Nantahala River
Whitewater Rafting- Class II and III Nantahala River Rafting - a whitewater experience the entire family can enjoy!
The Nantahala River alternates between calm spells of sparkling flat water to over 20 named whitewater rapids. This feisty river is a particular favorite of families with younger children since it is ideal for beginner’s. Almost anyone can participate in the fun of paddling and maneuvering a raft down the Nantahala River – from young children to active senior citizens. Whitewater rafting in North Carolina on the Nantahala River is a low cost, high value experience which will add great memories to your vacation.
Eight Miles of Fun
Our rafting trips on the Nantahala River run the full length of the river – 8 miles through western North Carolina’s most scenic rainforest. Often the cold water of the Nantahala River meets the warm air creating a mystical fog floating above the river which adds even more beauty to the surroundings. The river runs through the Nantahala National Forest – the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. On a Nantahala rafting trip you will encounter an array of lively rapids such as Root Canal, the Isle of Dumping and Tumble Dry. Your Nantahala rafting trip will end with a big, bouncy splash at Nantahala Falls- the only class III rapid on the river.
The Nantahala River has become one of the most popular rivers in the Southeast for family rafting adventures and group outings. It is the perfect introduction to the sport of whitewater rafting. Hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains have found Nantahala rafting trips with Rolling Thunder River Company to be the highlight of their vacation.
No Rain-No Problem
The Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river which means you will get a consistent, predictable flow of water and not be disappointed by a lack of recent rainfall. This is absolutely essential for a great whitewater experience. White water rafting on the Nantahala River continued uninterrupted even during the past year's severe drought in the Southeast.
Pick Any Day
Our Nantahala River trips go out 7 days a week beginning in late March and ending in early October. Check out our Trip Times/Rates page for a schedule. Saturdays are the busiest day of the week and July is the busiest month for Nantahala rafting trips. Just so you know.
For those who are more experienced or just a little more daring, we offer funyaks (aka “duckies” )which are one and two person rafts – sporty little inflatables which notch up the level of adventure for you. You will get wetter and colder than in a large raft but you'll also have a bouncier ride. We recommend renting a wetsuit to wear if you are going down the river in a funyak.
Check out our Types of Rafts page for pictures of the different rafts we offer on the Nantahala River.
Church groups, Scouts and school groups enjoy extending their rafting trip by spending the night in our bunkhouses at the Nantahala rafting center. We can sleep from ten to 70+ people. Our campground is also an inexpensive way to spend the night in the mountains. Camping is a unique activity that children and adults alike can enjoy. Our campground has a bathhouse with hot showers so it's not totally primitive. We are located only 15 minutes from downtown Bryson City, NC so restaurants and grocery stores are nearby. Check out our Lodging page for details.
Guide in Raft: Guarantees a guide in your raft; allows you to relax and let a pro be in charge. Follow-A-Guide: You can captain your own raft but with the extra confidence of having one of our guides nearby in case you encounter any kind of difficulty. Non-guided/Rental: Experienced rafters can choose handle their own raft with no assistance from us. Not recommended for first-timers.
Nantahala River Trip Details Minimum Age: The U.S. Forest Service requires that children be at least 7 years of age OR weigh at least 60 pounds in order to raft the Nantahala River. Guided/Non-Guided: You have three options: A guide in the raft; follow- a- guide; or non- guided. Trip Length: 8 miles – Total trip time about three and a half hours with about 2 hours on the river. Adventure Level: Mild to moderate – ideal for the first timer and fun for the more experienced as well. Included in Price: All necessary equipment, transportation to and from the river, rain suits if needed. Raft Center Location: Bryson City, NC (western North Carolina)-about an hour and a half west of Asheville, NC
Join us for a fun-filled, memorable trip on North Carolina's favorite whitewater- the Nantahala River.
Licensed by the U.S. Forest Service Member of America Outdoors.
Rolling Thunder River Company
The Only Experience You'll Need Is Ours! Over 300,000 happy guests.
Our rafting trips on the Nantahala River run the full length of the river – 8 miles through western North Carolina’s most scenic rainforest. Often the cold water of the Nantahala River meets the warm air creating a mystical fog floating above the river which adds even more beauty to the surroundings. The river runs through the Nantahala National Forest – the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. On a Nantahala rafting trip you will encounter an array of lively rapids such as Root Canal, the Isle of Dumping and Tumble Dry. Your Nantahala rafting trip will end with a big, bouncy splash at Nantahala Falls- the only class III rapid on the river.