

At summertime levels when the river runs at negative levels, the lower New River Gorge is the perfect run for the eager intermediate paddler. The seven mile stretch of river from Thurmond to Fayetteville Station contains dozens of mostly Class III rapids.

The New River is a big-volume, wide river that can be run at many levels. The New River is free-flowing, which means spring often brings the highest water levels and by late summertime, the levels drop, resulting in smaller rapids. At levels above two feet, intermediate paddlers will want to be with experienced paddlers who know the lines well, especially for the Kenneys, a series of three rapids, and Double Z. Paddlers without

big water paddling skills should stay off the river above six feet, when the swims become longer and both the number and size of eddies decrease.

Fun fact: The name New River is actually a misnomerits the oldest river in North America. Its also one of only a handful of large rivers in the world that flows from south to north.

When to go: The season is April through October. The highest water levels and wildest rides occur in spring.

Shuttle: The take-out is at Fayetteville Station. From Fayetteville, take Route 19 to WV 82 down to the river. To get to the put-in, take Route 19 to Main Street in Fayetteville.

Drive through town and take a left at the fork in the road just past the convenience store. Follow signs to Cunard. A local paddle shop, ACE Adventure Gear, offers a free Wednesday night shuttle service. Meet at Fayette Station at 5 p.m. ready to load gear and boats onto the bus. The bus drops paddlers off at the put-in. The free shuttle is a great way to meet local paddling partners.

Beware: Some rapids contain hazardous undercut rocks.

Best Beer Nearby: Pies & Pints Pizzeria off Main Street in Fayetteville offers a great selection of beer, along with, you guessed it, some great pizza.

BEST OF THE RESTFrom Pennsylvania to Georgia, the region provides abundant paddling opportunities for the intermediate paddler. The Lower Yough in Pennsylvania, considered one of the busiest sections of whitewater in the East, flows through Ohiopyle State Park. The nearby Savage River provides five miles of continuous Class III whitewater within the Savage River State Park. Paddlers who catch one of the dam releases boat past some of the last remaining old-growth forests in Maryland. The Savage River was also the site of the 1989 Kayaking World Championships.

Besides the New River, West Virginia boasts the Cranberry, a classic creek run through wilderness terrain. With plenty of Class III+ ledges and boulder gardens to navigate, paddlers should have a combat roll before paddling the Cranberry. For paddlers who enjoy eddy-hopping, the Williams provides paddlers plenty of chances to move from eddy to eddy as they paddle down the narrow creek.

North Carolina paddlers flock to the Pigeon River. Interstate 40 provides easy access to this mostly roadside run, although from the seat of a kayak, a boater sees only the surrounding Cherokee National Forest. Another favorite southeast river that straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee border is the Ocoee. The Middle Ocoee is perfect for the advanced intermediate. The put-in, at the base of the dam, give paddlers little chance to warm-up before tackling the first rapid, which is a long and continuous Class III+ rapid named Grumpies. The rest of the run is full of roller-coaster-like big waves.

Tennessees Big South Fork is big water fun well worth a drive to the Cumberland Plateau. Winding through the rugged cliff lined gorge gives this run a real wilderness adventure tone.

Head to North Georgia to paddle the Chattooga, made famous by the movie Deliverance. The movie opened in 1972. Roughly 800 paddlers used the river in 1971. By 1973, 21,000 boaters logged river time on the Chattooga. Section III of the Chattooga provides the intermediate paddler with Class II and III rapids. Midway down, class-V Bull Sluice juices things up a bit. Bull Sluice is easy to portage.

CLASS IVUPPER YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER,


MD.The combination of predictable summer releases, continuous and technical rapids, and easy shuttle logistics make the Upper Youghiogheny a paddling gem. Locals refer to the ten-mile stretch of river from Sang Run to Friendsville as the Upper Yough (hint, it sounds like Yock).

