Though accounting for only 5 percent of the world's population, Americans consume 26 percent of the world's energy. (American Almanac) Last year, the city of 
The Great Smoky Mountains has a reputation of unspoiled beauty and natural landscape. One of its best attractions is the wild and natural Pigeon River. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and in the Cherokee National Forest in Hartford, twelve companies raft the river in two sections. The “upper” section consists of class III and IV rapids. The “lower” section offers flat water with some class I and II rapids. Neither require experience. Commercial outfitters must abide by strict codes and laws. The age limit is 8 or older on the upper and 3 or older on the lower. Even individuals 90-years-old and above often raft the Pigeon. UPPER SECTION All 12 companies enter the river at the North Carolina state line at Progress Energy’s Powerhouse, which releases water for 6-hours every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The power company offers different release days and times before and after the... (more...)
