Poplar Is Open Again: A Victory for the Nolichucky, for Public Access, and for Community Grit

Today marks a major and deeply meaningful victory for the Nolichucky River community.

The Appalachian Ranger District has officially announced that Poplar Boat Launch is open once again for public use, restoring public access to one of America’s most iconic whitewater runs. This reopening is temporary in nature and comes without formal infrastructure or services, but it represents a critical step forward after months of closure, uncertainty, and disruption.

After a long season of waiting, paddlers can finally return—together—to the Nolichucky.

A Temporary Opening — Please Use Caution

At this time, Poplar is open in a limited, interim capacity. There are no developed facilities, signage, parking improvements, or services in place.

Boaters should:

• Use extreme caution at the put-in, which remains unimproved

• Do not block the road or railroad at any time

• Park responsibly and respectfully to avoid future access issues

• Exercise heightened caution on the river, as significant channel changes have occurred

• Be aware that unknown hazards may still exist following the storm

The Nolichucky experienced substantial flood impacts, and conditions on the river may differ dramatically from past seasons. Conservative decision-making, scouting, and conservative flows are strongly encouraged.

The Forest Service has indicated that official reconstruction is anticipated to begin in early spring, with the goal of a full reopening later this spring. This temporary access allows the public to responsibly return while longer-term improvements are planned and implemented.

When Access Was Lost, the Community Felt It

The closure of Poplar Boat Launch following Hurricane Helene had immediate and far-reaching consequences. What began as a necessary safety closure ultimately resulted in the loss of an entire commercial boating season. For local outfitters, guides, instructors, and river-dependent small businesses, this meant lost income, canceled trips, displaced workers, and prolonged uncertainty.

For the paddling community, it also meant the loss of safe, legal access to a treasured public resource.

The Nolichucky is more than a river—it is a place of livelihood, recreation, heritage, and healing. Losing Poplar cut deeply across economic, cultural, and personal lines.

Advocacy, Persistence, and Showing Up—Again and Again

From the earliest days of the closure, the Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA), alongside outfitters, guides, partner organizations, and community members, made it clear that reopening Poplar needed to be a priority.

Over the past months, this effort included:

• A formal petition calling for the reopening of Poplar

• Public testimony and written comments

• Ongoing communication with the Appalachian Ranger District

• Numerous meetings, phone calls, and follow-ups

• Continued coordination with regional and national partners

• Transparent communication to keep the public informed

This work was grounded in respect, collaboration, and persistence—paired with a shared commitment to public safety, responsible access, and the long-term health of the river corridor.

Gratitude to the Forest Service

We want to sincerely thank the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Ranger District for recognizing this temporary reopening as a vital and meaningful step in the community’s recovery.

Balancing safety, infrastructure realities, and public access following a major natural disaster is complex work. We appreciate the Forest Service’s willingness to engage, listen, and take action that supports both community needs and responsible land management. This interim opening reflects thoughtful consideration and a shared desire to see the Nolichucky corridor recover in a safe and sustainable way.

A Community Effort—Through Grit and Grace

This progress belongs to everyone who showed up—those who spoke up at hearings, wrote letters, made phone calls, attended meetings, shared updates, donated, and refused to let this access point be forgotten.

It belongs to the guides who stayed engaged while sidelined from work. To the outfitters who weathered a lost season. To the volunteers and advocates balancing cleanup, restoration, and access advocacy all at once.

Progress like this is never the result of one voice—it is the result of a community moving forward together with grit, patience, and grace.

We Can Finally Go Boating Together Again

While this reopening is temporary, it is powerful.

For the first time since the storm, paddlers can legally and responsibly return to Poplar and reconnect with the Nolichucky River. This moment represents hope, momentum, and the tangible results of sustained community advocacy.

We can finally go boating together again.

Help Us Celebrate—and Keep the Momentum Going

This milestone is worth celebrating—but continued advocacy, stewardship, and restoration depend on sustained community support.

Please help us mark this moment by:

• Sharing this post to amplify the importance of responsible public access

• Making a donation to NORA supports ongoing advocacy, river stewardship, and community-based outdoor recreation

Every share strengthens our collective voice.

Every donation helps ensure access like Poplar remains protected for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us, believing in this river, and proving that when a community shows up with purpose and persistence, meaningful progress is possible.

See you on the water.

—Nolichucky Outdoor Recreation Association (NORA)

Protecting access. Restoring rivers. Building resilient outdoor communities.