The paddle begins with two miles of flattish water, perfect for taking in the scenery. Designated as Marylands only Wild and Scenic River, dense green forests border the waters edge. The banks are abundant with ferns, honeysuckle, rhododendrum, blooming tiger lilies and shockingly bright red cardinal flowers during various times of the summer.

The character of the river changes at mile two. Class III rapids known as the warm-ups replace the flat water. If this section leaves you gripped, you might want to consider hiking back to the put-in before the real action starts.

Next, the aptly named miracle mile starts, starting with a rapid named Bastard and ending with National Falls. The river drops over 120 feet during this mile and theres little break in the action. The intensity of the rapids doesnt stop until mile seven, when the river resumes a gentle nature with mostly Class I and II rapids.

Fun fact: Friendsville is named after its first European settler John Friend, who came to the area before the Revolutionary War. Many of John Friends descendants live in Garrett County today.

When to go: Class IV paddlers should wait until water levels reach summertime release

levels of under two feet. Any higher, and the river gets really pushy. Summertime releases are scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Sometimes mid-week releases happen, so catch one if you can.

Shuttle: The Upper Yough runs right through the town of Friendsville, and the take-out is on river left after the bridge. The put-in is at Sang Run, a public Maryland State access field. Note that American Whitewater signed an agreement with the state of Maryland to manage the Sang Run access. Paddlers donations keep the port-a-potties clean and the grass mowed, so please be generous.

Beware: Posters displayed all over town read: Please remember the following activities are offensive and illegal: changing clothes in public view, blocking traffic with boats or bodies, and drinking alcoholic beverages in public. Citations will be issued. Respect the locals. No nudity or beer drinking in public.

Best Beer Nearby: Nearby Mountain State Brewing Company offers the perfect atmosphere for celebrating a great day on the river. Nestled between picturesque rolling hills, the outdoor seating offers prime sunset viewing. The brewery serves its own beer, along with a big selection of pizza and wraps. The brewery also frequently features live music.

BEST OF THE RESTClass IV paddlers can pick between low-volume creek-styled runs or big water rivers in some of the most scenic areas of the Blue Ridge. West Virginias Cheat Canyon is spring paddling at

its finest. The mighty Cheat Canyon remains the largest free-flowing watershed east of the Mississippi and contains ten miles of action-packed rapids.

Every April, paddlers come to the Webster Wildwater Weekend River Festival to race or participate in organized river trips on the Elk River in West Virginia.

Paddlers in Tennessee can be pickythere are many choice Class IV runs throughout the state. The Nolichucky runs through the deepest gorge in the East and gets started right away with several Class IV rapids within the first few miles.

In North Carolina, favorite Class IV runs include the Cheoah, Wilson Creek, and nearby Harpers Creek. The Cheoah Rivers emerald green hued water starts off as Class III and culminates with big Class IV rapids. Be sure to catch one of the fifteen scheduled release days. The California-style rock-slab characterizes Wilson Creek, providing advanced intermediate paddlers with plenty of boof practice. Nearby Harpers Creek features a massive waterfall in the middle of the run, Harper Creek Falls, that can be hiked and hucked. Many opt to paddle the whole stretch for fun Class III and IV rapids and epic views of the Blue Ridge.

In North Georgia, Section 4 of the Chattooga allows paddlers plenty of warm-up rapids before tackling the more challenging Five Falls section. At Five Falls, paddlers will want to be sure to set safety.

CLASS VLINVILLE GORGE, N.C.For one of the most difficult stretches of whitewater in the Eastern U.S., head to Linville

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Gorge. After a recent rain, the river charges some twenty miles from Linville Falls to Lake James. The river carved a path through the rocks of Appalachia, creating a gorge thousands of feet deep. Linville Gorge is located between the towns of Boone and Morgantown. Over the years, Linville has been dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East. The river is at once magical and technical, legendary and demanding, breathtaking and mysterious.

Committing to paddle Linville requires having impeccable paddling skills and being in the zone on a given day. The river is known for its hundreds of rapids, characterized by their continuous, long, and technically demanding nature. A capsize or swim could potentially be catastrophic.

