Green River Narrows Race 2007

For paddlers, this is the extreme race of the year, right here in our backyard.  The race takes place the first Saturday every November on the Class V rapids of the Green River, known in kayaking circles to be the most extreme of extreme downriver races in the world. To Kayakers, this race is referred to as “the Green” — a mile-long, downriver race, otherwise known as an extreme race — on the potentially deadly Green River, along the Henderson-Polk county line. Here is a video on You-Tube of the race.  Green River Run.

The river’s boulder fields, narrow chutes, waterfalls and Class V rapids (the most difficult class of whitewater navigable by boats), attracted the best and boldest kayakers in the country. There are nine Class V rapids in the Green River Race run.

Check out the trailer to the new Green River Race movie.   Trailer

The race, started by local kayaking buddies 12 years ago, is grass-roots all the way — no entry fee, no cash awards. Just the bragging rights heard ’round the kayaking world. It is so extreme, that it is even a strenuous sport for spectators, who must hike over rough, steep terrain through the Green River Game Lands for an hour just to get to a viewing spot on the river.

The Green River Race has gone from a very local race to probably the biggest, hardest, most difficult extreme race in the world.”

In 2006, Pat Keller of Asheville , dethroned Tommy Hilleke.   Tommy Hilleke is the most celebrated racer in the Green River , having won 6 of the 12 Green River Narrows Races.  The record running time for a little over a mile is  4 minutes and 34 seconds, set by Tommy Hilleke.  This record is for his race through Class IV and V whitewater, with rapids like Frankenstein, Go Left or Die, and Gorilla.  Some 70 paddlers compete in the race, called the most extreme race in North America . Between 350 and 500 spectators hike in to the spectacular gorge near Hendersonville , North Carolina to watch the race.

Here is an interesting description of the Green River, by a professional Kayaker:  Green River training.

Paddlers hike in as well, and put in a ways above the race starting point. It's a race against the clock, so they go off from the start at one minute intervals and are clocked in at the end of the race as well.

Directions: From Asheville North Carolina: Take Interstate 26 east to exit 22 (exit #'s are changed - this is East Flat Rock Exit - where Cracker Barrel is) "Upward Road". Turn to the left and cross back over the highway. Go for a mile or so, until you see a church on your right. After the church, look for "Big Hungry Road", turn right on this road. Follow this road, veering always to the left at any curves. When you reach Gallimore Road on your right, turn there. Go to the end and drop your boats off.

This area has serious access issues, do not park there because it upsets the landowners and they will tow your car. Drive it back up the hill to Big Hungry and park on the side of the road. Jog back down. The put in is on the left of Gallimore Road past the Forest Service gate. Follow the path down the hill about 10 minutes to the river. Bride of Frankenstein is the first significant rapid after a touch of warm up. If there has been a good amount of rain, you can run Big Hungry Creek into the Narrows. The put in for this is on the left of Gallimore, but before the creek. (the put in for the narrows is past the creek). Walk down to the river and paddle the creek about a half a mile and it will empty into the Green River right at the put it.

After Bride of Frankenstein here is the list of rapid names: Frankenstein, Pincushion, Whale Tale, Boof or Consequences, Squeeze AKA Go Left, Zwicks Backender, Chief, Pencil Sharpener, the Notch, Gorilla, Problem Child, Nieces Pieces, Power Slide, Rapid Transit, Nutcracker, Groove Tube, Sunshine (then a large un-named section) then Lunch Stop, another large un named section, then Toilet Bowl, and Hammer Factor. After Hammer Factor there is a small drop on the right locally called LFY  and the take out is down on the right.

Directions for the take out: From the put in, return to Interstate 26 east to exit 28 (exit #'s are changed!) "Saluda". Go to the bottom of the exit ramp and turn to the left. Cross back under the highway and continue on. On the left after the highway turn onto Green River Cove Road. This is long and narrow, it winds back and forth down the gorge. At the end of the switchbacks there will be a small bridge, and you know you are close to the take out. (also the put in for the class I-II section) On the left there will be a large sign saying "Fishtop Access Point". Park and the river will be on your right.

Interested in more Whitewater information around the area:  Pete’s Whitewater

Go here for a list of the Paddling Clubs in the area:  Paddling Clubs