ERWIN, Tenn. — After two decades of guiding whitewater expeditions on the Nolichucky River Gorge, local entrepreneur Patrick Mannion has finally launched his own outfitting business, Osprey Whitewater. However, following the destructive impact of Hurricane Helene, the future of his venture now hangs in the balance.
The severe flooding from the hurricane last September not only cut short the fall rafting season but also wreaked havoc on the scenic montane region straddling Tennessee and North Carolina. The torrent dismantled miles of railroad tracks, swept away entire homes, and left outfitters grappling with significant losses, including buildings and equipment. Families and friends were displaced, and the landscape of the river was forever altered.
As spring approaches, the main challenge confronting outfitters is the elusive communication from the U.S. Forest Service, the governing body that manages the river corridor and is responsible for issuing operational permits.
“It’s been a fascinating, yet challenging first season,” remarked Mannion, who has traversed the picturesque 8-mile gorge over 3,500 times. “This is certainly not the conclusion we anticipated for our inaugural season.”
Whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky is integral to local outdoor tourism, contributing over $18 million in visitor spending in the previous year alone. Unlike many southeast rivers regulated by dams, the upper Nolichucky runs untamed, offering unique experiences that attract thrill-seekers. Its remote setting, marked by deep gorges surrounded by national forests, provides an escape from civilization.
“There’s no cellphone service. It’s rugged and wild,” Mannion described, emphasizing its position as the steepest and most remote commercially rafted river in the southeastern United States. “It has become a form of therapy for me.”
Matt Moses, owner of USA Raft, the region’s oldest and largest outfitter, is grappling with the aftermath of the flood that devastated his operation, destroying campgrounds and vital equipment. He remains determined to rebuild, but is hindered by the lack of communication from the Forest Service.
“This is the time when large groups usually book their adventures,” Moses noted. “We inform them that our future is currently uncertain; I simply cannot accept reservations.”
The Forest Service has temporarily closed boat ramps in Poplar, North Carolina, and Erwin, Tennessee, which are essential for outfitters to launch and retrieve rafts. CSX Transportation is utilizing these points to facilitate the reconstruction of lost railroad tracks, adding to the concerns within the whitewater community.
While Mannion supports the repair of the railroad, he is troubled by the sight of heavy machinery altering the riverbed to restore the rail infrastructure.
A recent lawsuit from environmental nonprofit organizations charges federal regulators with failing to uphold the Clean Water Act and lacking oversight of the recovery efforts. In response to reported unauthorized activities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ordered a suspension of reconstruction in December, citing videos documenting potential violations.
Additionally, the restoration efforts implemented by CSX have sparked fears about their impact on the river’s health and recreational value. “Using materials from the Nolichucky for reconstruction could significantly affect scenery and water quality,” explained Patrick Hunter, an attorney involved in the case.
Mannion expressed frustration over the inconsistent permitting processes, highlighting the contrasting scrutiny faced by government entities versus small businesses. “We urge for accountable oversight in this remote corridor,” he stated.
CSX’s leadership has reassured the community that they are collaborating with oversight agencies to ensure improvements.
Despite the changes brought on by the flooding, many outfitters remain hopeful about the river’s future. “The whitewater has actually improved,” shared Brannon Schmidt of Blue Ridge Paddling, who is now considering adjusting age limits for guests due to the river’s increased thrill factor.
Schmidt and his brother spent years acquiring permits to operate on the Nolichucky, but their initial success has hit a snag due to the recent disasters. “We were excited about our plans for this season, but the flood has thrown us off track,” he reflected.
Currently, the timeline for reopening the river to commercial rafting remains uncertain. The Forest Service has prioritized safety assessments to determine any potential hazards left behind by the hurricane.
“The safety of rafters and our outfitter partners is paramount as we continue evaluating the effects of the storm,” a spokesperson stated.
The lack of clarity surrounding the permit situation and concerns over CSX-related activities are imposing challenges on future planning for local outfitters. “Decision-making regarding financial investments is complicated because we are uncertain about rebuilding and the river’s condition,” Schmidt concluded.