Linville provides paddlers with one horizon line after another. Paddlers dont have the option of letting their guard down, even in the easier rapids. Sieves and undercut rocks define the river. Huge boulders often punctuate the rapids, and water tends to flow under, instead of around, these boulders. Paddlers tackling Linville must assume they will have no way out due to the remoteness of the run.

If the rapids dont take a paddlers breath away, the gorgeous surroundings will. The 11,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness Area designation protects both the river and its banks.

Fun fact: The area surrounding Linville was used for filming scenes from The Last of the Mohicans.

When to go: The best runs are after a recent rainfall. Linville is a free-flowing river.

Shuttle: Although Linville is only 45 minutes from Asheville on Interstate 40, plan for the shuttle to take time. There are many options for alternative put-in and takeouts. Most take-out options require a strenuous hike straight uphill that takes most paddlers an hour.

Beware: Shuttle vehicles should have decent clearing and four-wheel drive. The river is hair-raising Class V and should only be attempted by expert paddlers.

Best Beer Nearby: Linville is a true wilderness run. The best bet for beer is whatevers in the truck at the takeout. Pack your cooler accordingly.

BEST OF THE RESTAny Class V paddler whos been to Tucker County in West Virginia will sing the praises of the East Fork of the Blackwater River for stacking up continuous, technical Class V rapids. Adding to the intrigue is the dark hue of the water, so colored because of the leaching of tannins from decaying hemlocks and red spruce that occurs upstream in the slower moving tributaries.

Another favorite is the Russell Fork, located between Haysi, Va., and Elkhorn City, Ky., and celebrated for its sheer beauty. The Lord of the Fork Race is the annual extreme Class V downriver race held there every October.

North Carolina contenders for best Class V runs include the rivers of the Southern Blue

Ridge Escarpment that seemingly tumble off the edge of the worldthe Horsepasture, Toxaway, and Whitewater Rivers. The long, granite slides often get compared to California paddling. For an adrenaline-inducing serious creek run, put-in at the base of 250-foot Cullasaja Falls and paddle the several Class V/V+ rapids. If you can catch one of the eight scheduled releases, the Cascades of Nantahala is a roadside Class V with rapids with fear-inducing names like Horns of God and Junkyard. Another classic worth catching is the East Fork of the Pigeon, which can only be accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The pristine water and clean boulder drops make it well worth the effort.

While not one of the most demanding rivers, West Virginias Upper Gauley draws paddlers from all over the world. Every fall, the Gauley River hosts the biggest whitewater party. Gauley Fest is held each year in mid-September.

301.387.4000wispresort.com

Deep Creek Lake, MD

Unplug & Reconnect!Make time this summer to unplug from the everyday and reconnect

with nature and your family with one of our many adventures.

36 Holes of Golf Zip LinesMountain Coaster Segway Tours Mountain biking Paddleboarding

And More!

Participate in a weekend of good timescelebrating arts, cultural entertainment, tastesethnic cuisine, wines and beers and educationalactivities that bring to life the traditions of the 5featured countries at The Frontier Culture Museumin Staunton Virginia.Saturday (11am 6pm) | Sunday (12pm 5pm)

Enjoy live music, hands on childrens activities,a variety of food vendors, a wide array of artistand craft booths, and the ever-popular wine ANDbeer tastings with souvenir glasses.

Tickets are on sale July 22nd, 2013.Buy Online Print at Home Avoid the Lines.

GoodTimesAugusta.comLIKE us on Facebook at Facebook.com/goodtimestastesandtraditions

September 21 & 22, 2013

Win a boating trip on the Upper James River Water Trail, in Botetourt County, Virginia!

