Access Points and More

115 Miles of Adventure

11 Access Points

Class 3 & 4 Rapids

25 Fish Species

The Chestoa Recreation Area

The Chestoa Recreation Area is a day-use access point on the banks of the Nolichucky River south of Erwin. It’s a take-out for whitewater rafters who ride the river from Poplar, NC through the wild Nolichucky Gorge. Canoeists also put-in here for a more relaxed float downriver or to fish for trout and smallmouth bass. Parking, toilets and a picnic area is at the location.

Want to take an aerial journey around the recreational area? Explore.

 

Directions

From Erwin, take I-26, south to Exit 15. Turn left onto Jackson-Love Highway, cross overpass and turn right onto Temple Hill Road. Travel 8/10-mile and turn left. Travel ½ mile and turn left. Cross bridge, then turn right onto Jones Branch Road. Travel 2/10-mile and turn right into Chestoa Recreation Area.

Nolichucky Nook

The Chestoa Recreation Area is located just off of HWY 81 South below Pyranha Kayak and the old sawmill.

If you’d like to take a deeper dive on this amazing river, visit our blog for more about the river’s history, geography, fishing, and water sporting opportunities.

Get more information on access points, location, public lands, and the communities the Nolichucky graces.

Find your flow with USA Raft, or one of the other many rafting businesses offering curated experiences on the this river’s unique waters.

Experience the Nolichucky with the guidance of regional fishing experts. Take a guided fly fishing excursion and see what great memories will end up on your line.

Enjoy the gorgeous views and fun on the water during the day, and drift to sleep on the sounds of the river’s rushing waters.

Make the most of your visit to Unicoi County. Explore the hiking trails along mountains surrounding the Nolichucky to get a whole new perspective on this magnificent river.

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