Landscape
The Green River begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and flows through the Blue Ridge Escarpment into the Piedmont. The river basin itself is not mainly sediment, but rather consists of metamorphic rock. The humid subtropical climate provides for moderate temperatures and relatively mild winters. The precipitation for the areas around the Green River typically ranges from 100 to 140 centimeters annually.Ecology
The area surrounding the river is all deciduous forest and is known for having some of the "highest floral and faunal biodiversity in the eastern United States." The Green River basin is typical of most southeastern mountain creeks as it is home to many animals, including deer and black bears. A few prominent deciduous trees in and around the Green River Basin are the Maple, Birch, and Oak Trees. The Green river serves as both a source of fresh water to a specific ecosystem, as well as a source of food to many consumers.Angling
The population of freshwater trout draws many anglers to the slower-moving lower Green. The world record V-lip redhorse was taken from the Green River in 2018. The world record notchlip redhorse was also taken from the Green in 2018, but by a different angler. The current North Carolina State Muskellunge record of 41 Lbs 8 Oz was caught in Lake Adger in 2001Whitewater Sports
The Green River is well known for its different types ofUpper Green
This section of the Green River is frequently run by kayakers, as well as persons paddling whitewaterThe Narrows
The "Narrows" section of the Green river has many qualities of a steep creek that drops between pools, and doesn't resemble many broad, slow-moving rivers in the southeast. John Pilson describes the Narrows as "boulder congested" with a "pool-drop character." This length of the river is considered an extremely difficult portion of whitewater, as it contains nine class IV rapids, and eight class V rapids (these being the most difficult runnable rapids). The first official descent of the Narrows was made in 1988, and it is still frequently paddled today. However, the Narrows are typically only paddled by seasoned whitewater boaters with an extensive knowledge of boating technique. Many whitewater enthusiasts have been injured here, and three qualified Class V boaters have died on the Green River. Three of the biggest and most notorious class V rapids on this section are known as the "Big Three." These are "Go Left and Die" (Class 5.1), "Gorilla" (Class 5.2), and "Sunshine" (Class 5.2). An incident on "Sunshine" rapid left one whitewater kayaker paralyzed. This technical section of water is home to the Green River Race that is held every year on the first Saturday of November. The race typically involves many different classes of boats, and contains a section judged by time trial, as well as a head-to-head section of the race. Many paddlers consider the Green River Narrows race to be the pinnacle ofLower Green
This run is frequented by both kayakers and tubers. Many local companies promote tubing as a type of "safe" whitewater tourism on the Green. The entire run is considered a class II section of water, appropriate for introductory level whitewater enthusiasts. This section of the Green River is very mild compared to its counterparts and is approximately six miles in length.Bridges
Peter Guice Memorial Bridge ( I-26)See also
*External links
References
{{authority control Rivers of Polk County, North Carolina Rivers of North Carolina Rivers of Henderson County, North Carolina Tributaries of the Broad River (Carolinas)