Sign up to WIN at

bluerIdgeoutdoorS.com

Kayak Trip for Four Guests on the Upper James River

and a River Tubing Trip for Four in Buchanan

Dry Bag Gear Package from Outdoor Trails in Botetourt

One night stay for up to four people at The Cottage at

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Chesapeake Cvb

City of eden

adventures on the GorGe

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sCott County

Giles County

headwaters outfitters

u.s. national whitewater Center

southern raft supply

Beneath the summer sunshine, the rivers are running. Its the perfect time to explore the best of our Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic waterways. From flatwater family-friendly lakes to raging whitewater rapids, River Right is your guide to a Summer full of water recreation in and near the Blue Ridge. In the following pages youll find profiles of featured river outfitters as well as popular riverside destinations. For anglers, we also highlight some of the best fishing locations in the region, including world-class creeks and streams to catch bass and trout. Check for updates and discounts on river right online at BlueRidgeOutdoors.com.

ACE ADVENTURE RESORTACERAFT.COM

800.787.3982 OAK HILL, WV

ADVENTURES ON THE GORGENEWRIVERGORGEGETAWAY.COM

888.383.9933 LANSING, WV

BREAkS INTERSTATE PARkBREAKSPARK.COM

276.865.4413 BREAKS, VA

CHESAPEAkE CVBVISITCHESAPEAKE.COM

757.502.4898 CHESAPEAKE, VA

CITY OF EDENEXPLOREEDENNC.COM

336.623.2110 EDEN, NC

GILES COUNTY GILESCOUNTY.ORG

540.921.2525 PEARISBURG, VA

GREATER MORGANTOWN CVBTOURMORGANTOWN.COM

800.458.7373 MORGANTOWN, WV

HEADWATERS OUTFITTERSHEADWATERSOUTFITTERS.COM

828.877.3103 ROSMAN, NC

SCOTT COUNTY TOURISMEXPLORESCOTTCOUNTYVA.COM

276.386.6521 GATE CITY, VA

SOUTHERN RAFT SUPPLYSOUTHERNRAFT.COM

828.255.6700 ASHEVILLE, NC

U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CTRUSNWC.ORG

704.391.3900 CHARLOTTE, NC

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The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC), an outdoor center situated on 400 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River, is dedicated to promoting the active, outdoor lifestyle. Since opening in 2006, the USNWC continues to provide guests with access to the outdoors through all-day passes, instruction and leadership programs, festivals, races and other outdoor events. Whether you participate in an off-site wilderness program or simply relax in the Centers natural surroundings, the USNWC invites you outside to play, relax and learn.

The USNWC is home to the worlds largest recirculating whitewater river and is an official U.S. Olympic Training site, hosting both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials in Canoe and Kayak Slalom. With up to class IV rapids, the USNWC offers rafting and kayaking for guests of all ages and abilities. Our whitewater guides are trained to lead all trips, from our more relaxed family rafting to the extreme rodeo rafting.

For guests interested in learning to kayak or developing existing skills, a wide variety of educational and instructional programs are available. From kids summer camps and after-school kayaking to private instruction courses, the USNWC offers programs that can be tailored to first-time, beginner and advanced kayakers.

USNWC.ORG 704.391.3900

U.s. National whitewater centerCharlotte, nC

With access to the Catawba River, the USNWC also provides guests with miles of paddling opportunities via kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. These flatwater experiences give paddlers a different perspective of the USNWC while learning about the history and ecology of the surrounding environment.

Beyond whitewater and flatwater activities, the USNWC offers a Canopy Tour, continuous belay courses and numerous stand-alone zip-lines that give guests a challenging and exciting opportunity to travel through the trees. The Center also features some of the best trails in the area, suitable for runners, hikers and riders of all skill-levels. Both our trails and rivers see more than 70 races throughout the year, including trail races, triathlons, downhill and cross country bike races, kayak races and more.

Following a full day of activities, the USNWC promotes relaxation through our food, drink and live music events. Our walk-up Market and on-site restaurant, Rivers Edge Bar & Grill, both overlook the whitewater rapids and offer a great spot to unwind. Warm weather also marks the beginning of the River Jam, a live concert series that features over 75 different shows from a wide variety of national and regional artists. These shows take place weekly during the summer, as well as during our many festivals.


www.SouthernRaft.com

855.RAFT.SRS2000 Riverside Dr.

