Bonas Defeat Gorge is a very beautiful but very dangerous section of the Tuckasegee River near Panthertown Valley that few people ever get to experience. Even though the Nantahala Forest Trail map shows a trail through the gorge, there is not one and will never be one. The first and most unpredictable danger is the fact that there is a flood control dam and lake at the upper end of the gorge. There is no release schedule. If you are in the gorge and the flood gates open, the water will rise faster than you can get out of the way and you will probably die. Then there is the difficulty factor. A lot of the gorge is littered with huge boulders and fallen trees that have to be maneuvered around or over or under.
A trip through the gorge should only be attempted if you are very experienced in this type of foot travel. One email I received suggested only going with someone who has already been through the gorge. If you go, good luck and don't take unnecessary chances. http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/bonas1.htm