Our Nantahala white water rafting trips 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 encounter an array of lively rapids such as Root Canal, the Isle of Dumping and Tumble Dry. Your Nantahala rafting trip ends with a big, bouncy splash at Nantahala Falls- the only class III rapid on the river.
Whitewater rafting in North Carolina on the Nantahala River has become one of the most popular destinations 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.
Our Nantahala white water rafting trips are pet friendly too! Dogs that are 35+ pounds are welcome on all of our Nantahala River experiences. They must have their own life jacket and booties. If you choose to raft with a guide, you’ll have to purchase 6 seats to assure you have a private boat. (That way we don’t have to worry about other guests interacting with your pet.) If you’re going Guide Assisted or Rental, the number of guests being booked is irrelevant. If you reserve online, please note that you’re bringing a pup. If you call to make your reservation, just let us know they’ll be joining the trip.