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Southeast States
Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky
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Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting |
800-468-7238 |
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Great Smokies Rafting Company |
800-238-6302 |
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Nantahala Outdoor Center |
800-232-7238 |
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Nantahala Rafts |
800-245-7700 |
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Rafting in the Smokies |
800-776-7238 |
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Rolling Thunder River Company |
800-344-5838 |
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Wildwater, Ltd. |
800-451-9972 |
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USA Raft |
800-872-7238 |
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Endless River Adventures |
800-224-7238 |
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Big Pigeon Rafting & Outdoor Center |
800-438-9938 |
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Pigeon River Outdoors |
800-776-7238 |
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Whitewater Express |
800-676-7238 |
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| Section |
Nantahala
Gorge |
|
Location |
Macon
and Swain counties, southwest of Bryson City, western North Carolina |
|
Driving Time |
Asheville—1
hour; Atlanta—2.5 hours |
|
Difficulty |
Class
II-III |
|
Trip Length |
8
miles (13 km) |
|
Trip Options |
Paddle
raft; half-day |
|
Season |
March-October |
Near the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park in western North Carolina the Nantahala
Gorge offers an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting. With a
guide-escorted trip, families as well as the most inexperienced
paddler can enjoy this beautiful, mostly Class II mountain stream.
Just prior to the take-out, newly acquired paddling skills may be
tested on Nantahala Falls, an exciting Class III rapid.
The
Nantahala, a dam-controlled river, is raftable all season, and the
water remains cool throughout the summer heat as it comes from the
bottom of the Nantahala Lake. Trips on the Nantahala take about
three hours and are scheduled both mornings and afternoons.
Reservations are recommended, as the Nantahala is one of the five
most popular whitewater rivers in the eastern United States. Each
year more than 150,000 people experience the thrills of whitewater
rafting on the Nantahala River.
The
Indian word Nantahala means "land of the noonday
sun," and aptly describes the steep-sided Nantahala Gorge,
perfect habitat for lush groves of rhododendron, mountain laurel,
and the unusual princess tree.
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