Whitewater Rafting
June 28, 2008 by TracyZ
Ride the Dragon and follow it with the splash of whitewater rafting on some of the Southeast’s most popular rafting rivers! Enjoy a half-day run on the Nantahala River, or “Nanty”, conveniently located on nearby Highway 19 just off US 129.
A great introduction to river running, this 8-mile stretch on the Nantahala offers mostly Class I and II rapids with a Class III finish at the Nantahala Falls. First time rafters and families can feel comfortable navigating this river.
You can rent rafts, kayaks, canoes, or ducks (inflatable kayaks) from a variety of outfitters along the river. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a popular choice with a beautiful outpost offering guided or self-guided trips, a view of the falls, a restaurant, restroom/shower facilities, and access to the Appalachian Trail for a day hike.
The more adventurous can tackle the Cheoah River, which opens Class IV-V (out of V) rapids on specified dates coordinated with the release of waters from the Cheoah Dam. Located at the end of the famous Tail of the Dragon road, these runs are sure to provide a high adrenaline ride for experienced rafters. Contact the Cheoah Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service at 828-479-6431 for more details on release dates.
For a taste of Olympic Gold, just drive a bit further to the Ocoee River, home of the 1996 Summer Olympic Whitewater Slalom Races. Winding through the Cherokee National Forest, the Ocoee River rafting is about an hour NE from Chattanooga, TN.
Other nearby rivers offering seasonal rafting include the French Broad (NW of Asheville, NC), Pigeon River (near Gatlinburg TN), Chattooga (near Clayton, GA) and the Nolichucky (near Erwin, TN).
Getting There…
From Robbinsville to Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Option 1 (21 miles) – Head South on US-129
- Turn Left onto US-19/US-74
- Travel another 9.8 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (on left)
- Option 2 – (25 miles) Head East on NC-143
- Turn Right onto NC-28
- Turn Right onto US-19/US-74
- Travel another 4.5 miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (on right)
[...] Rafting (seasonal) – Ok, maybe not the best thing in the dead of winter but when the water is running in the spring-summer this area turns into a hot spot for white water rafters of all levels. Check out the Nantahala Outdoor Center on US 19 for all the details on rafting the Nantahala Gorge, Cheoah River, and more. Read More! [...]