Visions of snorkeling naturally bring to mind exotic locales teeming with ultra-blue waters, billowy sea creatures, and thriving coral reefs. While plenty of stunning snorkeling destinations in the U.S. fit this bill, one of the country's most unmatched snorkeling adventures can be found in the rivers flowing through North Carolina's majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. These ancient waterways are home to a fascinating and diverse freshwater fish habitat that you can explore on the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail,
a hand-picked selection of 10 public rivers brimming with marvelous and extensively cataloged wildlife.
The network of rivers comprising the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail was chosen by Luke Etchison, an aquatic biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, along with several of his biologist and photographer friends who were passionate about conserving and documenting the rivers' magical underwater world.
More than 50 rivers roll through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the trail's founders chose their 10 channels owing to their clarity and diversity of fish. The rivers span 10 counties in western North Carolina, with each site marked by meticulous signage detailing the magnificent array of fish snorkelers can expect to discover.
Read more: 12 Dangerous Creatures To Be Aware Of Before Snorkeling In The Caribbean
The Beauty Of The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail
Shallow waters top the list of requirements when choosing the perfect location for snorkeling. But some rivers along the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail are shallower than the three to 10 foot depth typically considered ideal for the watery activity. The Mills River measures just two to three feet deep, and you might have to contend with feisty currents. This can make submerging your head while keeping your body stable a challenge. Instead of struggling in the current or grabbing a clump of vegetation in an attempt to stabilize yourself, Luke Etchison recommends army crawling along the riverbed. Once you've had your fill of marveling at the fish, then you can have a little fun getting carried away in the current.
When you've got the hang of things, expect a wondrous aquatic show starring inquisitive and colorful fish. Blazing-blue spotfin chubs can be found in the Cheoah River, olive-colored crayfish buoy along the Tuckasegee River, and metallic-red saffron shiners dart about the Pigeon River. During spring and summer spawning season, several species of male fish transform in color, appearing noticeably brighter than females. Overall, these 10 rivers are home to an incredible mix of water-dwelling species that also includes mussels, amphibians, and reptiles.
Some ancient river species found here, like the terrifically-named hellbender salamander, are millions of years old. Others are endangered, like the Appalachian elktoe mussel and the olive darter. These animals' vulnerability was the primary inspiration for the trail's founders to create it with the aim of raising public awareness.
Tips For A Perfect Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail Experience
The Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail is designed to be self-guided, with signs at each river entrance preparing visitors for their adventure. Snorkelers can also prepare by brushing up on the information found on The Fishes of North Carolina website. The site is an exhaustive resource for learning about all of the fishy finds you'll make in the area's mountain rivers. It also features some phenomenal underwater photography and the names and exact locations of each river.
Although you're not preparing for coral reef snorkeling, you'll still want to take similar care preparing for the river swims. Bring a mask and snorkel with you, although a pair of goggles is fine since you'll be in shallow waters. Your mask won't muck up quite like it does in salt water, but it's still convenient to bring along some baby shampoo to give it a quick clean. If you're river snorkeling during North Carolina's hot and humid summer, venturing out in a swimsuit should be fine. Otherwise, water temperatures can be cooler during the rest of the year, so you'll definitely want to wear a wetsuit.
For the most in-depth river adventure, book a guided tour of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail with Oxbow River Snorkeling. They're one of the rivers' premier tour companies, and their expertly-trained guides consist of biologists and master naturalists. Oxbow offers a range of group and private tours for ages 10 and up and provides all snorkeling equipment and wetsuits.
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Read the original article on Islands.
