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Dam Release is Paddling Opp
Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: July 2023
The High Falls Dam Release, set for July 8, July29, August 12, and August19, is Paddling Nirvana.
Serious kayakers look forward annually to a periodic event near Cashiers that results in a sedate stream becoming a challenging torrent.
Anyone can look up on social media and YouTube footage of the dramatic release of thousands of gallons of water via the Lake Glenville’s High Falls Dam release.
Or the more adventurous can actually make the somewhat strenuous steep ascent to a safe spot to watch the Dam release up close and personal.
The dam was already released a few times this spring, but the remaining summertime release dates (visit lakes.duke-energy.com to verify exact dates and times) are scheduled for July 8, July 29, August 12, and August 19. Release times typically take place between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
Access to the High Falls trailhead is at 1966 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee; GPS coordinates are 35.198262, -83.159715. The parking lot with informational signage is across the street from restrooms and a Lake Glenville beach/park.
Kayakers are particularly thrilled when the dam is released because the gushing deluge of water flow over High Falls (also sometimes referred to as Cullowhee Falls) results quickly in Class IV and V rapids – the most difficult and exhilarating for a well-seasoned paddler. From there, kayak enthusiasts can allow the water torrent to take them from the base of High Falls along a six-mile section of the West Fork of the Tuckaseegee River.
A take-out area, where kayakers can park an automobile, is near the early 1940s-constructed Gothic-revival architecture structure that is the Duke Energy Thorpe Hydro Station, located along NC 107.
The Duke Energy-owned 1.5 mile round-trip trail to see High Falls when the dam is released includes well-built bridges and benches as well as quality constructed hemlock stairways. Hikers need to realize that hiking down means hiking up, and wearing appropriate shoes and carrying water is recommended.
Duke Energy does post a warning that behooves dam release viewers to take the activity seriously: “Warning: High flows and the natural environment where such flows occur can create dangerous conditions in the bypassed reach. Duke Energy releases these flows solely to comply with its license requirements. Duke Energy neither encourages nor discourages recreational use of high flows by the public. Any recreational use by the public during high flows should be undertaken with extreme caution and is at the user’s sole risk.”