Suite 3BAsheville, NC

Headwaters Outfitters is your source for river style outdoor family fun. We offer canoeing and kayaking river trips, fly fishing, destination paddling adventures, and water safety courses.

Our paddling trips can last from three hours up to a two-day river/camping trip, or you can cool off with a lazy tube float down the beautiful French Broad. Most of our trips are self-guided, but all of our seasonal special trips include knowledgeable guides and special arrangements can be made for individualized guided trips.

We offer stellar fly fishing programs with licensed fly fishing guides on the rivers of western North Carolina. Our guides will lead you to trout or smallmouth, teach you to cast, and help you choose flies that will increase your success on the water.

This month we will launch a new partnership with fellow local company Z-Z-ZIP to offer an adventure package that combines a relaxing paddle down the French Broad with a mid-point stop for some exhilarating zip line fun.

Conveniently located just outside Brevard, N.C., Headwaters is an easy one-day trip from Charlotte, Greenville, or Raleigh, and a great weekend getaway from Atlanta, D.C., or Knoxville.

HeadwatersOutfitters.com 828.877.3103

HEADWATERS OUTFITTERS

Located on the banks of the French Broad River in Asheville, Southern Raft Supply is the East Coasts first raft shop. It was opened last fall by a group of experienced boaters frustrated by being forced to order rafting supplies from outlets on the West Coast. The longstanding local whitewater crew decided to make it easier for rafters and paddlers in Western North Carolina.

Were using 20 years of whitewater experience to bring in the best products we can, says co-owner Justyn Thompson, an industry veteran and former raft guide. This is the stuff that my friends and I use on our trips.

In addition to rafts from NRS, Aire, and Maravia and essential rafting accessories, the shop carries stand-up paddleboards, Bellyak body boards, locally designed Astral PFDs, dry bags from store neighbor Watershed, helmets, and additional gear. Anglers can also find fishing rafts and frames from Outcast Sporting Gear, NRS, and Aire. With the shops convenient location on the French Broad, all rafts and boards can be demoed before purchase.

The shop owners are ACA certified to teach stand-up paddleboarding, and they are also working with pro paddler Eli Helbert to offer private open boat instruction. Later this month they will launch an online store that will ship all products available in the shop. On July 11-12 customers can join shop owners on a Leave No Trace overnight working rafting trip, which will include camping along the French Broad River Paddle Trail.

SouthernRaft.com 828.255.6700

SOUTHERN RAFT SUPPLY

rosman, n.C.

asheville, n.C.


If youre looking for an intimate destination filled with small-town nostalgia and natural exploration, Eden is the perfect place to get away. Tucked just below the Virginia border, among the idyllic rural surroundings of Rockingham County, North Carolina, Eden offers plenty of relaxing activities that will satisfy the interests of the whole family. Browse small locally owned storefronts, pick strawberries, catch a movie at the drive-in, or take a brewery tour.

For paddling enthusiasts, Eden has plenty to discover, as The Land of Two Rivers sits near the confluence of the Dan and Smith Rivers. The 200-million-year-old Dan is an historic waterway that flows at a leisurely pace, so a variety of kayakers and canoers can enjoy paddling through the peaceful piedmont landscape. As you glide through the tree-covered corridors, youll also get an intriguing look at the past from different erasfrom the remaining sites of the Saura Indian tribe to the old bateau systems that helped develop Rockingham County in the nineteenth century. When paddlers are ready for the next level, the nearby Mayo River offers a great introduction to whitewater with a series of class II-III rapids rushing through the northeast portion of the river near the Virginia border. Locally based Three Rivers Outfitters offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as a range of guided trips on the Dan, Smith, and Mayo.

