Students stand at the edge of a river with paddles, kayaks, trash bags, and cleanup gear

Tuck River Cleanup

Annual Tuck River Cleanup Information


Join us on Saturday April 18th, 2026 for the 42nd Annual Tuck River Cleanup and help clean up one of Jackson County鈥檚 largest natural resources! The Tuck River Cleanup is one of the nation's largest single-day river cleanups. Hundreds of volunteers unite to clean 15 miles of the Tuckasegee river from Cullowhee to Whittier, NC.

Registration will take place on the UC Lawn by the Alumni Tower at WCU.  To raft the river, one must  register the day of the event.  Registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  Due to available gear, registration will be limited to about 500 volunteers.

There are alternative walking routes for those not meeting the requirements to raft the river or anyone who would prefer to not be on the river.  Walkers can register between 10:00 - 11:00 am. Walkers should wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. The number of walking volunteers will be capped at 30 due to the amount of available transportation.

500 volunteers will recieve a Tuck River T-Shirt. Trash bags and transportation to and from rafting and walking routes will be provided. Base Camp Cullowhee does not pre-register volunteers for the Tuck River Clean Up.

Rafting Requirements
  • The minimum weight to raft the Tuckasegee is 40 lbs.
  • Base Camp Cullowhee will provide participants with a paddle, personal floatation device,  and raft.
  • While on the river, each volunteer is required to wear a personal flotation device.
  • It is imperative that you take an active role in getting your raft down the river.
  • Wear comfortable clothes that you can get wet and dirty.
  • Each volunteer must wear shoes that will not come off during a swim. FLIP FLOPS and CROCS are not permitted.
Reminders:
  • Do not pick up needles or sharp objects.
  • Do not lift anything that is heavier than you are capable of carrying
  • Make sure all trash that is collected goes into a trash receptacle. Do not leave trash in bags on the sides of roads, in parking lots, or on the side of a trail.
  • Wash hands thoroughly, immediately after collecting trash.
  • Follow safety protocols while hiking, visiting waterfalls, or paddling.
  • Wear comfortable clothes that you can get wet and dirty.
Students and guide on a hike in Western North Carolina

Support the Tuck River Cleanup
Beautiful Mountain View in Western North Carolina in the Fall

Base Camp Cullowhee

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Campus Recreation Center
379 Memorial Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-227-8813
basecamp@wcu.edu