Exploring a Post-Hurricane Helene Mountain River: Kayaking Wilson Creek 2.0

Join OG Justin and I as we journey down Wilson Creek Gorge 2.0. Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Western North Carolina and it rivers. Some of these rivers are unrecognizable. Others like Wilson Creek Gorge saw some changes but on a smaller scale. Nearly every rapid has changed but the big pieces are still in place. Come along as we explore the new River arrangements and the new hazards that await future paddlers. Navigating this river is much the same, but there are some things you need to be aware of.
Always carry a whistle! - amzn.to/4h7Betq
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[@middleforkwildernessoutfit243]

You haven’t seen this before to this degree because over there, in the east, man has absolutely put his controlling hand on every piece of water available. Dams have prevented the rivers from doing what they are supposed to do. Welcome back Mother Nature!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

They do try to control things. However, I think we havent seen this around here because we have never seen 40 trillion gallons of water falling in 24 hours either. 40 trillion gallons! Thats gonna change some things! Gravity and Nature are undefeated. We only think we are winning sometimes.

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Excellent video

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Dave!

[@DaveCollierCamping]

@ Take care

[@zachariahschiada2440]

I’m grateful that I got to do before the 2.0. Triple drop looks like a pretty big challenge now. Cool video and I feel like I’ve learned a bit about identifying an undercut.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Indeed!

[@big1dog23]

Well done. Saving lives matters. It's weird, because when you are down in those high Appalachian creeks and rivers you are over some of the oldest exposed bedrock in the world. The Blue Ridge Escarpment is where Africa and Europe split from the Americas. Our old cabin on the Cane R, 99E, is gone.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks big dog!! I hate to hear about your cabin...that is terrible. Are you going to rebuild?

[@BrandonNashKayaking]

I’d so overall the river got a little more scarier in my eyes. Still a lot of fun and still my favorite river. Running triple drop is super sketch at anything +1 and above. Ran it myself 2 times without sneaking it and was super sketched out even with safety set up. Great video showcasing Wilson 2.0! Cant wait to get out there with ya!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Thanks Brandon!

[@atwood123456]

We ran at +8 on the bridge. It felt like -6ish so that sort of tracks with where you are saying as well. I took 2 different lines at triple drop. I did the S turn you did and a more direct line from river right to left neither are great but they both go. I had a great time exploring and scouting out a river that still feels like Wilson but changed. Tighter, steeper, and more technical seem to be the consensus.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Right on brother!

[@FeWolf]

it is like a puzzle now, just takes time and patience. Some look passable in alittle high flow

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes sir!

[@fredcory2686]

I would expect additional movement of smaller rocks/boulders at first elevated flow, and I would expect silt and cobble to begin filling in.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

For sure.

[@misery13666]

A moment of silence for railslide............if I were any good at editing I'd make an homage to all the fun you've had on it. Probably set to "only time" by enya. Man never paddled it but just the ammount of times I've seen you and others take it, the whole landscape has changed. Gonna make go fast on wilson a big challenge for all involved.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Im gonna check that song out!

[@misery13666]

@RiverKingsKayak it's just a common song for "farewell compilations" to the point that it's basically a meme.

[@justfloating9178]

Can only imagine what and how much the French broad has changed especially with all the debris at the bridges going towards ledges water park

[@RiverKingsKayak]

I havent been there yet. Hoping to see videos soon.

[@MicajahMcCurry]

It’s all basically the same.

[@dermop6600]

Is it possible to move stuff or is that frowned upon like in rock climbing?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

It is illegal. Altering a stream bed is a no no.

[@dermop6600]

@@RiverKingsKayak Oh I see... hope it will still be fun

[@mattmccallum2879]

So you don’t have to go backwards down little Woodall 2.0 your first time?!!

[@RiverKingsKayak]

There is less chance of success now...LOL

[@mattmccallum2879]

Triple drop -> terrible drip

[@RiverKingsKayak]

he he!

[@RR-yh6vr]

What does manky mean please?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Tons of rocks. impossible to navigate without banging off all the rocks

[@NChillbilly]

Triple Drop looks terrible and scary at higher flows. Definitely not swimmer friendly. I've never run it that low but it's definitely got a different look from when I ran it 18 years ago.

[@RiverKingsKayak]

it was always a bumpy ride, now you are gonna need to hit that line.

[@NChillbilly]

@RiverKingsKayak sadly I no longer have my gear due to divorce long ago, so I live vicariously through you guys lol. Used to have a 5th wheel parked year round on the river at the campground there. Those were the days. You make great content. I enjoy all your posts. Maybe someday I will get a chance to get back in the game.

[@kevinkirk3156]

did you see any fish whatso ever?

[@RiverKingsKayak]

Yes we saw lots of minnows as well as trout in the stream.

[@kevinkirk3156]

@@RiverKingsKayak beautiful. toe river.... didnt fair so well