The Nolichucky River ( “River of Death”as given by the Cherokee )is one the most beautiful rivers in the United States. It is a major stream originating in western North Carolina at the highest peak east of the Rockies(Mount Mitchell) and delivers its flow downstream past Erwin and Greeneville Tennessee to the French Broad,a major tributary of the Tennessee River. Its beauty comes from the deepest river gorge in eastern America with its 4000′ mountains lining its banks to the large boulders and turbulent Class III-IV rapids that are in abundance along its path. Above the gorge and below the gorge, with none of the major rapids that the gorge has, is some of the very best small mouth fishing in the South. When the temperatures are high, and the water is low, the top water game on the Nolichucky is some of the greatest fly fishing action in the world. While in the gorge, the fly angler gets a large dose of the wave action featuring spectacular drops interspersed with tranquil areas that make this river the perfect mix between a wild whitewater river and a serene place where the scenery can be enjoyed in a relaxing way. Past the put out at Chestoa,near Erwin,the next few miles of the river is much more tranquil and can be enjoyed by the entire family ,regardless of age. The Noli is truly an impressive river and the area that it flows through has a beauty and culture that should not be missed by the savvy traveler.