A Choice of Whitewater Or Flat Water Kayaking

Western North Carolina is home to hundreds of miles of whitewater rivers and mountain lakes making it a favorite destination for kayakers.

For whitewater enthusiasts the variety of rivers from Class I to Class V, offers great options for kayak instruction for all skill levels. You will find adventure seekers, families learning to kayak together and Olympic-bound athletes all enjoying the rivers and lakes of our area. In April 2020, the ICF Wildwater World Championships (canoe) will be held on the Nantahala River.

For outdoor enthusiasts seeking beautiful scenery and glimpses of wildlife, the flat water trails through the mountain lakes of western North Carolina offer all that and more. The rivers and lakes and the availability of quality kayak instruction are what has given Bryson City the title of “the Whitewater Capital.”

The book “101 Best Outdoor Towns” named Bryson City the nation’s third best whitewater paddling town. “If you can’t find something exciting to do in Bryson City, you’re not breathing,” it says.

Paddler Magazine named Bryson City one of the “best paddling towns” in the US. Along with the multiple spots for great paddling, they focus on Tsali mountain bike trails, area adventure races and canoe camping on Fontana Lake.

Check out our “Think Outside the Gym” 2-day vacation itinerary that includes kayaking.

Click or tap for more fun activities on the water near Bryson City.

Nantahala River Gorge – Home of the 2013 World Freestyle Kayak Championships

Video recap of the championship finals

Swain County’s Nantahala River Gorge has secured its reputation as a world-class whitewater venue by hosting the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships. The Gorge was selected by the International Canoe Federation, the sanctioning body for all world championship and Olympic canoe and kayak events.