Poplar Boat Launch on the Noli now open

Poplar Boat Launch is officially OPEN AGAIN for public use!

After months of closure, lost access, and the loss of an entire commercial season, the Appalachian Ranger District has announced a temporary reopening of Poplar, restoring legal access to one of America’s most iconic whitewater runs. This is a huge step forward for paddlers, guides, outfitters, and our entire river community.

This progress didn’t happen by accident. It came through tireless advocacy—petitions, meetings, public comments, phone calls, and sustained community pressure—led by NORA alongside our partners and supporters. We are deeply grateful to the U.S. Forest Service for recognizing this reopening as a vital step in our community’s recovery and for working with us to make interim access possible while full reconstruction is planned for later this spring.

Important note: This is a temporary opening with no infrastructure or services. Please use caution at the put-in, do not block the road or railroad, park responsibly, and be aware that the river has changed and unknown hazards may still exist.

If you value public access, healthy rivers, and a strong outdoor recreation economy, please consider donating to support NORA’s (Nolichucky.org). continued advocacy and stewardship work. Efforts like this take time, persistence, and community backing.

We’ve written a full blog post telling the story behind this win, what it took to get here, and what comes next. Read more in the link we’ll share in the comments.

We can finally say it again—we get to go boating together.

Thank you for showing up, speaking out, and standing with the Nolichucky.