TOTAL RIVER DISCHARGE
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Nantahala River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Nantahala River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Nantahala River is a 35-mile tributary of the Little Tennessee River in North Carolina. The word "Nantahala" comes from the Cherokee language and means "Land of the Noonday Sun." The river has a rich history, as it was once used by the Cherokee Indians as a means of transportation and fishing. Today, the river is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking, with Class II-III rapids. The river is dammed in several places, including Nantahala Lake, which was created in 1942 to generate hydroelectric power. The lake is also used for recreation, including fishing and boating. The river and lake provide water for irrigation for local agriculture, as well as drinking water for nearby towns.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Nantahala River Near Rainbow Springs
USGS 03504000 |
248 cfs | 1.61 ft | -43.25 |
History of the River
The Nantahala River () is a river in western North Carolina in the United States, within the Nantahala National Forest, and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Two-lane U.S. Highway 19/74, once part of the Trail of Tears, runs along the river, picnic areas dotting the route.
The River rises near the border of Georgia and North Carolina, close to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness and the Appalachian Trail. It empties into the Little Tennessee River at Fontana Lake.
The word Nantahala is Cherokee and means "Land of the Noonday Sun". The river runs through a narrow and steep gorge where in some areas the sun reaches the ground only when it is directly overhead during the middle of the day.