The quiet beauty of Giles County sits in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Winding through this scenic valley paradise is 37 miles of the New River, which offers a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities

Recognized as the second oldest river in the world, the New River in Giles County is unequaled in its ability to provide a superb family vacation setting in which to enjoy top quality fishing, tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting. Private riverside retreats provide lodging while experienced outfitters can arrange guided or unguided float trips for a variety of adventures.

Outdoors enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Giles County. The RideRiverRun Triathlon and Relay (www.rideriverrun.com ) features a 21-mile bike ride, 3.7-mile run, and a 6.5-mile canoe leg on the New River through the best of Giles Countys scenic countryside. Enjoy outdoor adventure at Mountain Lake Lodge or world class fishing, hiking, and biking throughout the area. And after a day of fun, complete your trip with one of the many wonderful dining experiences available in Giles County.

ExploreEdenNC.com 336.623.2110

VisitGilesCounty.org 540.921.2525

City of Eden

GILES COUNTY

eden, n.C.

Giles County, v.a.

Piddle, Paddle, Plunge, and Play...on the New River

ExploreEdenNC.com (336) 612-8049

Rockingham county


an Anglers dreamScott County, Virginia

Diverse fishing opportunities and guided fishing expeditions await you in Scott County.

Trophy-size troutsmallmouth, spotted, rock and largemouth bass, plus sauger, sunfish and freshwater drum are found in the stocked creeks, lake and North

Fork Holston and Clinch Rivers.

ExploreScottCountyVA.com | 276.386.6521

Whether youre looking for challenging creek, leisurely lake, or rippling river fishing, Scott County is an anglers dream. Scott County is home to a long and picturesque stretch of the Clinch River and also the North Fork of the Holston. Both Big and Little Stony Creeks, Stock Creek, and Bark Camp Lake offer up trophy-size Rainbow trout.

The Clinch River has been named by the Nature Conservancy as the number one river worth protecting in the United States. It carries the distinction as the worlds largest depository of freshwater mussels with more than 50 known species of mussels. Both the Clinch and the Holston are full of smallmouth, spotted, rock and largemouth bass, sauger, sunfish, musky, carp and freshwater drum. Between April 15 and May 31, the Clinch offers a unique fishing opportunitysucker shooting. During this time, you can climb high into the Sycamore trees and shoot the redhorse suckers in the shallow water along the shore.

The 61-acre Bark Camp Lake offers a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, black crappie, several sunfish species, channel catfish,h and trout. The lake, as well as Big and Little Creeks and Stock Creek, is routinely stocked with trout by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

With all of the available fishing opportunities, plan to stay several days in Scott County where you can find yourself relaxing in a mountain cabin or in a comfortable bed and breakfast.

Its unforgiving.

The Russell Fork River near the VA-KY border has a reputation for some of the toughest creek-style whitewater in the country. Its not for the faint of heart.

The river is runnable about 10 months of the year, but during the first four weekends in October it gets really exciting with releases from the John Flannagan Dam upriver, which drastically increases the flow. Through the gorge at Breaks Park youll find stiff Class IV and V rapids, but other sections of the river do offer more leisurely passes with Class II and III rapids.

Its a chance to experience the Grand Canyon of the South from a completely different vantage point, and areas of the river with names like Meatgrinder, Fist, and El Horrendo are proof youve accomplished something at the end of your adventure.

Overlooking the Russell Fork is Breaks Interstate Park, where youll find camping, cottages, cabins and lodge rooms, in addition to hiking, biking, birding, geocaching, and much more.

For more information or reservations, visit our website.

ExploreScottCountyVa.org 276.386.6521

BreaksPark.com 276.865.4413

fishing in scott county

the russel fork river

sCott County, v.a.

breaks interstate park, v.a./k.y. border

BreaksPark.com

T he Grand Canyon of the South

Camping | Cottages | Cabins | Hiking | Biking Whitewater Rafting | Water Park | And more!

plan your adventure today at

Photo Credit: rita Surratt


I S N T I T T I M E F O R A L I T T L E

U.O.U.

www.visitchesapeake.com Toll ee (888) 889-5551

For outdoor enthusiasts You Owe You is the antidote to everyday routine. And Chesapeake is a great place to get a big dose of nature. Located in the heart of Coastal

Virginia, there are miles of waterways for kayaking, canoeing, boating and fi shing. Virginia, there are miles of waterways for kayaking, canoeing, boating and fi shing. Acres of woodlands to explore. Parks for camping. Trails

for hiking and biking. And options galore for eating and sleeping when you need to

recharge. Fill your U.O.U.in Chesapeake.

