I'm originally from Piedmont NC (Winston-Salem). We use to go paddling on the New River, Chatooga, Nantahala... what a long time ago it was. Sometimes we got to sections where it was more of a walk because the water was so shallow. Once on the Chatooga, we went over a small (5') waterfall I guess it's the Nantahala that gets so big you need a helmet. Then there are the beautiful lakes and calm, winding rivers... it's been 25 years. We would mostly rent plastic canoes or, for the big stuff, join guided raft groups.

I highly recommend building a wooden kayak; whatever model suits your fancy. But, I would leave it at home and paddle a rental on anything except lakes, salt water and calm, winding rivers. You'll gouge the bottom (or worse) every time you hit a rock.

Chip
www.ChipSandresky.com