Well I don't know how big a hurry I would be to move up here. Beautiful country, but it has its drawbacks, not much in the way of employment, if you live in the mountains as we do it takes a while to break in to the community, things are slow here, real slow, amongst others. But, we stay because on a whole we like it.
There is about any kind of water you would ever want all within an hours drive, mountain trout streams (Whitetop Mtn., Mt. Rogers), crazy creek runs with 20' water falls (runnable) (Wautaga River, Elk River, Green River), moderate creek runs that are continuous whitewater (Wilson's Creek, Tellico), a whole slew of class I - V general stuff (Nantahala, French Broad, Nolichucky, Occoee, Maury, New, Gaully, S. Fork Holston, N. Fork Holston) and to top it off, thanks to the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) loads and loads of lakes. So not back if you like the water, and of course if your ancestral home wasn't flooded during the lake formations.
Before I got married and had two children ......... 'Nough said there. Though they are getting older and have been venturing out with me in a tandem open boat (ages 2 and almost 5).
Regarding the fishing, I believe the S. Fork Holston, when the damn is not generating, is considered pretty premier trout water. The water comes off the lake bottom and is 40 deg F, more or less, great for trout. Of course on the lakes there are more bass boats than you can shake a stick at. Lots and lots of road side and not so road side streams for trout fishing. You have to remember that the mountains around us are 6000 ft. and that water has to come down some way or another.
There are loads of books available for paddling the local water, and a fair number on hiking trails (AT, etc.), but I don't know anything on strictly camping. The Nantahala Outdoor Center outside of Bryson City, NC would be your best bet on info and books, particularly if you are already familiar with that area somewhat.
Tom |
