Wildwater Nantahala - NC

Nantahala Adventures Start in Nantahala Gorge & Bryson City NC


The Nantahala is the perfect river for first time rafters, school groups and families vacationing in the Smokies. Whether you choose a fully-guided trip, rent a raft, or brave the river in a rented Ducky, there’s a great day to be had here for rafters of all ages and experience levels. Read more...

Display
City Distance
Atlanta 50mi
Other Location 25mi
Learn More

Nantahala River: North Carolina’s White Water Rafting Treasure

For five decades, the Nantahala river, located in Nantahala Gorge, just west of Bryson City, North Carolina, has been one of the most popular rivers in the entire United States! Families have been coming to the playful, fun Nantahala for generations to experience the wonders and excitement of white water rafting. In fact, generations of world class whitewater paddlers and Olympians have learned how to kayak and canoe on the Nantahala River. The Nantahala River hosted the World Kayaking Freestyle Championships in 2013.

Nantahala Adventures Start in Nantahala Gorge & Bryson City NC


The Nantahala is the perfect river for first time rafters, school groups and families vacationing in the Smokies. Whether you choose a fully-guided trip, rent a raft, or brave the river in a rented Ducky, there’s a great day to be had here for rafters of all ages and experience levels.

Wildwater built the first Canopy Zip Tour in the Nantahala gorge, and we’re still the place to come to experience the excitement of zipping, and the beauty of views from high above the treetops. Our fully-guided trips will teach you everything you need to know about this exciting activity, from safety to how to wring the most fun possible out of our multiple zip lines and sky bridges! Our KidZip offers a zipping experience for kids 4-12.

Unique to the Nantahala Gorge, the Great Smokies Railroad offers a 2 hour trip out of Bryson City that includes views of Lake Fontana and a unique perspective on the river with its rafters and boaters. Choose to add a rafting trip, canopy zipline tour, Jeep tour or simply relax by the river during the train layover in the Gorge.  

There’s so much to do in the Nantahala gorge, that you’ll want to add an overnight stay. Couples and families love our Yurt Village with pond, a waterfall with viewing deck, firepit and barbecue areas. These cozy Mongolian structures are the very definition of glamping. Or bring a group and rent the rooms in our Group Lodge. Each room has 8 bunks, a bathroom and deck, and our big dining area is perfect for group activities. 

Distance
City Distance
Atlanta 165mi
Other Location 25mi
Address
10345 Highway 19 South/74 West
Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Phone
Reservations #: 866-319-8870
Local Rafting #: 828-488-2384
Local Canopy #: 828-488-8899

SEE map & directionsNantahala Infomation

Nantahala Rafting

The Nantahala’s eight miles of pristine clear water and bouncy waves have made this one of America’s favorite rivers for generations. Come learn to raft with us on one of our fully-guided trips, or if you have some experience, rent a raft or ducky and take on the river at your own pace. There’s excitement for the whole family here, starting as young as 7!


Nantahala Raft Rentals

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Rafting
Intensity: Intermediate
Minimum Age: 7+
Price: $34.95

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Rafting Fully Guided

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Rafting
Intensity: Beginner
Minimum Age: 7+
Price: $59.95

More Info Book This Trip

Raft & Rail

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Rafting
Intensity: Beginner
Minimum Age: 7+
Price: $129.70

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Ziplining

OPEN TUES-SUN, THROUGH OCTOBER! The first and longest zipline course in the area, our Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours will fly you out to heights with stupendous views of Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Lake, and gorge waterfalls. With 11 zip lines and 7 sky bridges, this Canopy Tour gives you unsurpassed zipping fun through one of the premier natural areas in Western North Carolina. Our KidZip is an excellent introduction to zipping for your youngsters aged 4-12.


Kid Zip and Train

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Ziplining
Intensity: Beginner
Minimum Age: 4+
Price: $115.79

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Ziplining
Minimum Age: 8+
Price: $99.95

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Kid Zip

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Ziplining
Intensity: Beginner
Minimum Age: 4+
Price: $49.95

More Info Book This Trip

Tarzan Train

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Ziplining
Intensity: For All
Minimum Age: 4+
Price: $165.79

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Adventures

If you’re looking for a unique adventure in Western North Carolina, our Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Adventure Packages are a special treat. Ride the train from Bryson City, NC up the beautiful Nantahala Gorge, then choose add a raft, zipline or Jeep trip. The train journey crosses the historic Lake Fontana train trestle, and runs up the Nantahala gorge, with full views of all the river fun. Bring the entire family!


Nantahala Jeep Tours

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Jeep Tours
Intensity: For All
Price: $59.95

More Info Book This Trip

Rail and Trail

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Train Tours
Intensity: For All
Price: $109.68

More Info Book This Trip

Train Only

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Train Tours
Intensity: For All
Minimum Age: 4+
Price: $56.00

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Lodging

Stay overnight and make a real vacation of your Nantahala experience. Wildwater offers several lodging options. Our Yurt Village has 8 cozy Mongolian Yurts on our 22 acre setting with ponds, waterfalls, firepits and barbecue areas. Our Group Lodge can accommodate up to 44 guests in several bunk room suites, each with a private bathroom and deck. Group meeting and kitchen facilities also available.


Falling Waters Group Lodge

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Lodging
Intensity: For All
Price: $99.95

More Info Book This Trip

Nantahala Yurts

Location: Nantahala NC
Activity: Lodging
Intensity: For All
Price: $102.95

More Info Book This Trip
Turn your trip into .

Turn your trip into a package.


The Nantahala is the perfect river for first time rafters, school groups and families vacationing in the Smokies. Whether you choose a fully-guided trip, rent a raft, or brave the river in a rented Ducky, there’s a great day to be had here for rafters of all ages and experience levels.

Wildwater built the first Canopy Zip Tour in the Nantahala gorge, and we’re still the place to come to experience the excitement of zipping, and the beauty of views from high above the treetops. Our fully-guided trips will teach you everything you need to know about this exciting activity, from safety to how to wring the most fun possible out of our multiple zip lines and sky bridges! Our KidZip offers a zipping experience for kids 4-12.

Unique to the Nantahala Gorge, the Great Smokies Railroad offers a 2 hour trip out of Bryson City that includes views of Lake Fontana and a unique perspective on the river with its rafters and boaters. Choose to add a rafting trip, canopy zipline tour, Jeep tour or simply relax by the river during the train layover in the Gorge.  

There’s so much to do in the Nantahala gorge, that you’ll want to add an overnight stay. Couples and families love our Yurt Village with pond, a waterfall with viewing deck, firepit and barbecue areas. These cozy Mongolian structures are the very definition of glamping. Or bring a group and rent the rooms in our Group Lodge. Each room has 8 bunks, a bathroom and deck, and our big dining area is perfect for group activities. Want to camp? Reserve our new Private Group Campsite for your group only.

Address
10345 Highway 19 South/74 West
Bryson City, North Carolina 28713
Phone
Reservations #: 866-319-8870
Local Rafting #: 828-488-2384
Local Canopy #: 828-488-8899

SEE map & directionsNantahala Infomation