NEW RIVER GO

RGE, WEST VIRG

INIA

Come for the raftin

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STAY FOR THE FUN

Experience Amer

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vers. Relax at ou

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e adventure resor

t or spend a

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iplines in the cou

ntry.

888.383.9933

NewRiverGorgeGe

tAway.com

Instead of spending your summer lying by the pool, why not try something adventurous this season? In Chesapeake, there are plenty of scenic waterways to explore through paddling sports. Even if youre new to paddling, youll love discovering all there is to do in Chesapeake.

Kayaking has become one of the most popular paddling sports in Chesapeake, and its not hard to see why. Paddlers love gliding along the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, keeping their eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife in the area. This area is especially popular with birders who hope to spot some of the rare birds that migrate through the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. Kayakers also enjoy paddling in Northwest River Park, one of Chesapeakes premier fishing hotspots, and casting a line for crappie, bass, and catfish.

For another waterway excursion, locals and visitors alike can unwind by canoeing onLake Drummond, one of only two natural lakes in Virginia, or by identifying unusual flora and fauna found along the brackish waters of the Great Bridge Locks.

Dont let summer slip by without adventure this year. Grab a kayak or canoe and build lifelong memories with paddles in hand.

PLAY WILD! STAY CIVILIZED.

At Adventures On the Gorge, vacations are much more interesting than your standard beach vacation. Your inner adventurer will awake as you become completely immersed in nature and learn to PLAY WILD again.

Our top-notch equipment and 40 years of expertise help you attempt things youve never done before and discover the excitement and serenity of the great outdoors. Whether youre paddling Americas Best Whitewater, soaring through the treetops, scaling sandstone cliffs, or tearing up the trails, youll be forever changed by the experience.

Every great vacation also needs some down time to let the excitement of the day soak in. Take advantage of free onsite entertainment and amenities like Canyon Falls Swimming Hole, hiking and biking trails, easily accessible gorge overlooks, sand volleyball courts, outdoor movies, disc golf, live music, and our childrens playground.

You really work up an appetite when you PLAY WILD, so satisfy your cravings at one of our three award-winning onsite restaurants with hearty fare and our trademark hospitality. When its time to turn in, diverse lodging options from five stars to under the stars let you decide how much to rough it while on your adventure vacation.

VisitChesapeake.com 888.889.5551

NewRiverGorgeGetaway.com 888.383.9933

chesapeake

Adventures on the gorge

Chesapeake, v.a.

lansinG, w.v.


picture Self Here

(877) 292-9924 Get Wild at Ace today!

Aceraft.com/WildSide

Let ACE be your guide to the exhilarating action of Americas Best Whitewater. Thrill seekers from near and far travel to the majestic confines of the 1,000-foot New River Gorge to experience West Virginias world-class whitewater. Between the variety of trips offered on the New and Gauley rivers, ACE candeliver a rafting adventure thats just right for every experience level from beginner to expert.

For novice rafters the Upper New is a family friendly stretchthats age appropriate for those six and older. Its a fun run full of easy waves and bouncy ledges that amount to a splashy good time for your whole clan. When youre ready for the water to get wild, the Lower New is a great next step with 20 big-water rapids and calm pools in between for lounging and swimming. In addition to the stunning scenery, day trips on the New also include some coal town history and a delicious grilled riverside lunch.

When youre ready to experience whitewater in its most epic form, book a trip on the Gauley ACE runs it in the

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Blue Ridge Outdoors June 2013