Select Page

Bryson City Offers Whitewater Rafting Fun in the Nantahala Gorge

With so many ways to have fun in Bryson City’s cool mountain waters, Nantahala River rafting is clearly the most popular feature for friends and family groups. Trips can be fully guided, or on your own – in a 7-person raft or a 2-person duckie. The ride lasts about 3.5 hours, and offers mild to moderate whitewater action, with a big finish at Nantahala Falls. The minimum is 7 years old, or 60 pounds, The season is April through October and trips go rain or shine – you’re gonna get wet either way!

Safety Instruction

Outfitters provide paddling tips and safety instruction.

What to Wear

All outfitters provide approved life jackets; most outfitters will provide a wet suit and/or paddling jackets during the cooler months.

It’s advisable to wear a bathing suit or shorts and tee shirt, and secure shoes. If it’s cool, you should bring wool socks, a hat and sweater. Watches and loose jewelry should be left behind. And eyeglasses should be secured with a head strap. You should also bring towels and a change of dry clothes.

IN OUR BLOG…

NOC – Making a 50-Year Splash in Bryson City

Celebrating Nantahala Outdoor Center’s 50th anniversary.

Yellow Rose Vacation Rentals

  • Paddle Inn Rafting Company

    We offer guided, guide assisted, and be your own boss (Rentals.) We have Funyaks, Pumas, Self Bailers and regular rafts. Enjoy our riverfront cabins, RV sites and group tenting areas. We want to share our passion for the river with you and we take pride in our customer service. You are our number one concern. Near Bryson City, open April-Nov. Also open by advance reservation Nov. - April.
  • Endless River Adventures

    Offers whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, Cheoah, and Ocoee Rivers. Ocoee rafting package includes transportation from our Nantahala Outpost, saving you the extra driving. We offer kayak instruction from the beginner to advanced level.  Our guided fly fishing trips include float trips on the Nantahala River.  We have an outfitters store located in the Nantahala Gorge with outdoor equipment and fly fishing.  We also specialize in Whitewater and EcoAdventure Trips to Ecuador.
  • Wildwater-Nantahala Gorge Adventure Center

    Fully guided and rental inflatable kayak and raft trips available. A family-owned business since 1971, Wildwater runs on the Nantahala, Ocoee, Pigeon, and Chattooga Rivers. A complete adventure destination-Zipline Canopy Tours, half-day Jeep® Tours, full-day Rails & Trails, and Raft & Rail© since 1988. Wildwater offers 100% quality service guarantee. On site lodging in unique Yurt Cabins or economical Group Lodge at our Falling Waters Adventure Resort. WIFI for guests.
  • Carolina Bound Adventures Whitewater Rafting

    Are you booking whitewater rafting and other adventures while you're here on vacation? Then save your time and sanity by doing it all on one website!  Our adventure planning and reservation concierge service consolidates your vacation research and planning in one place. Visit our website, choose your desired adventures and we’ll make the reservations plus set up your itinerary – it’s that easy!
  • Carolina Outfitters Rafting Company

    Offers Guide-in-Boat, Guide Assisted, or Non-Guided whitewater rafting trips on the popular and scenic Nantahala River. Inflatable Funyak/Ducky rentals. Excellent equipment, friendly staff, and comfortable facilities. Great low prices and group rates available. Combine your rafting experience with gemstone mining, horseback riding, and scenic train tours. Fully furnished vacation rentals available. Convenient to all area attractions.
  • Appalachian Rivers Raft Co., Inc.

    Offering exciting and enjoyable whitewater activities for families and groups since 1979. Featuring excellent equipment and a courteous, professional staff and very reasonable rates. We invite you to come and enjoy the river in one of our self-bailing rafts or funyaks. For the inexperienced, we offer guide-assisted or fully guided trips. Contact us soon and join the fun!!
  • Nantahala Outdoor Center

    Nantahala Outdoor Center’s main campus is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, NOC’s 500-acre adventure campus boasts plenty of excitement to keep your entire group happy and active, whether you spend the day or a week! Whitewater raft, zipline, mountain bike and hike, and explore Lake Fontana in a rental kayak or SUP. In between adventures, check out NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, onsite shopping, and spend the night in a cozy trailside cabin!
  • Rolling Thunder River Company

    For almost 40 years Rolling Thunder River Company has provided high quality, fun filled rafting experiences, with over 1 million guests choosing to raft and stay with us. Choose guided, follow a guide or non-guided/ rental trip options. We offer hot showers, campground, and a bunkhouse which sleeps up to 65 people. Family owned and operated with a caring staff. Open April - September. dog paw print symbol Dog-friendly rafting.
  • Adventurous Fast Rivers Rafting

    Experience the beauty and adventure of whitewater on the Nantahala River. We are family owned and located directly on river. Our specialty is giving economical prices with the very best in personal service, equipment, facilities, and staff. No experience necessary. Guided & unguided trips available March through October. Walk-ins are welcome or call to reserve your adventure. We look forward to seeing you on the river with us!
  • Main photo courtesy Wildwater Rafting.

    Take Your Pick of Four Rivers To Raft – Or Try Them All

    NANTAHALA

    Located about a dozen miles west of Bryson City on US 19/74, the scenic Nantahala River ranks among the most popular whitewater rafting rivers in the country. Without a doubt, it is the most popular in the Southeast luring more than 200,000 paddlers to its waters every year. A perfect combination of exciting whitewater and placid pools, the Nantahala is a great introduction to the sport of whitewater paddling.

    With Class II and III rapids, it’s considered a “family” river suitable for senior citizens and children — providing the kids are at least 7 years old or weigh at least 60 pounds.

    But, don’t get the wrong idea. Just because the river is suitable for families doesn’t mean it’s not exciting; canoe and kayak Olympians often train on the Nantahala.

    Nantahala won “Best Paddling River” in the Blue Ridge Outdoors 2016 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards.

    TUCKASEGEE

    In the mood for something more sedate? Try the Tuckasegee River. With its Class I and II rapids, Tuckasegee rafting trips provide great outdoor entertainment for the entire family. (including kids as young as 4 or weigh at least 40 pounds).

    CHEOAH

    The Cheoah is a nine-mile stretch of a narrow, whitewater river located outside of the mountain community of Robbinsville, west of Bryson City. It begins below Santeetlah Lake Dam, parallels Hwy 129 and finishes at Calderwood Lake. The Cheoah is a controlled-release river with a very limited number of release dates. It has continuous Class IV – V rapids. Dropping 150-feet per mile, the Cheoah is 3x as steep as the Gauley. Check with your outfitter for times.

    OCOEE

    The Ocoee has been rated one of the ten best whitewater rivers in the country by Canoe Magazine. A number of these outfitters also take trips down the Ocoee, about 1-1/2 hours southwest of Bryson City. It has been chosen as the site of national whitewater championships on several occasions as well as home of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competition. Fully guided due to the challenging water.

    More fun activities on the water near Bryson City.

    Bryson City - Swain County
    Chamber of Commerce

    P.O. Box 509
    Bryson City, NC 28713

    Karen Proctor
    Executive Director

    828-488-3681

    Visitor Guide pages

    Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies

    Sign up for our monthly travel news

    *