Hmmm. Especially on a river as opposed to a man-made watercourse, 'safe' and 'fast' are opposing considerations.

Dam-controlled rivers like the Nantahala have more consistent flow during periods of release , so there's no flat stretches requiring significant paddling even though the rapids are only Class I-II. To move up, look to the Middle Ocoee , the Nolichuckey Gorge or the Chatooga Section IV, but timing and availability of trips is very limited.

Thank you to retiredagent.

Thank you. I know fast and safe are opposing factors, but I'm a grandma and my visitor is 19 and so we need ... fast for him, safe for me. I'll follow the gorge suggestion ... and thank you again.

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