The Cheoah River is periodically raised from a Santeetlah Dam release, creating scheduled whitewater flows that attract paddlers and spectators. The Tapoco Tavern is objectively the best viewing area for the kayakers. Not only is the Historic Tapoco Lodge situated alongside one of the most entertaining sections of the river run, but there is also plenty of space to safely watch the kayakers. Releases officially start at 8am, but the water levels and kayakers typically start showing at the Lodge around 11am until later that evening.
