BRYSON CITY WHITE WATER RAFTING AWAITS!
Serving as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a peaceful town and paradise for outdoor adventurers. It’s not only on the doorstep of scenic hiking trails and spectacular train journeys but also thrilling white water rafting of the Nantahala River. Bryson City white water rafting is a fun activity for anyone who loves a gentle challenge while being immersed in the wonders of nature.
Translating from Cherokee as “Land of the Noonday Sun”, the Nantahala River originates high in the Appalachian Mountains near the border between Georgia and North Carolina. It flows through the picturesque Nantahala Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest before widening and slowing as it reaches Fontana Lake and the Little Tennessee River.
Since 1972, commercial outfitters have been running Bryson City raft trips and it’s now one of the most popular paddling destinations in the southeastern United States. The Nanta offers beginner to intermediate whitewater experiences on Class II-III rapids, providing a thrilling adventure for everyone from young kids (at least 7 years of age) to active seniors our Bryson City rafting runs eight miles through the Nantahala National Forest, which encompasses 530,000 acres of pristine woodlands. As your raft drifts down the rushing river, you’re surrounded by nothing but the sights and sounds of nature. From dry, open woodlands to towering groves of oak trees and canopies of maple, birch, and ash, the forest showcases a diverse range of vegetation. Aside from supporting nearly 1,900 different types of plants, the Nantahala National Forest provides habitat for over 300 animals, including black bears.
Bryson City white water rafting trips down the Nantahala alternate between leisurely sections of calm water that reflect the blue sky above and adrenalin-pumping descents over fun rapids. This lively river is especially popular with families, as its mostly gentle rapids make it an ideal destination for beginner rafters to experience the excitement of whitewater, without excessive risks. Our family rafting trips are what has driven our river company to be rated the #1 outdoor activity in Bryson City, NC.
Rapids like “Root Canal”, “Tumble Dry”, and “Isle of Dumping” provide plenty of thrills over the 3.5-hour trip, requiring rafters to work together under the guidance of our experienced river guides. The trip culminates with the famous Nantahala Falls, the biggest rapid on the river. This climactic class III rapid guarantees a fun, splashy grand finale to an unforgettable whitewater rafting adventure.
In addition to guided Bryson City white water rafting trips, we also offer guide-assisted adventures for those with some experience. On these runs, you’ll have a professional at your side for pointers and expertise, although you’ll be in charge. Raft rentals are also available for highly experienced whitewater enthusiasts who have the skills to safely navigate the waterway themselves. Dogs weighing more than 35 pounds are welcome on our rafting adventures, provided they have their own life jacket and booties.
April marks the beginning of whitewater rafting season in the Great Smoky Mountain region when the winter snowmelt swells the rivers into tempting rapids. Rafting in Bryson City takes place all the way through October, no matter the weather – you’re guaranteed to get wet anyway!
