Nolichucky River Cleanup and Celebration

June 12, 2001
Nolichucky River Cleanup and Celebration, June 23rd:

The Appalachian Paddling Enthusiasts (APEs) are hosting a Nolichucky River Cleanup and Celebration on Saturday, June 23rd.  Registration for the cleanup will be at USA Raft, Nolichucky Expeditions at 10:00AM.  Clean teams will be grouped together and maps will be provided for various sections of the river.
 USA Rafts and Cherokee Adventures will be providing guided raft support  for the gorge cleanup.  A limited number of early birds will be able to accompany the rafts down the gorge.  Open boaters and private rafters are encouraged to help with other sections of the river.  There are also plenty of areas along the banks for non-boaters.  Pickup trucks or trailers are also needed. Trash bags and gloves will be provided courtesy of the Tennessee Valley Authority.

After the cleanup there will be hickory smoked brisket and the fixins provided to those that participated in the cleanup.  Registered participants will also have chances at door prizes provided by Lotus Design, USA
Raft, Cherokee Adventures, Mahoney's Outfitters, Alpine Ski Shop, Mountain Sports Ltd., Piney Flats Bicycle & Fitness, and the Erwin Burrito Company.

Saturday evening one of Johnson City's finest bands, Stormy Monday, will be playing on the porch of the Davy Crockett Cabin.  So, plan on coming for the weekend, helping out with a good cause, and having a good time in one of the prettiest gorges in Tennessee.  Nolichucky Campgrounds, adjacent to USA
Rafts, is reducing their camping fee to $4.00/night/person this weekend for those participating in the cleanup.

Directions:  The Nolichucky River is in NE Tennessee.  From Interstate 81 near Kingsport exit onto Interstate 181 South.  Stay on I-181 until you reach exit 15 (Jackson-Love Highway) near Erwin.  Cross over the interstate and turn right onto Temple Hill Road, which runs in front of the Holiday Inn Express.  Proceed about a half mile and turn left onto River Road (There will be a sign there for the Forest Service Chestoa Area).  Go another half mile to an intersection and turn left across the Nolichucky River bridge. Just past the bridge turn right and follow the road through the Chestoa Area and continue to the dead end at USA Raft and Nolichucky Campgrounds.

For more information contact the APEs Conservation Officer, Debbie Briscoe at (423) 538-5987 or online at [email protected]