Waterlogged: A Rafting Blog
Nantahala River – Family Rafting in NC
Nantahala River rafting trips alternate 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 beginners. Almost anyone can participate in the fun of paddling and maneuvering a raft down the Nantahala River – from young children to active senior citizens. Children only have to be 7 years of age OR weigh at least 60 pounds to go down this river. North Carolina rafting on the Nantahala River is a low cost, high value experience which will add great memories to your vacation.Nantahala Trip Options
From $49.99
The most popular option for visitors to North Carolina, a fully guided Nantahala rafting trip is the adventure you’ve craved. Our guides are fully certified, reliable and entertaining. As you experience the Nantahala River with them, you’ll leave with stories unimaginable.
Nantahala River Rafting: Guide Assisted
From $37.99
Do you have some rafting experience? Are you looking to take the paddle with your family or group and lead your raft? But, you also would love to have an assistant along with you for pointers and expertise? This is the option for you!
Nantahala River Rafting: Rentals
From $29.99
The Nantahala River also bodes perfectly for those wanting a rafting trip on their own. If you don’t own your own raft or don’t want to bring it on your trip to the Southeast, let us rent you one! And off you go on a Nantahala rafting dream trip.
Eight Miles of Fun
Our Nantahala River 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.
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.
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 raft 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.
Pricing
Seasonality coupled with your desired trip type will determine pricing on the Nantahala. Speaking generally, fully guided Nantahala rafting trips start at $48. Guide assisted trips are bit more affordable and begin at around $37. While rentals on the Nantahala River begin at $29.
For more detailed pricing, please visit this page: Nantahala Pricing in Detail
Additional Info
There is a lot you could digest before rafting the Nantahala. We’ve tried to compile our 40+ years of experience into a detailed section of our website that both answers questions and give visitors more information about the region.
If you’d like to dig deeper into the Nantahala River, go here: Nantahala River More Detail
Nantahala River Rafting Center
10160 Highway 19 W
Bryson City, NC 28713
CAUTION! GPS devices are very unreliable once you are in the mountains. Please do not depend on them to get you to our Centers. Our driving directions will be your best bet!
From Knoxville
(Approx. 2 1/2 – 3 Hrs.) Go East on I-40. Turn right onto highway 66 to Sevierville. Follow signs to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg. Continue on 441 South over the Great Smoky Mountains into Cherokee. In Cherokee, follow signs for 441 South. Eventually you will turn onto a 4 lane 441 S. Continue South on 441 and look for signs pointing to Bryson City. Exit onto the four lane 19S/74W. Go West 10 miles past Bryson City. You will see a sign entering into the Nantahala Gorge. Our Rafting Outpost will be on your right 1 1/2 miles into the Nantahala Gorge. Look for our Rolling Thunder River Company billboard.
From Ashville
(Approx. 1 1/2 Hrs.) Head West on I-40 & go to exit 27. You are now on highway 19/74 West, approximately 50 miles from outpost. Follow signs through Waynesville, Sylva, and Cherokee. Continue on 19/74. 10 miles past the last exit for Bryson City, the 4 lane highway turns into 2 lanes. Stay in the left lane. You will see a sign entering into the Nantahala Gorge. Our Rafting Outpost will be on your right 1 1/2 miles into the Nantahala Gorge. Look for our Rolling Thunder River Company billboard.
From Atlanta
(Approx. 2 1/2 Hrs.) Head North on I-575, go 75 miles to Blue Ridge, GA. Turn left on highway 60 [There will be a Country Cupboard Citgo station on your Left] Go 1 mile to Spur 60. Turn right onto Spur 60 at the church. Drive 13 miles until the road ends. Take a right on 64/74 and head East [This is a 4 lane]. You’re approximately 45 miles from the outpost. You will pass through Murphy and Andrews. In Murphy, the 4 lane changes names from 64/74 to 19/74. After Andrews 4 lanes go to 2. You will enter the Nantahala Gorge. You will travel along the river until it is out of sight. Keep going; Rolling Thunder will be 2 miles farther on your left.
From Chattanooga
(Approx. 2 1/2 Hrs.) Go North on I-75 to exit 20 highway 74. Follow Ocoee River signs. Stay East on 64/74 to NC/TN line. Continue East through Murphy & Andrews. In Murphy the road will change names to 19/74. This will be approximately 40 miles from our outpost. You will pass through Murphy & Andrews. In Murphy, the 4 lane changes names from 64/74 E to 19/74 E . After Andrews 4 lanes go to 2. You will enter the Nantahala Gorge. You will travel along the river until it is out of sight. Keep going; Rolling Thunder will be 2 miles farther on your left.
