Archived Outdoors

Paddling put-in on Nantahala gets makeover

A put-in on the Nantahala River that had seen better days has gotten a stunning new makeover.

The put-in at Ferebee Memorial Park on the Nantahala River, along U.S. 19 in the Nantahala Gorge, now features rock retaining walls along the river bank, new sidewalks leading down to the river and a new launch ramp.

The new ramp can accommodate larger rafts and groups. The put-in is now also handicapped accessible. In addition, the stream bank has been stabilized with new vegetation, benefiting the health of the stream.

Ferebee is used as a put-in by individual paddlers rather than commercial rafters, and also offers a wayside stop for those paddling the length of the Nantahala or touring the Gorge by car. It has picnic tables, grills and restrooms.

The project cost $200,000 and was funded with federal stimulus money. The work employed five people locally. 828.525.6441.

Smokey Mountain News Logo
SUPPORT THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS AND
INDEPENDENT, AWARD-WINNING JOURNALISM
Go to top
Payment Information

/

At our inception 20 years ago, we chose to be different. Unlike other news organizations, we made the decision to provide in-depth, regional reporting free to anyone who wanted access to it. We don’t plan to change that model. Support from our readers will help us maintain and strengthen the editorial independence that is crucial to our mission to help make Western North Carolina a better place to call home. If you are able, please support The Smoky Mountain News.

The Smoky Mountain News is a wholly private corporation. Reader contributions support the journalistic mission of SMN to remain independent. Your support of SMN does not constitute a charitable donation. If you have a question about contributing to SMN, please contact us.