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Nantahala Rafting & Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours Article 8/20/2010
Wildwater Nantahala
Nantahala River Gorge
The Nantahala River, located in Nantahala National Forest, is one of America's favorite whitewater playgrounds. Its ideal location at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just a short distance from Cherokee and Bryson City, NC, makes the Nantahala River convenient to mountain vacationers.
Eight miles of clear water, constant waves and swift currents make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups interested in an exhilarating introduction to whitewater rafting. The trip takes over 3 hours and contains numerous class I and II rapids, with a class III at the end. Our rafting trips are fully guided. Since the Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river, one can expect good water flows at all times of the year.
Charleston Magazine article on the Nantahala
Fully Guided Trips
Minimum age 7 or minimum weight 60 lbs.
Fully guide trips down the Nantahala's 8 miles of magnificent scenery provides an exhilarating introduction to whitewater rafting. Families, groups and individuals will enjoy this 3-4 hour trip. Perfect for first-timers of all ages.
Raft and Inflatable Kayak Rentals
Minimum age 7 or minimum weight 60 lbs.
Many groups and individuals prefer the flexibility and excitement of guiding their own rafts or inflatable kayaks and traveling down the river on their own. If you have rafted before and feel comfortable with your skills, this may be just what you are looking for.
Raft & Rail
Minimum age 7 or minimum weight 60 lbs.
A unique family adventure found in the heart of the Smokies. Take a 2-hour rail excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad up the Nantahala River, meet your guides and enjoy a fully guided raft trip back down the river. Wildwater will meet you at the take-out and return you to our Adventure Center where dry clothes, hot showers, and a hearty lunch await. Transportation back to the train depot in Bryson City is provided.
Wildwater Jeep® Adventures
Minimum weight 40 lbs.
Join our skilled and knowledgeable local guides by following in the steps of the early explorers, visiting the back roads of the region and learning more about this beautiful region directly from North Carolina natives.
Rails & Trails
Minimum weight 40 lbs.
Start the day out with the scenic 22 miles along the foothills fo the Smokies and up the Nantahala River Gorge. At the top-of-the-line, disembark from the train and climb aboard our customized Jeep® for a personal exploration.
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours
A Zip Through the Trees
Minimum age 10 years and 70 lbs. to 250 lbs.
Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change. It takes limited energy to participate and it is not designed to scare with big drops as much as excite with smooth gliding.
Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Wildwater at (866) 319-8870.
US Forest Service Discrimination Policy
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (May not apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).
