Welcome back, Cheoah! The boater world has missed you. 
This weekend, paddlers of the Southeast can look forward to the first release of the season for the Cheoah River in Graham County, N.C. This class IV-V river boils down to nine miles of intense, tumultuous, and wild whitewater action.
The Cheoah holds a treasured spot as one of the most popular rivers in the region, but take note: this isn’t a run for the faint of heart. Over the course of its journey through the Tar Heel State, the river drops about 150 feet per mile – including a twelve-foot plummet over Bear Creek Falls – and stands as one of the steepest sections of whitewater nationwide.
For those ready to take on the challenge, the Cheoah is now open for business. Get psyched, stay safe, and dive into this incredible whitewater experience.
For release dates on the Cheoah, as well as other Southeast classics like the West Fork of the Tuck and the Tallulah, check out American Whitewater’s schedule here.
