Lucinda,
There are several good “canyons” in NC, but in N. GA there are some very nice one’s also. Try Overflow Creek which helps to form the west fork of the Chataggoa river. This is a section that is great whitewater when flowing but this time of year it is nice to work your way down. I do not have my maps here with me, but the place I put in was the normal kayak put in and I took out at “3 forks”. This is only about 5 miles, but plan on a long day. Several 20-40 foot water falls to by pass.
In this same area are many other creeks. The area of NC, GA & SC in the Savannah drainage is loaded with lot of challange trying to get down these creeks/rivers.
I miss getting to the slots out in Utah, but there are some intrestering problems in the southeast also.
Have fun and any questions drop me an email, it is not often I check out the Canyons group.
David
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “Lucinda”
I have tentatively allocated seven days for exploring Buckskin/Paria (I figure that is conservative).
It sounds like the best plan is to enter at Wire Pass and then head south? For some reason, I thought the more scenic area was north, between White House and the confluence, but is it actually more scenic between the confluence and Lees Ferry?
Yes, I was hoping that we could finish early and then head over to Wave and grab permits if time allows.
There will be two of us going — my boyfriend and I. We are experienced backpackers, peak baggers, etc. but this will be our first canyon experience (the closest thing we get here in the South is some gorge hopping and river wading). I’m up for this kind of thing and want to be prepared for whatever is thrown at us. I think my boyfriend is a little more nervous about extensive wading in really cold water. So I’m really focusing on how to handle the cold water.
We’re going up to a gorge area in NC in a couple of weeks and will be doing some river wading, so I think I’ll bring along some neo and wool socks and experiment a bit. Problem is that the water won’t be nearly as cold as I’d expect it to be in AZ in November! Here we just wear sandals and the “cool” water feels great.
I think the general idea in canyoneering is that you’re going to get wet anyway, but you just want to stay WARM. It makes sense that neoprene and wool clothing would work.
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “adkramoo”
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “Ice”
Enter at Wire Pass and do the full Buckskin. Exit out at White House or Lee’s Ferry depending on how many days you want to play.
I agree on doing Buckskin, but there is a little drop in the boulders near the end. Sometimes a nasty pool too near the middle entry. Still it is the longest slot I know of and aside from those minor issues, easy walking (some slippery mud on 90 degree turns). Worth it if your comfortable getting down the short drop. How many of you in the group? All new to the experience? The best potable water is a little up Buckskin from the Paria BTW. Heading up Paria gives you a few more days to do other nice things nearby, like the Wave, if you can get a permit.
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