The Smoky Mountains of the southeastern United States offer stunning scenery and loads of outdoor adventures. One favorite, family pasttime is white water rafting. From little ones to grandparents, the rapids never fail to thrill and delight their riders.
If you are considering a rafting adventure during your next North Carolina vacation, we have scouted some of the top rafting outfitters in the Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina. With a diversity of experiences and locations, you will surely find a trip that meets your family’s needs!
White Water Rafting: What You Need to Know
White water rafting is a sport. It includes physical demands. It requires specific gear. And it offers a range of challenges.
1. There are some people who should not embark on a white water rafting adventure.
If you are pregnant or have any chronic or heart conditions, we suggest that you first talk to your physician. You will be required to sign a liability waiver in order to take a guided white water rafting trip.
2. There are age restrictions.
The National Forest Service which manages many of our country’s rivers has age minimums that it enforces. These are based on the size of the rapids compared to the average weight of a person that age. You need to ensure that everyone in your party meets the age and weight requirements prior to booking a rafting trip.
3. To enjoy your experience, you need to have the right gear.
Unlike many sports, correct gear for a rafting adventure does not need to be expensive. However, most outfitters will require that you wear shoes with a heel strap. Even though it may be 100 degrees outside, flip-flops won’t cut it on the river. You should also wear gear that will protect you from the sun such as a sun hat and a quick-dry shirt with sun protection. Sunglasses with a strap are also advised.
4. Know your physical abilities.
White water rapids are rated on a scale from I-V. The calmest rapids are rated “I,” and the most violent rapids are rated “V.” Many beginners start with guided trips with rapids at a I-II level. As you will find out, even these rapids require balance and strength.
From the core strength that you need in order to sit comfortably and steadily on the raft to the arm strength you need in order to paddle, beware of your limitations. Additionally, you will use your legs as stabilizers in the boat.
People that are weak or injured may reconsider a rafting adventure, or they may prefer to stick to a simple “float trip.” These are rafting trips that float along still waters with few to no rapids at all.
5. Start with Guided Trips
If you have never rafted before, we strongly encourage you to take a guided white water rafting trip. While many of the outfitters mentioned below will rent you rafts or kayaks, navigating the rivers and the rapids requires skill.
Additionally, the guided trips will alleviate much of the stress and allow you to relax into your adventure.
After appreciating the requirements of a white water rafting trip, it’s time to find your river and your outfitter!
North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains Rafting on the Tuskseegee River
This river and outfitter are closest to Cherokee, North Carolina & Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
About ten minutes south of Cherokee, North Carolina you can find the Smoky Mountain River Adventures. This rafting outfitter is the closest full-service white water rafting service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Whether you want to kayak, float alone, or take a guided rafting trip, they have you covered.
Smoky Mountain River Adventures guides guests four-years-old and up on a two-hour, beginner-friendly experience over North Carolina’s Tuckseegee River. These guided adventures start at $40 per adult and $30 per child. Rapids are mostly class I-II. Class III rapids may be present on occasion.
Note that this outfitter accepts children as young as 4-years-old.
If you are visiting the national park and looking for a fun afternoon, we highly suggest this outfitter!
North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains Rafting on the Nantahala River
Slightly further southwest of the Tuskseegee River, near the town of Almond, North Carolina, you will find your white water outfitters for the famous Nantahala River.
Wildwater offers a three-hour, guided, white water rafting trip on the Nantahala River’s class I-II rapids. Prices start around $55 per person, and refters must be at least 7-years-old or 60 pounds. Wildwater also offers raft and kayak rentals for self-guided experiences.
This outfitter offers additional recreational activities that can be packed into your whitewater adventure at a slight discount.
Rolling Thunder River Co also offers guided rafting trips on the Nantahala River. Their prices start around $50 per person, and they offer reduced, sale rates in the spring. The age and weight requirements are the same.
Endless River Adventures also offers guided white water rafting trips from the Bryson City, North Carolina area. They take guests on two-hour Nantahala River adventures that include class II-III rapids.
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers a family-friendly, 3-hour, white water rafting adventure out of their Bryson City, North Carolina location. This adventure starts at $59 per person.
What sets these outfitters apart?
Most of these outfitters traverse the same sections of the Nantahala River. Things to consider when making your choice between companies include:
- How many people can each raft fit? This may impact how many family or group members can float together verses being split among rafts.
- Are you interested in any other adventures that the outfitter offers? Some outfitters will offer bundled pricing when you purchase multiple experiences at the same time.
- Time, price, and availability. The logistical considerations are important to consider once you have your preferred date identified.
North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains Rafting on the French Broad
These are the closest white water rafting outfitters to Asheville, North Carolina.
The French Broad River flows between Tennessee and North Carolina. If you are based in Asheville, North Carolina, the following three outfitters offer white water experiences around 30-60 minutes northwest of the city.
Big Creek Expeditions offers thrilling, half-day, class III-IV rapid guided rafting adventures on the French Broad Gorge. Their outpost is located in Hartford, TN which is right over the Tennessee-North Carolina border. It is about 45 minutes northwest of Ashville.
Asheville Adventure Company offers a fun experience of the French Broad River during their 2-hour-on-river, guided, white water trip. This adventure begins around an hour outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
Similarly, the Nantahala Outdoor Center offers class II-III rapid white water rafting experiences that begin thirty minutes outside of Asheville.
I have noticed more of a range in prices between these outfitters, so that may be a consideration when choosing between them. You may also inquire how many people will be on each guided trip as well as on each guided raft.
Finally, consider your drive time to the outfitter as well as the drive time between the outfitter and the river put-in. Sometimes those can be long, windy experiences, especially when driving through the mountains.
North Carolina’s Smoky Mountains Rafting on the Nolichucky River
The Nolichucky River access is near Banner Elk, North Carolina, about 1/3 of the way up the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are on your way up to Virginia to visit Shenandoah National Park, or if you are looking for a great way to break up a long trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this adventure would make a great stop!
The Nolichucky River flows from the Blue Ridge Mountains into Tennessee. It is near the northwest corner of North Carolina.
For a very special, two-day rafting experience on the Nolichucky River, consider a rafting and camping trip with High Mountain Expeditions. You will enjoy 18, glorious river miles spread over a two-day rafting adventure. You will camp under the stars on the river bank, hear great stories about local history, and make many unforgettable memories with the people you love.
The minimum age for this experience is 9-years-old. It is a great value for around $250 per person.
High Mountain Expeditions also offers half day white water experiences if that is more your style.
Conclusion
No matter which river you choose, white water rafting always leaves lasting memories. Remember to consider your location and the ages of those in your group. Ensure you have sun protection, good footwear, and a spirit of adventure. No doubt, you will have a blast on your North Carolina Smoky Mountains rafting adventure!
If you can’t get enough whitewater in North Carolina, head north to Shenandoah National Park, and check out the adventures its waters have to share!
