Surrounded by the pristine mountains and hardwoods of Cherokee National Forest, the 9-mile-long Nolichucky River Gorge cuts through the southern Appalachians of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. The namesake river -- calm in some spots, but rushing and tumbling through the gorge -- is known for its whitewater rafting and other recreational activities. Although several campgrounds and cabins are available within a short drive, the Nolichucky Gorge Campground and Cabins -- set at the bottom of the gorge near Erwin, Tennessee -- is the only overnight option along the gorge itself.
Nolichucky Gorge Campground has two modern family cabins that sleep four to six people. The Park Cabin has one bedroom, a loft sleeping area and a futon in the living room; plus a full kitchen, fireplace and long, screened-in front porch with chairs, picnic table and a swing. The Cozy Cabin includes a bedroom, loft sleeping area, full kitchen and smaller front porch with a view of the river. The Bunkhouse, a larger group cabin, includes dormitory-style bunk beds, a large full kitchen with cookware and a screened-in side porch with several picnic tables. The campground's small and rustic camping cabins come with fewer amenities, but do have scenic campground and river views.
There are more than 50 campsites at Nolichucky Gorge Campground, including full-hookup sites for RVs, primitive tent-only sites and tent platforms with no hookups. The wooden tent platforms have tents already set up upon your arrival that include foam mattresses and that are covered by a rain tarp. All you need to bring are sleeping bags, food and cooking utensils. Some campsites are directly along the riverbank, and most have picnic tables and scenic views of the river or woods. Campers have access to hot showers and restrooms that are heated during the winter.
Sitting about 50 yards south of the Appalachian Trail, the Nolichucky Gorge Campground site has a boat launch and adjacent parking area. The campground is a prime takeout spot for those taking whitewater rafting tours down the Nolichucky River Gorge, with USA Raft's facility next door and Nantahala Outdoor Center's Nolichucky Outpost less than a half-mile east. Other activities available to campers and day users are swimming, canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing. Anglers cast their lines for smallmouth bass, catfish and trout.
The USA Raft facility, just east of Nolichucky Gorge Campground, also has a large group cabin. The Crockett Cabin sleeps more than 45 in five rooms with bunk beds, a large stone fireplace and covered porch. The cabin does not have water, but there is an adjacent bathhouse. Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel, 1.5 miles northwest of the gorge, includes cabins, private rooms and bunkhouses -- all with electric heat and bed linens -- plus primitive tent sites. Amenities include a bathhouse, charcoal grills and free bicycles for trips to nearby Erwin. Cherokee National Forest's Rock Creek Recreation Area, five miles north of the gorge, has 32 seasonal campsites with electric hookups and five primitive tent sites. Other amenities include bathhouses, an RV dump station and a day-use area with a creek-fed swimming hole, picnic area and playground.
